Young members honour Black British author for Black History Month 

As part of our Black History Month celebrations, members of our congregation are honouring a Black British hero every Sunday. Today, Ciana and Olivia honoured renowned children's author Malorie Blackman. Read what they said below. 

Highlight: Malorie Blackman

Ciana:
Today, for Black History Month, we would like to tell you about an amazing British author called Malorie Blackman.
Malorie Blackman was born in London in 1962. Her parents came to Britain from Barbados as part of the Windrush generation.
Growing up, Malorie loved visiting the library and reading stories. But she never imagined that one day she would become a famous author herself.
Before becoming a writer, Malorie studied computer science and worked with computers. Later, she decided to follow her dream of becoming an author.

Olivia:
Becoming a published author wasn't easy.
When Malorie first started sending her work to publishers, she received 83 rejection letters! But she didn't give up.
She kept writing and trying, and eventually her first book, Not So Stupid!, was published.
Today, Malorie has written more than 70 books for children and young people.

Ciana:
One of Malorie's most famous books is called Noughts & Crosses.
The story encourages readers to think about racism, prejudice, equality and how people treat one another.
Noughts & Crosses became hugely successful and has won awards. It has also been turned into television programmes and stage plays.
Malorie has written many other popular books, including Pig-Heart Boy, Hacker, Thief!, Cloud Busting and Boys Don't Cry.

Olivia:
Malorie's achievements don't stop there!
In 2008, she received an OBE for her services to children's literature.
Then, from 2013 to 2015, she became the UK's Children's Laureate – a special role given to an outstanding children's author or illustrator.

Ciana:
Malorie has also written for television.
She co-wrote an episode of Doctor Who called “Rosa”, about Rosa Parks and the struggle against racial segregation in America.
Her own books have also appeared on television. Pig-Heart Boy was made into a BBC television series which won a BAFTA for Best Children's Drama.

Olivia:
Malorie Blackman's story is especially important during Black History Month.
When she was growing up, there were not many children's books featuring Black characters and Black families.
Malorie has written powerful stories that encourage young people to think about racism, fairness, identity and equality.

Ciana:
Her story also teaches us something very important:
Don't give up on your dreams just because someone tells you “no”.
Malorie received 83 rejection letters, but she kept going.

Olivia:
And because she kept going, she became one of Britain's best-known children's authors and helped inspire generations of young readers and writers.
That is why we are proud to celebrate Malorie Blackman OBE this Black History Month.