Celebrating the Life of Sarah Swinburne White

A tribute to the pioneering radical publisher and campaigner.

This event takes place in the British Library.

Join some of Sarah White’s family and friends from across three continents as they pay tribute to a remarkable unsung activist.

Sarah Swinburne White (5 April 1941 – 4 February 2022) was the co-founder, with her partner the late John La Rose, of New Beacon Books, the UK’s first Black publisher and bookshop. She ran the business for 50 years and was also one of the co-founders of the George Padmore Institute archive. Working with people across race and class to fight for racial equality and social justice, Sarah was also a campaigner for people with mental health issues; she was a supporter of the arts; and she was a good friend to many people of all ages.

At this event some of Sarah’s family and friends come to pay tribute to her, a woman whose work was often behind the scenes, but who helped to make the UK a better place for all races. They include, among others:

In person: Pioneering publisher Margaret Busby, noted poet Linton Kwesi Johnson, Booker Prize winner James Kelman, award-winning composer Shirley Thompson and lauded actress Angela WynterOn film: Former and present Jamaican poet laurates Lorna Goodison and Olive Senior, plus former George Padmore Institute Poet in Residence Jay Bernard.

There will also be written contributions from others, including prize-winning novelist Marina Lewycka, acclaimed artist Errol Lloyd and Trinidadian author Susan Craig.

In association with The George Padmore Institute

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Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event.

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