Black History Month Reads
Happy Black History Month!
As someone who is not Black, it is my role to learn about the incredible contributions of Black peoples to our world. From inventions, to art, to culture, to entertainment, to fashion, to sport, to music, to dance, to science, to math, to literature and poetry, to foods, to everything and anything in between, Black peoples have shaped our world and made it a better place. My friend Inemesit Graham of Mummy Fitness recently shared, "Black history isn't slavery. Black history was interrupted by slavery." Learning about Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks is fantastic but it's not the whole picture. We cannot just learn about Black stories through the lens of oppression and racism. Black joy matters.
I've compiled a list of kids books (and adults books) written by Black authors featuring Black lead characters. These stories aren't just about racism and oppression either.
Kids books:
Astro Girl by Ken Wilson (my daughter's fave when she was 2 - we've read this at least 1000 times)
Baby Goes to Market (such a cute story and also great for counting)
Mae Among the Stars (true story about Mae Carol Jemison, first Black woman in space!)
You Matter by Christian Robinson (great books for kids to show them that their voice matters, big or small)
Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (the book I wish I had growing up. Great for any kid to read - lots of lessons. If you/your kids have a typical name, it will teach them why it's important to not be an asshole ;) and if your kids have a beautiful name that isn't quite as common, it'll teach them to be proud of their name)
Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi (great book to raise allies)
Adult books:
Your Body is not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor (great for women)
We should all be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers (great for women, particularly BIPOC women)
You Belong by Sebenne Selassie (note I haven't read this yet but it came highly recommended by my friend Ro - I can't wait to dive in!)
Here is a list of books recommended by Dr. Uchenna “UC” Ossai in her email newsletter (if you’re not following her, what are you waiting for?!). Topics vary from pelvic health & sexuality & Black history:
THICK by Tressie McMillam Cottom, PhD
Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings
You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown
Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory by Patricia Hill Collins
White Fright: The Sexual Panic at the Heart of America’s Racist History by Jane Dailey
Sensual Self by Ev’Yan Whitney
The Pain Gap: How Sexism and Racism in Healthcare Kill Women by Anushay Hossain
My Black Woman Vulva and Me: Letters to the Little Black Girl Inside by Brittany Broadus-Smith
All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks
Please share any recommendations you have! Have you read any of these books?
Surabhi
