We get together every month to discuss a book from Left Book Club – first founded in 1936 to oppose war, inequality and fascism. It’s an informal group and everyone is welcome, so pop down and chat about some timely political topics.
Please see below key information for the next Left Book Club York meeting:
- SPARK:York, Piccadilly – organised by Jez Russell
- Next session: 16th July 2025
- Time: 5-6:30pm and another at 7-8:30pm
- Selected Book: Natives By Akala
From the first time he was stopped and searched as a child, to the day he realised his mum was white, to his first encounters with racist teachers – race and class have shaped Akala’s life and outlook. In this unique book he takes his own experiences and widens them out to look at the social, historical and political factors that have left us where we are today.
Covering everything from the police, education and identity to politics, sexual objectification and the far right, Natives speaks directly to British denial and squeamishness when it comes to confronting issues of race and class that are at the heart of the legacy of Britain’s racialised empire.
About the Author: Akala
Kingslee James McLean Daley, better known by the stage name Akala, is an English rapper, author, poet, and political activist. Originally from Kentish Town, London he is the younger brother of rapper/vocalist Ms. Dynamite. In 2006, he was voted the Best Hip Hop Act at the MOBO Awards. He was awarded an honourary doctorate by the University of Brighton in 2018. In May 2018, Akala published Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire. The book is part memoir, part polemic, on the subject of race in modern Britain. Akala has given guest lectures at East 15 Acting School, University of Essex, Manchester Metropolitan University, Sydney University, Sheffield Hallam University, Cardiff University, and the International Slavery Museum, as well as a workshop on songwriting at the School of Oriental and African Studies. He has also spoken at the Oxford Union. He has also been involved in campaigns to ‘decolonise’ the curriculum including giving a talk at the University of Leicester.
Left Book Club York FAQ’s
How often is the club?
There is a Left Book Club at SPARK:York every month. Every group is held on the second to last Wednesday of the month at 5pm and 7pm in our Studios space.
What time is the club?
Left Book Club York is currently running two sessions, one at 5pm and another at 7pm.
You can get a drink from one of Spark’s bars, eat food from local traders, and acquaint yourself with the group. Each session lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.
How much does it cost?
Left Book Club: York is free to attend.
Books can be purchased separately from the Left Book Club website.
Do I have to read the whole book?
Whilst you may find the reading group more enjoyable if you have read the book, it isn’t essential. You can come along to listen and learn about the book or discuss the broader ideas within the book.
Can I suggest a book?
Yes! We would love to hear your suggestions. It is worth keeping in mind though that this reading group is in collaboration with Left Book Club so it does need to be a book within their catalogue. Fortunately that gives you lots of awesome books to choose from.
At the end of each group, we discuss books for the following meet up and usually agree one then. The book selection will be added to the event listing on the Left Book Club York Website, which can be found through SPARK:York.
Left Book Club is supported by SPARK:York
