Now, more than ever, we have a responsibility to acknowledge and uplift Black voices across all platforms. What better way to do so than by reading the literary voices from the past and present to educate ourselves on the stories and wisdom of Black women?
We have seen countless recommendations on social media of books by Black women authors. We’ve compiled a few classic and a few modern books for you to get started.
The Classics
The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison
It doesn’t get any more poignant and heart wrenching than Morrison’s story of Pecola, a young Black girl who wishes for blue eyes so that she may be considered beautiful and worthy in a White world plagued by systemic racism. The novel takes place in Lorain, Ohio, Morrison’s hometown in 1941 during the Great Depression. Morrison’s prose is elevated and layered with the nuances of how racism destroys our communities like a poison from the inside out. Take notes and grab some tissues. Grab a copy online from the Black-owned shop For Keeps Books in Atlanta, GA.
Non-Fiction
So, You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
“If we continue to treat racism like it is a giant monster that is chasing us, we will be forever running. But running won’t help if it’s in our workplace, our government, our homes, and ourselves.” Ijeoma Oluo answers every question we have about racism and how to have meaningful, clear, and impactful discourse with everyone around us including ourselves. If you are ready to truly understand racism in America – and how to fight it – this is where to start. Grab yours from the local Black-owned bookstore White Whale Bookstore in Pittsburgh, PA.
Fiction
The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett
A poignant tale of two twin sisters whose lives diverge as they learn first-hand the intricacies of racism and colorism in 1950s Louisiana. We have to be honest, we haven’t gotten our hands on this one yet since it’s sold out across the country. But we eagerly await our backordered copies! Order yours from your favorite local Black-owned bookstore. We recommend the Black-owned shop The Lit. Bar (Can we agree that is the cutest name ever?) in NYC.
Thrillers
My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
If you need a quick pause from the news to simply decompress, we recommend Braithwaite’s darkly hilarious and entertaining thriller about the bonds of sisterhood and how far they’ll take you. You’ll have a killer time (see what we did there?) and still be supporting a Black author and a local Black-owned shop. It’s important to remember to read books about Black characters by Black authors that are not just about anti-racism, but that take place in everyday situations. Now, grab some snacks and enjoy. We found lots of copies in various formats from the local, Black-owned shop called Books and Crannies in Martinsville, VA (Okay, wait, this might be the cutest name, we can’t decide!).
Children
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
We haven’t come across a children’s book this stunning in both its message and illustration in, well, forever. Lupita Nyong’o, who dazzled us with her performances as Patsy in 12 Years a Slave and as Adelaide (and her eerie doppelgänger) in Jordan Peele’s acclaimed horror movie US (2019), now takes her magic to the bookshelf with a story inspired by her own childhood experience. Written for young Black children who may feel different if their skin is darker in hue, this story takes us on Sulwe’s journey to learning the majesty and glimmering beauty of being the shade of the night sky. Magical + empowering, and we’re here for it. Grab yours from Black-owned and family operated Eye See Me bookshop in University City, MO.
Donna + Donna 