New Beacon Books, founded in 1966 by John La Rose and Sarah White, was the first black publisher, bookshop, and international book distributor in the UK. Over its 50-year history, it has provided a wide range of books from Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, African America, Europe, South America, and Black Britain. The inspiration behind New Beacon Books stemmed from John La Rose’s understanding of the colonial withholding of information and the need for independent validation of culture, history, and politics. The bookshop has been involved in various political and social projects and campaigns, and has faced challenges due to changes in the book industry.

After celebrating 50 years in 2016, the directors recognized the economic challenges posed by the modern book industry, with online platforms like Amazon and Kindle and the dominance of super publishers and distributors. This led to the decision to close the bookshop. However, a group called the New Beacon Development Group, comprising individuals including Janice Durham, Michael La Rose, Renaldo La Rose, Vanessa La Rose, and Gloria Cyrus, aimed to keep the bookshop running. They reopened temporarily and launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for reconfiguration, IT upgrades, and a new website. The community responded strongly, contributing time, services, and financial support.

Thanks to the crowdfunding campaign, £12,500 was raised to initiate the necessary changes and strive for financial viability. The New Beacon Development Group aims to sustain the bookshop’s survival and engage a new generation through social media, involving activists, students, educators, parents, and children. The project is grateful for the support received and remains dedicated to ensuring the future of New Beacon Bookshop.