Every February, Americans celebrate Black History Month to recognize all the great achievements by Black Americans and to acknowledge Black history overall. There are so many amazing artistic, scientific and social achievements that should be acknowledged in February, and every month for that matter. Some of my absolute favorite books have revolved around the black community; either stories about racial justice or written by incredibly talented black authors. For this article, I have collected my top books for you to read during Black History Month, to help educate yourself on racial justice or enjoy a good read from a Black author.
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot: This is one of my all-time favorite reads as a woman in STEM. This book is about the disparities between races during the 1950s, by showcasing the life of Henrietta Lacks and her family. Henrietta Lacks was a cancer patient whose cells were found to be “immortal”. Because these cells were able to survive unlike any other human cell to date, they were able to use them for many scientific discoveries. “HeLa” cells were used to develop the polio vaccine, find cancer treatments, advance science in the direction of cloning, gene mapping and in vitro fertilization. Despite the extensive impact Henrietta Lacks’ cells had on the world, her and her family were never given recognition or compensation at all, primarily due to racism. This book goes into depth on racism and classism, creating an eye opening read for understanding racial disparities and institutionalized racism in the United States.
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson: If you have not read this book, run to your nearest bookstore! This is an incredible book about justice and redemption for the wrongfully accused on death row, which is already racially unjust due to a corrupt criminal justice system. This book is written by black lawyer and author Bryan Stevenson and shares his story defending the poor, wrongfully accused and incarcerated people of Alabama, through his own nonprofit law office “The Equal Justice Initiative”. This story is heart wrenching, powerful and eye opening to the racial injustices within the United States criminal justice system, and is well worth the read! (P.S. This is also a movie starring Michael B. Jordan!!)
- The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein: This is an incredible nonfiction book that shares the true history of our racially divided nation due to de facto segregation. This book uncovers the ways that individual prejudice, income disparities, and private institutions have perpetuated racial disparities in the United States. This book shares the realities of racial redlining “zoning” and environmental racism, and is eye opening to see how private and governmental institutions have coerced our nation into racial division. Although at some points dry, this book is so informative and important for everyone to understand, so please give it a read!
- Becoming by Michelle Obama: If you have yet to read First Lady Michelle Obama’s autobiography, you are missing out! This is of course going to be an amazing book because she is such an amazing woman. This is the autobiography of the first Black woman to become the First Lady of the United States of America, so how could it not be spectacular? This book showcases all the incredible accomplishments and hardships that Michelle Obama faced to become one of the most empowering and iconic women of her time. Not only was she the First Lady, but she also was a powerhouse in advocating for women’s rights and racial inclusivity in the US and is an inspiration to all! Please give this book a read, it is so so good!
I hope you are taking this month to celebrate black history and accomplishments, and educate yourself on racial disparity and injustice in the United States. It is so important to make sure we have an educated and inclusive society in the country and unfortunately, we are far from that at this point in time. Let’s take steps in the right direction to a better future, and educate and honor all the amazing black accomplishments and critical black history this month! Happy Black History Month, enjoy your reading!!