This week we’re reflecting on the incredible book that is ‘Superheroes: Inspiring Stories of Secret Strength’. Written by Sophia Thakur, illustrated by Denzell Dankwah and with a special introduction by Stormzy.
It is a comic strip-style book about more than 50 famous British people from underrepresented communities and is the first children’s book published by #Merky Books, Stormzy’s imprint within Penguin Random House UK.
The book aims to inspire, encourage and empower children with stories of characters from underrepresented communities, who rarely feature as the subject of children’s books.
The book features individuals like athlete Dina Asher-Smith, comedian Mo Gilligan, writer Candice Carty-Williams, baker Liam Charles, model Jourdan Dunn, scientist Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, writer-director Reggie Yates, ex-footballer Ian Wright, actor Riz Ahmed and many more from across the fields of art, activism, sport, film, TV, music, science, food, fashion and literature.
“The earliest seeds that are planted often influence the rest of the garden. If from a young age, we only really meet Blackness from a position of weakness, of slavery and shootings … stereotypes and racist media … as children, we don’t get an opportunity to develop a healthy and confident outlook on what it means to be Black. It was important to work on this book to plant a new seed of celebration. Of Black excellence into our young minds who will hopefully bloom into their very own superheroes. Confident and powerful.” - Authour, Sophia Thakur
8% of the proceeds will be donated to the #Merky Foundation charity. It follows the release of Stormzy’s single "Superheroes" last year, which was a tribute to real life heroes.
The Merky Foundation aims to elevate, support and amplify the issues and the voices of the black community. It is a UK Foundation committed to fighting racial inequalities, justice reform, discrimination, employment and social inclusion within the black community. To protect, promote and strengthen the social, economic, educational and political capital of black people. Advancing self-empowerment, liberation and well-being by provisions including bursaries primarily, but not exclusively, Cambridge University.