June 18th 2023.
Catherine Joy White has just released her new book, The Thread of Gold, which chronicles the beauty of Black womanhood and reclaims the stories of trailblazing Black women that have been overlooked by history.
She told The Agency: “We didn’t hear enough of the other Black women, and I have just never read anything that chronicles the beauty of Black womanhood and trusts itself that this is enough."
The Thread of Gold features inspiring Black women from throughout history, from feminist Audre Lorde born in 1934 to singer and activist Zendaya born in 1996. It celebrates the ever-present efforts of Black people in demanding change while taking inspiration from those who came before.
Catherine said: “My hope – and I do believe we will see this – is that even if we don’t reach true equality in our lifetime, we reach a majority of people who are willing to fight for it.”
The book also touches on the struggle that Black women still face in society. “Many are still ‘working twice as hard to be taken half as seriously’,” says Catherine. “Something I come back to over and over in the book is how we must give ourselves a break, and the world needs to stop seeing us as strong before they see us as human. Once we are seen in the full glorious extent of our humanity then we will have a very different conversation.”
The Thread of Gold took a year to write, and was set against the backdrop of topical events for women. Catherine concluded: “I have some very exciting news about it which I will soon be able to talk about. I hope every single guest will leave feeling connected to the brighter future that we can all be a part of.”
The Thread of Gold is published in the UK by Dialogue Books and will be published in the US by Penguin Random House’s Tiny Reparations Books in 2024. If you’re in Scotland, you can pop into the Portobello bookshop to find a copy.
Catherine Joy White is determined to bring the stories of trailblazing Black women to a new generation and inspire a generation of readers. This Wednesday, The Thread of Gold will be unveiled at a book launch in London with live music, a reading from the book, Caribbean caterers, Trapfruits, and food and drinks from Severan Wine.
This book is a call to arms and a celebration of Black womanhood. Join in the journey to self-discovery and reclaim the stories that history has overlooked.
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