Each February, communities across the United States and around the world unite to pay tribute to the enduring legacies of extraordinary Black leaders, scholars, activists, artists, and unsung heroes. Black History Month exists to honor and celebrate the resilience and strength of the Black community in the face of adversity, and it’s the perfect time to commit to broadening our perspectives and foster understanding through the power of literature.
With genres ranging from nonfiction to autobiographies, this list is sure to inspire you to turn understanding into action. Of course, we strongly encourage you to make your reading purchase at your local Black-owned bookstore if applicable.
The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas
Between the World and Me – Ta-Nehisi Coates
Becoming – Michelle Obama
Invisible Man – Ralph Ellison
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – Doreen Rappaport
The Fire Next Time – James Baldwin
The Souls of Black Folk – W.E.B. Du Bois
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood – Trevor Noah
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou
More titles can be found at the following links: goodreads (where the above list originated from), Parade, and Penguin.
We hope your reading this month brings you new insights into the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of the Black community and you continue to celebrate Black history and Black writers year-round.
