Wow, it’s already been a month of 2025. And as we welcome February, we also welcome the celebration of Black History Month! The adoption of Black History Month as a federally accepted holiday was 49 years ago, though it has been around for far longer. Nearly one hundred years ago, in February of 1926, the first celebration of Negro History Week took place, and the best way to celebrate any holiday or history is, of course, books! Thus, I have gathered 10 books to celebrate Black History this month.
While Black History doesn’t begin in the United States, the holiday is seen as an American one, so what better place to start than, Lerone Bennett’s “Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America” is a thorough and insightful history of Black America. Spanning centuries, it covers the experience of African Americans from the early days of slavery, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Bennett offers a detailed examination of the political, social, and economic structures that have shaped Black American life. He also explores the enduring themes of resistance and resilience among Black Americans in the face of systemic racism. This book is considered one of the definitive texts for understanding the historical context of race in America.
But Black power is not limited to the individual people, “The Black History of the White House” by Clarence Lusane delves into the intersection of Black history and the White House, revealing the significant yet often overlooked impact of African Americans on the history of the U.S. presidency. From slavery to the civil rights struggles of the 20th century, Lusane uncovers the contributions of African Americans to the White House and the struggles they faced within its walls. The book also covers the complexities of race and power, highlighting key figures such as Black servants, freedom fighters, and political figures who shaped the White House’s history. Through this exploration, Lusane adds depth to our understanding of both American history and Black agency in shaping it.
In “The Making of Black Lives Matter“, Christopher J. Lebron provides an intellectual exploration of the origins and impact of the Black Lives Matter movement. He goes beyond the hashtags and protests, delving into the philosophical underpinnings of the movement and its broader implications for justice, equality, and the fight against systemic racism. Lebron connects the movement’s roots to the long history of Black resistance, while also reflecting on the ethical dimensions of activism, the role of social media, and the challenges of sustaining a political movement. The book is both a deep analysis of Black political thought and a call to action.
Black History is not limited to the textbooks either, “Shine Bright” is both a memoir and an exploration of the influence of Black women in the pop music industry. Danyel Smith takes readers through her personal history as a journalist and music critic, while also reflecting on the careers of iconic Black women in music, from Nina Simone to Beyoncé. The book examines the ways these women have shaped pop culture, challenged societal expectations, and navigated the intersection of race, gender, and celebrity. Smith’s writing is personal and introspective, highlighting the ways in which her own identity as a Black woman has been influenced by the music and cultural contributions of these women.
“Four Hundred Souls” is an ambitious and innovative collection of essays edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain. It presents a comprehensive history of Black America from 1619, the year enslaved Africans were first brought to the American colonies, to the present day. The book brings together 90 different writers, historians, activists, and other contributors, to share their perspectives on various aspects of Black life in the U.S. The essays span centuries, focusing on events like slavery, the Civil War, the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and the current struggles for racial justice.
“Black Like Us” is a collection of essays that explores the diversity of Black identities and experiences. Edited by Devon Carbado, Dwight McBride, and Donald Weise, the anthology brings together a range of voices that reflect on what it means to be Black in America. The contributors address topics such as race, culture, politics, sexuality, and the impact of systemic oppression. The book challenges monolithic notions of Blackness and highlights the complexity of Black identity in a society that often seeks to categorize or stereotype African Americans. Through these essays, the book offers a deeper understanding of the intersectional experiences within the Black community.
Jacqueline De Weever’s “Mythmaking and Metaphor in Black Women’s Fiction” is a scholarly exploration of how Black women writers use myth and metaphor in their works. De Weever analyzes the symbolic frameworks employed by authors like Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, and Ntozake Shange, examining how these writers use mythology and metaphor to challenge cultural narratives and construct new realities for Black women. The book explores themes of identity, resistance, and liberation, offering insight into how mythological and metaphorical storytelling is a powerful tool for understanding the Black female experience.
I am currently reading, and plan to give a further review on another collection of short stories, Jemisin’s “How Long Til Black Future Month.” The stories in this collection blend speculative fiction with sharp commentary on race, identity, and societal issues. Each story imagines alternate realities, from dystopian futures to magical worlds, where Black characters navigate complex social, political, and personal challenges. Jemisin’s masterful storytelling explores themes such as the impact of systemic oppression, the search for belonging, and the fight for justice, making this collection both imaginative and deeply thought-provoking.
For those looking for a full novel, I suggest “Maame“, the debut novel of Jessica George that follows Maddie, a young Ghanaian woman living in London, as she navigates the pressures of family obligations, cultural expectations, and her own personal aspirations. The story explores Maddie’s struggles with balancing her traditional Ghanaian upbringing with her desires for independence and self-discovery in a Western society. Through humor, poignancy, and cultural nuance, the novel examines themes of identity, family dynamics, and the complexities of being an immigrant in a foreign land. Maddie’s journey of self-empowerment and belonging is at the heart of the novel.
And finally, for the younger audiences, a wonderfully illustrated graphic novel. “28 Days“ is a powerful graphic novel that recounts the story of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, which were pivotal in the fight for voting rights in the United States. Written by Charles Smith and illustrated by Shane Evans, the graphic novel tells the story of ordinary citizens coming together to challenge racial discrimination and demand the right to vote. The book focuses on the experiences of individuals who participated in the marches, including leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and other unsung heroes.
While we as a society have advanced and become more accepting of one another over the past century, we still have a long way to go until full equality is reached for all Americans. Black History Month is a time to reflect on how far we have come, but also a reminder of why we fight to reach justice. Happy Black History Month!
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