Diane Abbott In Conversation: launching the paperback version of her autobiography “A Woman Like Me”, with audience Q&A

Diane Abbott In Conversation: launching the paperback version of her autobiography “A Woman Like Me”, with audience Q&A

Diane Abbott has been the Member of Parliament for Stoke Newington and Hackney North since 1987. But she is known for being a national trailblazer: she was the first black woman elected to parliament, the longest-serving black MP and now the “Mother of the House” – the serving MP with the longest uninterrupted service in the House of Commons.

Diane will be launching the paperback version of her celebrated autobiography “A Woman Like Me” at Abney Park’s newly-restored chapel, which is located at the heart of her diverse constituency. Diane will speak about her memoir and the stories contained within, and there will be an opportunity for members of the audience to ask questions. The book will also be available for sale. An audio/PA system will be in use at this event. 

“A Woman Like Me” was described by The Guardian as a “rich and complex record of resilience”. It tells the story of Diane’s childhood in London during the Sixties as the child of working-class parents from Jamaica. It goes on to explore her life as a student at Cambridge followed by the stories of her election and multiple re-elections to parliament, as well as an insight into her personal life outside of politics.

A bar selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus an Abney Park Trust merchandise stall, will be available on the day. Copies of "A Woman Like Me" will be available for sale thanks to our partners at Stoke Newington Bookshop.

This event is part of Abney Park Trust's 2025 "Radical Writers" festival. The festival explores the works of writers inspired by Abney's and Hackney's diverse history of radical thought and action. We’ll be joined by scribes from across an array of genres, disciplines and backgrounds. And we’ll be thinking about radicalism in many senses – old, new, cultural, political, social and beyond. To see the full line up and book tickets for other events, visit abneypark.org/radicalwriters.

For any queries, please contact info@abneypark.org. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us on info@abneypark.org and we will get back to you and assist. Some seating is upstairs on the chapel mezzanine and some is on the ground floor in the chapel; please choose the right ticket for you at the point of booking. Please do also let us know if you have other accessibility needs. As this is a volunteer-led event, replies may take a few days.

Special thanks to our sponsor, local butcher and deli Meat N16, for their generous support of the festival.