As Black History Month commences, people from all walks of life reflect and appreciate the contributions of the Black community. Although it is essential to honor and amplify Black voices throughout the year, February’s Black History Month serves as a megaphone for this year-round recognition in the workplace, on social media, and in bookstores.
To gain perspective, expand knowledge, and understand history and first-person accounts, Goodreads members have compiled a list of the 16 most popular books about Black History. From critically acclaimed memoirs to investigative reporting accounts, readers will have several paperbacks or audio books to add to their reading list.
1. “South to America: A Journey Below the Mason Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation” by Imani Perry
“South to America: A Journey Below the Mason Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation” by Imani Perry is a book that takes readers on a journey through the American South landscape. In this book, Perry details her experiences, rituals, and insights gained from returning to her native Alabama as a Black woman.
Through fresh eyes, Perry offers a deep-dive on the region and explains how understanding the South is integral to comprehending and connecting with America as a whole. Goodreads describes the book as a story that provides a unique perspective on the region and its people.
2. “Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley and the Struggle for Equality” by Tomiko Brown-Nagin
Tomiko Brown-Nagin’s “Civil Rights Queen” is a groundbreaking biography chronicling the life of one of the most influential judicial activists in American history. The book provides a unique perspective on the struggles of civil rights and gender equality in the twentieth century through the lens of Constance Baker Motley.
Born to a blue-collar family during the Great Depression, Motley devoted her life to fighting for equality. Brown-Nagin’s insightful account of Motley’s life and work offers readers a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of the civil rights movement.
3. “Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts” by Rebecca Hall
“Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts” by Dr. Rebecca Hall is a unique blend of a graphic novel and memoir that sheds light on the untold stories of women-led slave revolts. Dr. Hall, a historian and descendant of slaves, uncovers the truth about the courageous women who fought against their enslavers during their journey through the Middle Passage and throughout America. This powerful account is a must-read, as it portrays a searing portrait of the forgotten women warriors who have been left out of historical records until now.
4. “Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019” by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain
“Four Hundred Souls” is a comprehensive community history of Black America, spanning 400 years, written by 90 prominent Black writers. The book is a collection of essays that provide a powerful and bold account of the African American experience.
The contributors include journalists, historians, scholars, poets, activists, and pioneers who use storytelling to craft a compelling narrative. This book offers a unique perspective on the history of Black America, highlighting the diverse voices and experiences that have shaped it.
5. “The Trayvon Generation” by Elizabeth Alexander
“The Trayvon Generation” is an illuminating essay that explores the attitudes and experiences of a generation that has been brutalized by inequality. In this Pulitzer Prize finalist, Elizabeth Alexander provides a galvanizing meditation on the power of art and culture to shed light on America’s unsolved problem with race.
The author self-describes this generation as the Trayvon Generation, and she offers insights into the challenges they face in a society that is still rife with inequality.
6. “The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation” by Anna Malaika Tubbs
Anna Malaika Tubbs’ book, “The Three Mothers,” celebrates the strength and resilience of Black motherhood. The novel highlights the stories of three influential mothers who raised and shaped some of the most prominent figures in history, including Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin. These mothers all shared a common goal of fighting for equal justice and dignity, and their impact on their sons’ lives and legacies is immeasurable.
7. “Waging a Good War: A Military History of the Civil Rights Movement, 1954-1968” by Thomas E. Ricks
Thomas E. Ricks’ book “Waging a Good War: A Military History of the Civil Rights Movement, 1954-1968” offers a unique perspective on the Civil Rights Movement. Ricks highlights the military strategies used during the era and how they contributed to the success of nonviolent resistance movements worldwide.
This book provides readers with a fresh understanding of the well-known events from the era and sheds light on overlooked aspects of America’s civil rights struggle. Overall, Ricks’ book provides a new take on what is widely considered America’s greatest moral revolution, emphasizing its military tactics and lessons for nonviolent resistance movements worldwide.
8. “A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance” by Hanif Abdurraqib
Hanif Abdurraqib’s “A Little Devil in America” is a thought-provoking reflection on the experiences of Black people. The book is centered around Josephine Baker, a legendary performer who referred to herself as a “little devil” in America.
Abdurraqib uses Baker’s words to explore the complexities of Black experiences, from the pain of racism to moments of joy and everything in between. The book takes readers on a journey from midcentury Paris to the moon, highlighting the power of Black performance throughout history.
9. “Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop” by Danyel Smith
“Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop” by Danyel Smith is a book that has been nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award for ‘Best History & Biography.”
This book provides a detailed account of Black women who have made significant contributions to American pop music and how their work is celebrated today. It is a combination of biography, criticism, and memoir, which explores how history is an inevitable part of the lyrics.
10. “We Carry Their Bones: The Search for Justice at the Dozier School for Boys” by Erin Kimmerle
Erin Kimmerle, a forensic anthropologist, delves into the atrocities committed at the Dozier Boys School, a correctional facility for young boys in Florida. The book highlights the horrific experiences of mostly Black students who were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, forced labor, and other forms of oppression.
Kimmerle’s investigation sheds light on the systemic racism and inequality that still exists in society, even after years of progress. “We Carry Their Bones” is a powerful reminder that the fight for justice and equality is far from over.
11. “The Grimkes: The Legacy of Slavery in an American Family” by Kerri K. Greenidge
Kerri K. Greenidge’s biography “The Grimkes: The Legacy of Slavery in an American Family” sheds light on the life of Sarah and Angelina Grimke. The sisters are well-known for their activism against slavery, but this book delves deeper into their family’s history and legacy.
The book explores the Grimke family’s experiences with slavery in the American South, their encounters with other influential figures of the time, and the societal pressures they faced. This landmark biography provides a comprehensive look at one of the most important multiracial American families of the 19th century and their impact on American history.
12. “All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, a Black Family Keepsake” by Tiya Miles
Tiya Miles’ “All That She Carried” explores the journey of Ashley’s Sack, an embroidered piece of history that represents a family’s love and loss. The sack was given to Ashley by her mother, Rose, while they were enslaved in South Carolina in the 1850s.
It was later embroidered by Ashley’s granddaughter, Ruth, and has now found a home in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Miles’ novel tells the story of the sack’s passage through generations and the emotions it carries with it. The book offers a heartfelt and moving insight into the experiences of African American families during slavery and beyond.
13. “African Founders: How Enslaved People Expanded American Ideals” by David Hackett Fischer
David Hackett Fischer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “African Founders: How Enslaved People Expanded American Ideals,” explores the ways in which enslaved Africans and their descendants contributed to American ideals of freedom.
Through extensive research, Fischer demonstrates how enslaved Africans brought new skills and techniques to the early United States, from linguistic abilities to innovative farming practices. This account of Black History highlights how the contributions of enslaved Africans are still present in American culture today, from Puritan New England to Quaker Pennsylvania.
Summary
The importance of Black history books cannot be overstated. They provide a unique perspective on the struggles, achievements, and contributions of Black people throughout history.
These books not only educate readers but also inspire and empower them to take action against racism and discrimination. Black history books cover a wide range of topics, from slavery and civil rights to literature and art. They are essential for understanding the past and shaping a better future.