5 books on the black experience
Storytelling is a powerful tool in allowing us to recognize the humanity in others. Once we get to that place of understanding, we can empathize with others and value their hopes, fears, dreams, grievances and motivations. In my journey to becoming a more meaningful ally, I’ve explored reading books as a way to better comprehend the BIPOC experience. Take a look at the selections I’ve added to my own reading list below and consider purchasing one the next time you’re at a local bookstore.
joedujour
i’m still here: black dignity in a world made for whiteness
by austin channing brown
From the perspective of a Black, Christian woman, this narrative takes readers through Austin’s own journey to “learn what it means to love blackness” in an American society built to perpetuate racism.
just as i am
by cicely tyson
My experience with knowing Cicely has come from watching her play Annalise Keating’s mother in my favorite Shonda Rhimes show, How To Get Away With Murder. The depth she brought to that character alone was so powerful and little did I know this was just one of many roles in her legendary career. I’m excited to read her memoir, which Viola Davis hails is Cicely’s “abundant treasure to each of us.”
uncomfortable conversations with a black man
by emmanuel acho
Emmanuel is a NFL-star-turned-sports-anchor with an undeniable charm. I love his perspective on tackling tough topics and questions about racism, framing them as an open and honest conversation with the reader. Emmanuel’s ability to approach these themes with seriousness and a bit of levity is extremely effective. I’d recommend this book to anyone in your friend group or family that has questions that they don’t know how to go about asking out loud.
a promised land
by barack obama
I’ve always been in awe watching Barack’s oratorical skills on the television screen as he addressed the nation as our President, but have never paused to read any of his books. After diving into Michelle Obama’s Becoming, I was enthused to see Barack release this reflection on his time in this nation’s highest office. Miss you, 44!
more than enough: claiming space for who you are (no matter what they say)
by elaine welteroth
Elaine is the former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, and she’s responsible for turning the teen fashion bible into an online tome of social consciousness. She’s the reason why I started taking any interest in the magazine at all, ultimately putting me on a path of social activism myself. Her biography unpacks race, identity, and making space for herself when she was oftentimes the only Black woman in the room.
