No imagination without representation

Join Marcus Ryder and Laura Henry-Allain to discuss the importance of seeing Black characters in children’s books and the impact of their absence.

What does authentic representation look like? How do we empower children to embrace their identities and communities? How do we give them a better understanding of the world while enabling them to dream of worlds and possibilities that do not even exist yet?

Marcus Ryder MBE is the author, with Lenny Henry of Black British Lives Matter (Faber & Faber 2021), and he is on the board of the children’s independent media company Bright Little Labs. He has over twenty-five years’ experience working in television and journalism and is a leader on the issue of diversity in the media. He is also the Chair of RADA – the UK’s leading drama school.

Laura Henry-Allain MBE is an award-winning international producer, storyteller, educationalist and consultant. She is the creator of the well-loved JoJo and Gran Gran series, developed and produced by CBeebies and is the series’ associate producer. She is also executive producer on a few shows that are currently in development, including Daddio & Co.

Her bestselling children’s book, My Skin, Your Skin, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu, explores race and racism, and empowers children to be the best versions of themselves.