Booklist : Black in America

In the words of a wise person, "Black History is American History"!!

As Black History Month approaches, maybe you’ll find time to grab a book that unpacks the weight oftentimes faced by people of color. Perhaps you’ll grab a book that celebrates black identity and/or brings its readers towards a place of self-reflection and peace. Maybe you’ll decide to throw on some tunes that remind us all of how resilient, determined, and inspirational black folk truly are.

May we all approach Black History Month with a spirit of reflection, excitement, hope, and joy that fuels us not only during the shortest month of the year but, yearlong and always! Here’s a few books that touch on black identity and inspire forward thinking:

for young readers:

Antiracist Baby / by Ibram X Kendi (Children)

Black History in It's Own Words / Illustrated by Ronald Wimberly (Young Adult)

I Can Make a Difference: A Treasury to Inspire Our Children / by Marian Wright Edelman (Children)

Stamped : racism, antiracism, and you / by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi (Children & Young Adult)

Sulwe / by. Lupita Nyong'o, Illustrated by. Vashti Harrison (Children)

The ABCs of Black History / by Rio Cortez (Children)

Adult titles:

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents / by Isabel Wilkerson

The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou / by Maya Angelou

How to be an antiracist / by. Ibram X Kendi

No BS (bad stats): Black People Need People Who Believe in Black People Enough Not to Believe Every Bad Thing They Hear about Black People / by Ivory A. Toldson.

The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical Activities to Help You Challenge Privilege, Confront Systemic Racism, and Engage in Collective Healing / by Annaleise Singh

So You Want to Talk About Race / by Ijeoma Oluo

Stamped from the Beginning: the Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America / by Ibram X. Kendi

Stay Woke: a People's Guide To Making All Black Lives Matter / by Lopez Bunyasi, Tehama, Smith, Candis Watts

… last but not least

Butterfly, Fly! : poems that touch on racial trauma, mental health, and spirituality / by Angela Y Brooks

Happy reading!