From challenging expectations as a bright and restless child of the Windrush generation to making history as the first elected Black female MP in the UK, Diane Abbott has had her share of barriers to break down.

She joins us in Bath to talk to Jendella Benson about A Woman Like Me, her powerful new memoir that takes us through this incredible journey. 

A unique figure in British public life, Abbott has often had nothing but the courage of her convictions to carry her through incredibly hostile environments, from torrential abuse in the mainstream media and on social media, to being shunned by the political establishment, including by her own party.

This event is brought to you in collaboration with EMBLAZE

*Please note that Diane is not able to stay to sign books but pre-signed copies will be available on the night 

About Diane Abbott

Diane Abbott was born in London in 1953, to parents who were part of the Windrush generation. She has been the Member of Parliament for Hackney and Stoke Newington for more than 35 years. The first Black woman elected to Parliament, she is also the longest-serving Black MP in the House of Commons.

She is the founder of several initiatives, including London Schools and the Black Child, and Black Women Mean Business. For 12 years, she appeared as a regular contributor on the BBC's political digest show This Week. A Woman Like Me is her first book.

About Jendella Benson

Jendella Benson is a British-Nigerian author and editor. She is the author of novels, All That We’ve Got and Hope & Glory, and she is Head of Editorial at Black Ballad. www.blackballard.co.uk