As much as I hate to tear you away from Pinteresting nursery ideas to DM to Beyoncé, it’s the first day of Black History Month and that is a means for celebration. In this racially-tense era, it is important to highlight and recognize the achievements of black women, even amidst the backdrop of systemic racism (as well as sexism, classism —and all the other -isms that compromise the well-being and safety of black women). As we take this month (and hopefully the rest of the year) to reflect on the contributions of black people and persons of color in general, I decided to highlight some of the work, experiences, and voices of black women in America. So, with this in mind, I compiled a list of books, movies, and podcasts to dive deeper into the lived experiences and collective wisdom of black women!
Take a break from Netflix and fall into these books, poems, documentaries and podcasts!
Books to Read:
Black Girl Dangerous: On Race, Queerness, Class and Gender by Mia McKenzie
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae Sister
Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni: 1968-1998
Documentaries to Watch:
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975
Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People
Dark Girls/ Light Girls
Mama Africa
13th
Pariah
Podcasts to Listen to: Black Girls Talking
She’s Beauty & the Beast
Friends Like Us
Melanin Millennials
Happy Black History Month!