About the Author

Jody Burton is a Librarian who has worked in both public and college libraries. She has always had a passion for Black History and Art and from 2016 to 2019 she hosted a Black Arts Group in London. As a bibliophile and working in public libraries she was aware and frustrated by the lack of Black British History books available, particularly during BHM when the default still appears to be Black American History. She believes history is about recognition, respect, and the representation of all our stories. For her, Black History is British history in all its challenges and triumphs.
Jody is co-author alongside Avril Nanton of the book Black London: History, Art and Culture in over 120 Places. (Old Pond Books, 2021) A Westminster student of the Clerkenwell and Islington Guilding Association course, author Avril Nanton conducts walking tours across London which focus on Black British History. Her tour 'Black Statues Around Westminster' gained positive attention as it takes people across 28 monuments which many people don't recognize as representations of Black Londoners. On the back of her tours, she and co-author Jody Burton, recently released Black London: History, Art & Culture in over 120 places (Old Pond Books, 2021) which explores, records and focuses on Black people's contribution to both local and global history, as well as Black art and culture in London.
Following the release of Black London, Avril has appeared on ITV local news, as well as on BBC Radio London's Robert Elms show and London Live TV. She has also made guest appearances at various events to sign and talk about her book including book festivals and various speaking events across London. Independent publisher Blue Crow Media has published a series of maps featuring urban architecture, design, history, trees and more.