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 seen it all.
A Woman Like Me takes readers through Diane’s incredible journey, painting a vivid picture of growing up in 1960s North London with her working-class Jamaican parents, before entering the hallowed halls of Cambridge University to study history. Ever since the day she first walked through the House of Commons as the first Black woman MP, she has been a fearless and vocal champion for the causes that have made Britain what it is today, whether it’s increasing access to education for Black children and speaking out against the Iraq war or advocating tirelessly for refugees and immigrants.
A unique figure in British public life, Diane 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. Written with frankness and wry humour, A Woman Like Me is an inspirational account that celebrates how one woman succeeded against massive odds and built an extraordinary legacy.
“Her tenure in parliament has been, and will continue to be, a groundbreaking one. She has been a steadfast advocate for social justice, her forthright stance on critical issues such as education, housing and immigration has shown her committed to the communities of Hackney North, Stoke Newington and beyond. As the first black woman MP in the Commons, she blazed a trail and fought on despite horrific racist and sexist threats and abuse. Her legacy will be one of resilience and dedication and I’m proud she will serve as the next Mother of the House.” — Harriet Harman.
“Diane was the first ever elected Black female in Parliament, a hugely significant moment in our history. By the time I made it to Parliament, almost twenty years later, there was just me and her – I was so excited to sit in the House of Commons with such an icon. Diane is a true trailblazer. To think of what she has put up with throughout her political career, yet still carries herself with such grace and dignity, is phenomenal and it shows her immense resilience. She will always affectionately be known as Auntie Diane.” — Dawn Butler MP.
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 seen it all.
A Woman Like Me takes readers through Diane’s incredible journey, painting a vivid picture of growing up in 1960s North London with her working-class Jamaican parents, before entering the hallowed halls of Cambridge University to study history. Ever since the day she first walked through the House of Commons as the first Black woman MP, she has been a fearless and vocal champion for the causes that have made Britain what it is today, whether it’s increasing access to education for Black children and speaking out against the Iraq war or advocating tirelessly for refugees and immigrants.
A unique figure in British public life, Diane 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. Written with frankness and wry humour, A Woman Like Me is an inspirational account that celebrates how one woman succeeded against massive odds and built an extraordinary legacy.
“Her tenure in parliament has been, and will continue to be, a groundbreaking one. She has been a steadfast advocate for social justice, her forthright stance on critical issues such as education, housing and immigration has shown her committed to the communities of Hackney North, Stoke Newington and beyond. As the first black woman MP in the Commons, she blazed a trail and fought on despite horrific racist and sexist threats and abuse. Her legacy will be one of resilience and dedication and I’m proud she will serve as the next Mother of the House.” — Harriet Harman.
“Diane was the first ever elected Black female in Parliament, a hugely significant moment in our history. By the time I made it to Parliament, almost twenty years later, there was just me and her – I was so excited to sit in the House of Commons with such an icon. Diane is a true trailblazer. To think of what she has put up with throughout her political career, yet still carries herself with such grace and dignity, is phenomenal and it shows her immense resilience. She will always affectionately be known as Auntie Diane.” — Dawn Butler MP.
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 seen it all.
A Woman Like Me takes readers through Diane’s incredible journey, painting a vivid picture of growing up in 1960s North London with her working-class Jamaican parents, before entering the hallowed halls of Cambridge University to study history. Ever since the day she first walked through the House of Commons as the first Black woman MP, she has been a fearless and vocal champion for the causes that have made Britain what it is today, whether it’s increasing access to education for Black children and speaking out against the Iraq war or advocating tirelessly for refugees and immigrants.
A unique figure in British public life, Diane 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. Written with frankness and wry humour, A Woman Like Me is an inspirational account that celebrates how one woman succeeded against massive odds and built an extraordinary legacy.
“Her tenure in parliament has been, and will continue to be, a groundbreaking one. She has been a steadfast advocate for social justice, her forthright stance on critical issues such as education, housing and immigration has shown her committed to the communities of Hackney North, Stoke Newington and beyond. As the first black woman MP in the Commons, she blazed a trail and fought on despite horrific racist and sexist threats and abuse. Her legacy will be one of resilience and dedication and I’m proud she will serve as the next Mother of the House.” — Harriet Harman.
“Diane was the first ever elected Black female in Parliament, a hugely significant moment in our history. By the time I made it to Parliament, almost twenty years later, there was just me and her – I was so excited to sit in the House of Commons with such an icon. Diane is a true trailblazer. To think of what she has put up with throughout her political career, yet still carries herself with such grace and dignity, is phenomenal and it shows her immense resilience. She will always affectionately be known as Auntie Diane.” — Dawn Butler MP.