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Safe

By: Derek Owusu
Narrated by: Alex Holmes, Alex Wheatle, Aniefiok ‘Neef’ Ekpoudom, Courttia Newland, Derek Owusu, Gbontwi Anyetei, Jesse Bernard, JJ Bola, Joseph Harker, Jude Yawson, Kenechukwu Obienu, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Nels Abbey, Okechukwu Nzelu, full cast
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Summary

'This is an inspiring collection of essays ... Every page of this book breaks down stereotypes of what being a Black man is.' Benjamin Zephaniah

What is the experience of Black men in Britain? With continued conversation around British identity, racism and diversity, there is no better time to explore this question and give Black British men a platform to answer it. SAFE: On Black British Men Reclaiming Space is that platform. Including essays from top poets, writers, musicians, actors and journalists, this timely and accessible book brings together a selection of powerful reflections exploring the Black British male experience and what it really means to reclaim and hold space in the landscape of our society.

Where do Black men belong in school, in the media, in their own families, in the conversation about mental health, in the LGBT community, in grime music - and how can these voices inspire, educate and add to the dialogue of diversity already taking place? Following on from discussions raised by The Good Immigrant and Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race, this collection takes readers on a rich and varied path to confront and question the position of Black men in Britain today, and shines a light on the way forward.

Read by Contributors: Alex Holmes, Alex Wheatle, Aniefiok 'Neef' Ekpoudom, Courttia Newland, Derek Oppong, Derek Owusu, Gbontwi Anyetei; Jesse Bernard, JJ Bola; Joseph Harker; Jude Yawson; Kenechukwu Obienu; Kobna Holdbrook-Smith; Nels Abbey; Okechukwu Nzelu; Robyn Travis; Stephen Morrison-Burke; Suli Breaks; Symeon Brown; Yomi Sode

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Derek Owusu (P)2019 Orion Publishing Group Ltd
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What listeners say about Safe

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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

a revealing tale

I really enjoyed this collection of experiences. perhaps by the subject matter it was bound to express the injustice experienced . whenever that happens I can't help generalizing to the experience of the many. The working class, Gay, female, or any of the disparate experiences of individuals who find themselves alone. But thank you to the writers for sharing their story and enlightening me on the struggle of growing up black in our culture.

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Fantastic book

I don’t normally listen to audiobooks but this was definitely a good choice. It felt so intimate to be able to hear each man tell their own story, I loved it!

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Informative

A series of interesting and informative essays which helped make sense of my life

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Will take some time but worth the time

Safe is a journey through the black British male experience. It affords you so much range and some deep vulnerability. Not all the writers voices flow in a way that’s easy to listen to but that’s very much ok because it’s a beautiful thing to hear the array of black male voices(literally) and their stories! So like I said will take some time but worth the time 🧡

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Not a stereotype

The voice of typical British black males are so unheard by those who are not typical British black males. This book is a curious listen-in to intelligent voices that although speaking, are often drown out by the loud attention-seeking stereotypical blend of Afro-American, gang, and "rap/grime" cultures.

This collection of essays explore first hand accounts of such subjects as: The purpose of a name, micro-agressions, and being adopted by a white family, etc. Worth the read/listen. would love to know if there is a British black female version of this book.

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Great listen especially during the BLM movement

Thought provoking book. As a young black man myself, it's interesting to hear similar experiences of other black people within the UK and to spread wider awareness of micro aggressions, stereotypes etc that we face regularly to the wider public. These experiences should form part of a wider dialogue for things to change for the better.

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Amazing! Just what the Literature world needs- more black, male voices!

I loved this book. I have it in hardback too and downloaded the audio for holiday.

Needless to say, I learnt A LOT and have gained a new perspective. I’ve been sharing the stories and ideas raised with my friends and family, which has ignited much debate.

A MUST READ!

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So so so nourishing

Absolutely loved the different tales from this anthropology. I have a few faves, but overall such a great listen. So nourishing. So healing. So informative.

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