Visionary Works for Black History Month and Every Month After
by Samantha Flaherty
The Pretty One: On Life - Keah Brown
Genre: Biography
A book about reclaiming self-love, The Pretty One provides a voice for those whom society deems inadequate, whether that’s based on race, abilities, or gender. Through a contemporary lens, Brown speaks her truth and encourages others to do the same. By exploring multiple aspects of her life such as pop culture, the dating scene, and stigmas and stereotypes, Brown aims to create more conversation around disabilities and confidence.
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/39297013-the-pretty-one
New Kid - Jerry Craft
Genre: Graphic Novel
In this graphic novel, Craft tells the story of budding artist, Jordan Banks, a twelve-year old boy who wrestles with the idea of “fitting in” at the new school he didn’t even want to attend, all while trying to maintain the relationships he already has within his hometown neighborhood. At Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan faces many micro-aggressions, as he doesn’t look like the majority of the students who go there. So, while on this harsh journey of adolescence, trying to stay true to himself, and faced with injustices, Jordan is conflicted, but eager to figure things out.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39893619-new-kid?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_7
Becoming - Michelle Obama
Genre: Memoir
Michelle Obama has been a constant voice for the advocacy of women and girls everywhere; has participated in health activism; and continuously reminds us that hard work pays off. In Becoming, she reflects on her childhood, shares her experiences in motherhood, both difficult and beautiful, and how living through all of her victories and hardships led her to becoming the woman she is today. As the first African American woman to serve as the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama has made deeply rooted impressions on the world, and continues to inspire others to do the same.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38746485-becoming?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_8
Black Women in Medicine - Crystal R. Emery (and the entire production team)
Genre: Film/TV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJlxErkWtQo&ab_channel=BlackWomenMDs
https://crystalremery.com/black-women-in-medicine/
This film was created to showcase the heart and skills that women of color bring to the table in all aspects of medicine. With the inclusion of influential stories from these women themselves, this footage acts as a source of inspiration for minority youth, by demonstrating that working in the field of health care can 100 percent be attainable. Black women who work tirelessly and who have pressed on despite obstacles related to race and gender are true role models, providing “visions of success and fuel for self-actualization.”
Hair Like Mine - LaTashia M. Perry
Genre: Children’s Picture
In Hair Like Mine, an eye-opening picture book about representation, a little girl realizes that her hair doesn’t look like anyone else’s. She doesn’t like being different, and as a result, struggles to love her natural curls. While on a mission to find someone who looks exactly the same as she does, the little girl learns what it means to truly love herself as she is. She discovers that there is no one else like her in the world, and that individuality is beautiful. As her Mama said, “I know it’s hard to understand now but just wait, you’ll see how amazing being different can be.”
The Short Stories of Langston Hughes
Genre: Short story
As a Goodreads reviewer stated, “He makes you feel sadness and outrage and happiness… all at the same time.” In this poignant collection, Langston Hughes talks about the personal and systemic powers of race, discrimination, poverty, and his experiences of what life is like as a person of color. Written mainly during the Harlem Renaissance, these short stories survey the human disappointments Hughes went through and call on readers to take a step forward towards change.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19321195-the-short-stories-of-langston-hughes?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_29
We Should All Be Feminists - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Genre: Essay
Award winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie writes to answer the question, “what does ‘feminism’ mean today?” In a world where equality among genders is warped, and in some areas, non-existent, Adichie insists readers to visualize a world where this is not the case. By speaking on the marginalization of women around the world, the broken gender divide, and what it means to be a woman in the 21st century, Adichie argues why we should all be feminists, and pulls from her own experiences to reinforce that mindset.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22738563-we-should-all-be-feminists?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_21
The Collected Poems of Audre Lorde
Genre: Poetry
Audre Lorde was one of the most influential poets of her time, and she continues to make an impact today. In being a politically active individual, by taking part in feminist and anti-war movements, and involving herself in the fight for civil rights, Lorde has much to discuss, and has made quite the impact. As a black woman, mother, and someone who was part of the LGBTQ+ community, Lorde faced plenty of injustices. She dedicated her life to confronting the issues through her powerful words. This collection includes over three hundred poems, some of which are from previously inaccessible works.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50680.The_Collected_Poems_of_Audre_Lorde?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_27
Please Don’t Sit On My Bed in Your Outside Clothes - Phoebe Robinson
Genre: Humor
In this humorous New York Times bestselling essay collection, honesty and transparency take center stage. Packed with relatable content and pop culture references, comedian, author, and actress Phoebe Robinson shares with her audience all that she’s learnt so far in life, and offers plenty of important opinions. She speaks on topics such as parental advice, living life the way you want in terms of having, or not having, children, and the discovery of self love logistics. Along with these informative subjects, Robinson’s book holds an extensive focus on how our culture functions today in terms of discrimination and racial injustice, and what it’s like being a black woman, particularly in the UK. If you’re looking for something that will make you think hard, feel all your feelings, and burst out laughing, this book is for you.
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison
Genre: Novel; Fiction
“First published in 1952 and immediately hailed as a masterpiece, Invisible Man is one of those rare novels that have changed the shape of American literature.” In this incredible classic, Ellison shares with his readers the difficulties and dangers the black community faced during the 1930s and, through an unnamed protagonist, how societal invisibility can truly impact one's life. Using literary techniques such as stream-of-consciousness, Ellison shows us the psychological impacts racism inflicts, and the grip that it holds on humanity.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16981.Invisible_Man?ref=nav_sb_ss_2_6