Black History should be celebrated all year round. But in honor of February being Black History Month, reading is a way we can acknowledge and amplify Black voices. From notable classics to contemporary fiction to inspiring memoirs, the Black literary experience holds a variety of genres to choose from. These brilliant writers do a wonderful job in educating, motivating and entertaining readers in a way that their stories will stick with you forever.
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
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In this eloquent and honest memoir, Former First Lady Michelle Obama shares her story in her own words. From growing up in the South Side of Chicago to balancing marriage, motherhood and her professional life – to then finally spend eight years in the White House as the first African American in her role. Michelle is insightful in sharing not only her achievements but also her challenges, in a way that makes her even more relatable as a person. She shares details of her childhood and upbringing, paying homage to the people who shaped her. She goes on to highlight important moments of her life in a way that feels very personal and inviting. As a wife, we can understand Michelle’s worries when her husband decides to take a career in politics and are delighted by their story of love and companionship. As a mother, we are moved by her devotion in making sure her two daughters stay grounded even when growing up in the eyes of the media. As a Black woman, we see her overcome barriers and deal with the pressure of being the first in many situations. And finally, as First Lady, we admire her work and diligence as she embraces different causes, such as: women’s success, military veterans and helping families to achieve healthier lifestyles. Overall, Becoming is an intimate reflection of the journey of a remarkable woman, who became one of the most inspiring and respected Black women in America.
- Kindred by Octavia Butler
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Kindred is the first sci-fi novel written by a Black woman. Although published in 1979, the book feels extremely applicable and timely in 2021. We follow Dana, a young African American writer in California, who suddenly gets taken back in time to 1815 Maryland, where she is forced to face the harsh reality of being a slave. Her purpose is to rescue Rufus, her white ancestor, to make sure that he stays alive long enough to continue her family line. Butler explicitly shows us the horrific experience of being Black during 1815 America and takes us a step further by reflecting on how people accept slavery as the norm and justify the unacceptable. This is an exciting, page turning novel that explores topics such as the heritage of slavery, interracial relationships, racism, among other important issues. Kindred combines historical and science fiction into a single story so well-written and emotionally effective, that it almost feels real.
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker
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When I first thought about writing this article, this book was the first one that came to mind. As a modern classic, and very rightfully so, it is the book that introduced me to Black literature. You have probably seen or at least heard of the movie, starring Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg, but the reading experience is special and Alice Walker’s words move you in a way that feels like dancing. I especially recommend this book to women and although it talks a lot about race, I think it’s main topic of discussion is women’s rights, women empowerment and female relationships. It can be extremely painful to read at times as Walker bluntly addresses difficult subjects such as rape, various forms of abuse towards women and female sexuality. Nonetheless, this story is hopeful and inspiring and definitely a must-read. It is no surprise that The Color Purple won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize.
- Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid
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Kiley Reid is the newest Black voice on this list. Her debut in 2019 turned out to be a captivating novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Emira is a 25-year-old Black woman working as a babysitter for a white family. After an uncomfortable situation at a supermarket, where Emira is accused of kidnapping the child she is babysitting, the story unfolds in surprising twists. Although it is a lighter read than most of the other books mentioned in this article, it still explores key problems in today’s society and the microaggressions centered around race. The connections between the characters and their development is impressive for a debut author and her timely use of dialogue is one that young people can easily connect with. Reid’s is a friendly voice that I hope we will read more of in the future.
- Between The World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
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Between The World And Me is written in a letter format from father to son. Coates tells his son of the challenges he will have to face as a Black man in America based on his own experiences. Honest and very emotionally charged, this memoir sheds light on a terrible truth: as much as we want to believe that the treatment given to African Americans is a failure in the system, Coates shows us that it is a part of the legacy and tradition of this country. Coates’s fear of his son suffering is one that every parent of a Black child shares and one that White parents never even have to think about. This is an extremely important read, a way to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and see life from a perspective unimaginable to a non-black person in America.
Black literature, just like Black History, is too substantial to be covered in only one month. And whether you are looking to educate yourself more, get inspired by Black voices or simply dive into a new novel, there is a wide array of talented authors to choose from. Consider these recommendations as a starting point for your literary voyage.