Since 1976, the month of February has been celebrated as Black History Month. In the words of Gerald Ford, who made the holiday official that year, Black History Month is a time to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” In celebration of African-American stories, history, and culture this month (and every month), here are five books you should be reading to broaden your perspective and learn to appreciate black narratives:
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Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
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This book by Yaa Gyasi follows the lineages of two sisters through several generations over time, starting with their divergence as one is captured as a slave and one is the mistress to a rich, white merchant. Every chapter follows a different descendant of these two sisters, and each story is just as beautifully written and heart-wrenching as the last.
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Beloved by Toni Morrison
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Tying in aspects of historical fiction, horror, and “magical realism” all into one, Beloved is easily one of Toni Morrison’s best works. Focused on the grueling and horrible nature of slavery with an evil spirit thrown in, this book isn’t for the faint of heart; it is, however, so important because it reminds us of the privilege we have to not only live healthy lives, but also to live in the time period we do.
- Counting Descent by Clint Smith
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In this book of poetry, Clint Smith delivers some of the most beautiful and compelling pieces of literature you will ever read. Full of stories about growing up as a young black boy, the overwhelming fear of police brutality, and feeling uncomfortable in your own skin, this collection of poems is nothing short of both heart-breaking and awe-inspiring.
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
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Based on a true story and now adapted into a critically acclaimed movie, The Hate U Give is a young-adult novel about a teenage girl that witnesses her friend being shot by police. Increasingly relevant in today’s Black Lives Matter movement, this book serves as a stark reminder of the police brutality and incredibly negative prejudice that plague modern society and of its devastating impacts on our communities.
- Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale-Hurston
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Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale-Hurston is both a feminist novel and the first major novel to be published by a black woman. With a slightly different take on African-American narrative, this story is written as a black woman’s recounting of her life as a teenage girl in love in the deep South. A story about love and taking charge of your own destiny as a woman, this book is the perfect mix of feminism, determination, and the struggles of living life as a young black girl.
Even though February is officially Black History Month, black stories and people should really be celebrated every month. In a time when we are divisive as ever, it’s important to be compassionate and understanding to each other, which begins with setting aside stereotypes and prejudice to learn about rich cultures and history. Let this reading list be a reminder that there are a gigantic amount of stories you can use to educate yourself, and it doesn’t have to be exclusive to the month of February. African-American history is American history, and Black History Month should be something you celebrate every month, as part of everyday life.