Book series

From One Book to a Celebration: The Accidental Birth of the Unsung Heroes Series

/ Sabrina Gledhill, PhD / Leave a comment
Three books in the Unsung Heroes in Black History Series

It all started with a deep dive into the life of Afro-Brazilian scholar Manuel Querino. I was fascinated by his work, but quickly realised one book couldn’t do justice to his vast contributions. That’s when the idea struck: an anthology, a collection of voices to paint a fuller picture.

That first book, published during the enforced idleness of lock-down, opened the door to something bigger. I found myself drawn to other forgotten heroes, their stories echoing Querino’s own. Carter G. Woodson, Arthur Schomburg, W. E. B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington – these giants and others had also paved the way, challenging the same tired narratives about Black people.

One book became two, then three. The “Unsung Heroes” series was born, not from a grand plan, but from a genuine curiosity about the lives history tried to erase. These weren’t just stories about Black soldiers or maroons or artists; they were about resilience, about brilliance pushing back against erasure.

Querino himself was a target of this erasure, his legacy twisted to fit a convenient narrative. But we’re setting the record straight. The “Unsung Heroes” series isn’t just about remembering; it’s about reclaiming, about amplifying voices that have been silenced for far too long.

So, whether you’re discovering Querino for the first time or exploring the works of other trailblazers, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let’s rewrite the past, together.

Explore the Series:

NEW: Heroes Sung and Unsung: Black Artists in World History

Manuel Querino (1851-1923): An Afro-Brazilian Pioneer in the Age of Scientific Racism

The Need for Heroes: Black Intellectuals Dig Up Their Past

Celebrating Black Artists in History

/ Sabrina Gledhill, PhD / Leave a comment

Heroes Sung and Unsung: Black Artists in World History

Prepare to be captivated and inspired by the untold stories of Black artistic brilliance across continents and centuries. “Heroes Sung and Unsung” is a groundbreaking anthology that shines a light on the hidden corners of art history, celebrating visionaries whose contributions have long been overlooked.

Delve into essays by figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, Arthur Schomburg, Manuel Querino, and Benjamin Brawley, as they illuminate the struggles and triumphs of Black artists in their own words. From the foreword by Mark Steven Greenfield to the afterword by Ayrson Heráclito and Beto Heráclito, this lavishly illustrated volume is a testament to the enduring power of Black artistic expression.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Benin Bronzes, the evocative landscapes of forgotten painters, and the powerful verses of overlooked poets. This anthology pays homage to the sculptors, composers, photographers, and countless other artists whose works have shaped the world we know today.

From a guild of metalworkers in Africa to a sculptress who studied with Rodin. Famous writers who were “whitened” and nearly erased from Black history. A budding landscape artist who died too young. The Coleridge-Taylors: the father, a famous composer, the son of a Black physician from Sierra Leone and a White Englishwoman; and his daughter, also a composer, but whose music is only just being heard, some 80 years after it was written. You will find their stories and many more.

With essays unearthed through meticulous research and stunning visuals, “Heroes Sung and Unsung” is an essential addition to any library. It is a call to action, a reminder that the history of art is incomplete without the voices and visions of Black artists, both sung and unsung.

Order your copy today and join us in celebrating the hidden heroes of art history.

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