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HQ is to publish a "timely, truly global book" celebrating diversity by TV presenter June Sarpong in May 2017.
Lisa Milton, executive publisher of HQ, and HQ editor Clio Cornish, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Diversify: Six Degrees of Integration from Caroline Michel at PFD.
Diversify is an "intelligent and empowering" polemic which argues the case for how limited we are by social division while inspiring us to make a change.
Working with Professor Anthony Heath, head of the centre for social investigation at Nuffield College, Oxford University, Sarpong considers how we create and use stereotypes, and how they negatively impact our social interactions both overtly and covertly. Using personal anecdotes, referencing stories of success, and by introducing the "Ism Calculator", Diversify encourages readers to calculate their levels of discriminative views and limiting beliefs that they can challenge or possibly conquer as they complete six steps.
Sarpong said: "We are all guilty of 'Otherising' and excluding people who seem different to us, and if unchecked the results can be catastrophic. In Diversify I will be exploring exclusion in its many forms including discrimination by age, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic background, religion or sexual orientation.
"As a fully signed up member of modern inclusive cosmopolitan Britain, I admit I became complacent and thought that the war had been won and the arguments settled. However, I suspect I'm not the only one who has had a thundering wake-up call recently. So, recalling that the pen or the keyboard is mightier than the sword, I figured it was time help ignite a much needed honest dialogue. Because racism and any kind of exclusion or prejudice is bad...for all of us. In short, diversity is not only morally right but also economically right."
Milton said: "I cannot think of a better time to announce this acquisition. Diversify is exactly the kind of book I want HQ to publish: bold, clever and relevant. June is an incredible ambassador for positive change for everyone, and especially women. Together I hope we can really make a difference."
Supported by the 'Race for Opportunity' network, Diversify: Six Degrees of Integration will be published in hardback, e-book and in an "innovative" digital edition on the 18th May 2017. The digital version will feature video interviews conducted by Sarpong with experts, and a "ground-breaking" interface that will allow the user to "seamlessly" experiment with the content and text.