Celebrating Black Excellence: 6 Books & Films Inspiring London Pulse This Black History Month
10 October 2026
To mark Black History Month, London Pulse is celebrating Black creative excellence and the transformative power of storytelling across literature, screenwriting, and film.
At the elite level, performance is defined by more than the physical hours logged in the gym or the tactical sessions on court. Rest, mental recovery, and taking intentional downtime away from the arena are vital components of any athlete's weekly preparation. This October, our Pulse athletes are using their recovery time to read, watch, and reflect on a curated selection of stories that celebrate Black voices, identity, and creativity.
At the end of the month, our players will be sharing their personal reviews, ratings, and standout reflections. In the meantime, we invite our entire Pulse community—from grassroots clubs to lifelong fans—to read and watch along with us.
The London Pulse Watch & Reading List
Ages 9–12
- Book: The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon. A high-stakes time-travel mystery exploring family secrets, history, and the courage it takes to own your own story.
- Film: Sneaks (Runtime: 1h 33m). A high-energy animated adventure celebrating hustle, heart, and street-smart teamwork.
Ages 13–17
- Book: You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson. An empowering, joyful coming-of-age story about breaking expectations, overcoming adversity, and claiming your spotlight.
- Film: Rye Lane (Runtime: 1h 22m). A vibrant, fast-paced South London romantic comedy celebrating individuality, connection, and contemporary local culture.
Ages 18+
- Book: The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris. A sharp, thrilling satire examining ambition, representation, and the complex dynamics of navigating elite working environments.
- Film: The Piano Lesson (Runtime: 2h 7m). A powerful drama exploring family heritage, resilience, and the generational legacy we choose to carry forward.
Join the Conversation
Whether you pick up a novel on your commute or line up a film for family movie night, we want to know what you are reading and watching this month.
Share your thoughts and recommendations with us on social media and keep an eye on our channels at the end of October as our athletes deliver their official reviews!