Wheatle gained recognition in Young Adult fiction, winning the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize in 2016 for his novel 'Crongton Knights', which is set to be adapted for television.

His literary influences included notable figures like CLR James and James Baldwin, and he published his first novel, 'Brixton Rock', in 1999 after starting with comics.

Wheatle advocated for better representation in publishing, emphasizing that the request for featuring Black writers was about merit rather than special favors.

During a panel discussion in 2020, he urged The Bookseller to feature a Black writer on the magazine's cover every few months to enhance representation.

The publishing industry has made some strides in diversity, with initiatives like The Bookseller's annual Black Issue and various imprints dedicated to Black authors, although concerns about regression persist.

At a recent Children's Conference, attendees expressed worries about the decline in diverse publishing, contrasting it with the industry's focus on less critical issues.

The 'Rethinking Diversity in Publishing' report highlighted the need for significant changes to address systemic barriers that hinder the success of writers of color.

Since 2022, The Bookseller has profiled 300 authors, with 57 being Black writers, including prominent names like Liv Little, Benjamin Dean, and Natasha Brown.

While many Black writers have not been featured as cover stars, some, such as Diana Evans and Femi Fadugba, have received cover highlights.

Wheatle's life story was also depicted in the BBC series 'Small Axe', directed by Steve McQueen, further showcasing his impact on literature and culture.

Alex Wheatle, known as 'the Brixton Bard', passed away earlier this month, leaving behind a legacy that began after he served a prison sentence related to the Brixton riots in 1981.