Kuuku ‘Que’ Quakyi Dopereaders
For Black History Month, Future Figures recognises those members who are giving back to the Black community, and a spotlight on amazing individuals making Black history now.
As Part of Black History Month 1Xtra once again celebrates its Future Figures. Future Figures is a way to recognise those members who are giving back to the Black community, and a time to celebrate the countless acts that are taking place up and down the country today by those who are helping to create the black history of tomorrow.
Que writes:
My name is Que, and I’m the founder of Dopereaders. I have a deep love for books and storytelling, but it wasn’t always this way. I was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, which kept me away from reading for a long time. It took years for me to reconnect with books, but when I did, I rediscovered the incredible power of words and stories and the impact they can have on our lives. That’s when I knew I had to find a way to inspire more people to read—especially relatable books and reflect on their experiences. I believe everyone is a reader; you just haven’t found the right book yet.
Dopereaders is a vibrant, community-focused initiative dedicated to uplifting Black British communities—especially young adults and young men—across the UK. Founded on the principles of inclusivity, representation, and raising awareness, Dopereaders is a space where book lovers from all walks of life can come together to celebrate and discuss the works of Black and BIPOC authors. Our mission is to amplify these voices, share their stories, and help preserve Black culture and narratives through the power of literature. By highlighting these authors and their impactful stories, Dopereaders promotes diverse literature and fosters a deeper understanding of the experiences that shape our world.
One of the core features of Dopereaders is our engaging events with Black authors, which are open to everyone. These gatherings offer a unique chance for readers to connect directly with authors, delve into their work, and explore important topics that resonate with our community. We’ve also set up free community bookcases at the Royal London Hospital's Trauma and Orthopedic wards and Kensal Rise Train Station, creating inviting spaces where young people can discover new books and broaden their literary horizons. Additionally, we run a free library in South London, a community hub where young people are encouraged to read, explore, and engage with literature. With the help of book donations, we make sure that everyone has access to great books, regardless of their financial situation.
Our signature event, the Black Book Exchange, supports our mission by promoting literature by Black authors and creating a communal space where stories are shared and cultural pride is celebrated. Through these initiatives, Dopereaders empowers Black British communities by highlighting the importance of representation, offering a platform for diverse voices, and inspiring a new generation to embrace the transformative power of storytelling.
My work with Dopereaders is centered around creating a vibrant, inclusive space that uplifts Black voices, preserves our stories, and fosters a deep love for reading. Promoting literacy within our community is not just about reading books; it's about reclaiming narratives, shaping identities, and inspiring future generations to dream, learn, and lead. By amplifying diverse voices and making literature accessible to all, we are building a legacy that ensures Black culture, experiences, and knowledge are celebrated and preserved for generations to come.
