“We were delighted when Shweta agreed to be our keynote speaker for Linklaters’ South Asian Heritage Month, which celebrates cultures, histories, and communities, and helps us to better understand the diverse heritage that continues to shape the UK and South Asia. She hosted an open and honest conversation with attendees about her journey, the impact of colourism, and how we can all empower people to take pride in their heritage and culture and be agents of change.

was truly an honour and pleasure to host Indian-born author, Shweta Aggarwal, at New York University (NYU) for a reading, conversation, and signing of her powerful memoir on colorism, The Black Rose. Students, faculty, and guests were captivated by Shweta’s story of living with, battling, and working to dismantle colorism in the Asian community and everywhere. The Black Rose is written with honesty, passion, and grace. A must-read for anyone who wants to end colorism once and for all.

“A gripping memoir that has paved the way for many more voices to speak out against the damaging impact of colourism.”

“The Black Rose is a book that will remain with you long after you’re done reading, as it leaves an emotional mark. It will make you stop and pause, it will make you want to make a difference in your own life, and it will make you think about how to treat the ones around you with compassion.”