American history is filled with stories and struggles that have helped shape this nation. During black history month, it is important to reflect on the stories of African Americans and their impact on society as well as continued efforts to improve the lives of blacks and other minorities. With that in mind, here is a collection of books to read during black history month that provide a lens on the past and present struggles of African Americans.
Angel of Greenwood by Randi Pink
Angel of Greenwood is about the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, when white mobs destroyed a prosperous black community in Oklahoma. It was one of the worst racial crimes in American history. The event went unacknowledged for decades, and its story was buried under layers of half-truths and outright lies. The Angel of Greenwood is a journey into the heart of darkness—and its light.
African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle and Song, Kevin Young, Editor
African American poetry spans over 250 years of struggle and song. This anthology contains contemporary and modern African American poems. Kevin Young has curated an amazing selection of poems that will help you learn about the unique voice of the Black experience. This anthology celebrates the work of some of the most well-known African American poets, including Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, and Maya Angelou. The poems reflect the 250-year struggle of African Americans for freedom and equality.
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison – Books To Read During Black History Month
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison is a thought-provoking and witty story about race that is beautifully narrated by a young, nameless Black man in 1950s America in search of self-knowledge. The protagonist of the novel, undergoes many changes throughout the course of the story. These changes are a result of his interactions with others and his own self-analysis. The novel examines race relations in America with the “Invisible Man” as a symbol for African Americans in America during the 1950s.
A Taste of Power: A Black Woman’s Story by Elaine Brown
A Taste of Power: A Black Woman’s Story by Elaine Brown is a groundbreaking book that challenges society’s assumptions about black people as it follows Brown’s story from growing up in an impoverished neighborhood in Philadelphia to the first and only female leader of the Black Panther party. The book is delicious and thought-provoking.
You Don’t Know Us Negroes and Other Essays by Zora Neale Hurston, Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Genevieve West
First published in 1955, You Don’t Know Us Negroes and Other Essays is a book about the African American experience as seen through a collection of essays compiled by three noted scholars: Zora Neale Hurston, Henry Louis Gates Jr., and Genevieve West. The essays explore various aspects of black history in America. In the words of the editors, “You Don’t Know Us Negroes” provides “an opportunity for readers to encounter some of the most provocative and insightful writing on race from African American intellectuals over the past two decades.”
The Color Purple by Alice Walker – Books To Read During Black History Month
The Color Purple is a novel written by Alice Walker that tells the story of a young black girl in the south who is trying to find her way in the world. The book addresses important issues such as racism, sexism, and violence. It follows the life of an African American woman named Celie, a woman who has been abused and downtrodden her entire life. Despite this, she rises to become an influential women in her community. This book was published in 1982 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. It has been praised for its themes of racism and sexism.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead is a great book to read during Black History Month. It tells the story of Cora and Ceasar, who are born into slavery but escape to freedom via the underground railroad. The focus of the books is primarily on Cora, a feisty and brave young woman with a strong sense of self. She travels from Georgia to South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York City on the underground railroad, which is a network of people who help runaway slaves. The book is a great social novel about race and power and how both of these things can be used for good or evil. The book is also a great look into the history and culture of African-Americans in the time before slavery was abolished.
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Red at the Bone is a novel by Jacqueline Woodson that tells the story of several generations of African Americans. It covers topics such as racism, segregation, and growing up during times of change. The story follows the life of Iris and her daughter Melody. Iris doesn’t want to be a mother, but eventually gives birth to Melody. The book alternates between the perspective of Iris and Melody in different parts of their lives. It is an emotional and powerful read that will stay with you long after you finish it.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas – Books To Read During Black History Month
The Hate U Give is a novel about sixteen-year-old Starr Carter, who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed and posed no threat to the officers, but he was killed anyway. The shooting rocks Starr’s community and forces her to grapple with questions of race, class, and privilege. As she tries to come to grips with what happened, she also has to deal with the aftermath: How her friends and family react, how the media spins the story, and whether she can find justice for Khalil. This powerful and timely book is a must-read for everyone.
Another Country by James Baldwin
Another Country is a novel by James Baldwin that was released in 1962. The book tells of the downfall of jazz drummer Rufus Scott. He begins a relationship with Leona, a white woman from the South, and introduces her to his social circle, including his closest friend, struggling novelist Vivaldo, his more successful mentor Richard, and Richard’s wife Cass. The novel is a deeply thoughtful story on the intricacies of race, social inequality, self-acceptance, and loss of cultural identity.
