A SMALL press in Crediton is making big waves in the world of Black Atlantic history.
Editora Funmilayo Publishing, founded by Sabrina Gledhill, is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black intellectuals and artists often overlooked by mainstream history.
Gledhill's journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown, when she delved into the life of Afro-Brazilian scholar Manuel Querino.
"I was fascinated by his work," she explains, "but quickly realised one book couldn't do justice to his vast contributions." This sparked the idea for her first anthology, Manuel Querino (1851-1923): An Afro-Brazilian Pioneer in the Age of Scientific Racism, a collection of essays that shed light on Querino's remarkable life and work.
A Portuguese edition was also published in Brazil by a local press, Sagga Editora, in 2021.
This initial project ignited a passion in Gledhill to uncover more "Unsung Heroes."
Inspired by Langston Hughes' powerful essay "The Need for Heroes," she compiled a second anthology, The Need for Heroes: Black Intellectuals Dig Up their Past, focussing on Black soldiers and maroons who fought for freedom in the Americas.
While researching this volume, Gledhill stumbled upon a wealth of material on Black artists, leading to the creation of a third book, Heroes Sung and Unsung: Black Artists in World History.
"These aren't just stories about Black soldiers or maroons or artists," Gledhill emphasises. "They are about resilience, about brilliance pushing back against erasure."
Black History Month is celebrated in October in the UK, providing a platform for recognising and celebrating the contributions of Black people throughout British and world history.
Editora Funmilayo's work aligns perfectly with the spirit of the month, shedding light on often-forgotten narratives and inspiring a deeper understanding of Black history.
Editora Funmilayo Publishing is challenging historical narratives and reclaiming the legacies of those who have been silenced for too long.
With each new title, they bring to light the remarkable contributions of Black figures throughout history, ensuring their stories are finally heard.
For further details, visit the website: funmilayo.co.uk .
The books are available through all good bookshops, via the website and Amazon.