Black History Month is a time to recognize the vital role that Black individuals and communities have played in shaping history, culture and society. It also serves as a platform to raise awareness of ongoing racial issues and to celebrate Black culture, achievements and resilience. Reading the works of Black authors can offer unique perspectives that reflect the complexity of Black experiences. By reading their works, we get a deeper understanding of the lives, struggles, joys and histories of Black people that are often overlooked in mainstream literature. Here are five must read books to kick off Black History Month.
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The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
This is a novel about a small town and the bonds of community that are formed between marginalized groups in order to survive. The novel takes place in the fictional town of Pott’s Landing, where a humble, yet mysterious grocery store called Heaven & Earth, serves as the hub of the local community. The store is owned by Zelda, a complex and formidable Black woman with a rich and painful history. Through her, and the lives of the people around her, the story unfolds to reveal deep secrets about the town’s past, buried histories of racial tensions, trauma and resilience.
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“The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times” by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is America’s first Black first lady, who wrote this deeply personal and reflective book in 2022, nearly four years after her highly successful memoir, “Becoming” (2018), which chronicled her life from childhood through her years as First Lady of the United States. “The Light We Carry” reflects on the personal struggles and challenges she has faced, particularly as a Black woman navigating the complexities of race, identity and public life. The book is structured around the idea of “light” as a metaphor for the inner strength, values, and wisdom each of us carries within us, which can help us navigate difficult times.
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Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine by Uché Blackstock MD
From a powerful, go-to voice on public health and racial justice, Legacy is an urgent addition to the conversation on race in America from the lens of medicine and healthcare. Dr. Uché Blackstock recounts her journey as a Black woman entering the medical field, offering a candid and sometimes painful account of the barriers, microaggressions, and discrimination she faced throughout her career. She explores how racism operates within medical institutions, from medical education and patient care to institutional policies and power structures.
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The Travelers by Regina Porter
“The Travelers” follows the story of two families, one Black and one white, throughout six decades of American and world history. The story jumps back and forth through time periods, stitching together a complex tapestry of human experiences and represents Regina Porter’s debut novel.
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The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“The Water Dancer” is about an enslaved man with a gift for memory. Gaining freedom, the protagonist begins to assist in the freeing of other enslaved people. The story uses themes of magic and spiritualism to paint an intriguing view of history. The book was also an Oprah’s Book Club selection in 2019.
