Ashley Rands, Marketing
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the rich history and contributions a people. One powerful way to honor this legacy is by immersing ourselves in the words of brilliant Black authors. Their stories, poems, and essays offer unique perspectives, challenge societal norms, and inspire generations.
Influential Black Authors and Their Works
James Baldwin
James Baldwin was an African-American writer and civil rights activist who garnered acclaim for his essays, novels, plays, and poems. A literary giant, Baldwin’s works like Go Tell It on the Mountain and Notes of a Native Son explored themes of race, sexuality, and social justice with raw honesty and profound insight. His 1953 novel Go Tell It on the Mountain has been ranked by Time magazine as one of the top 100 English-language novels.
Maya Angelou
A celebrated poet and memoirist, Angelou’s, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a powerful and moving autobiography that recounts her childhood experiences with racism and resilience. It is a powerful and poetic book that will touch hearts and change minds.
Zora Neale Hurston
A pioneer of the Harlem Renaissance, Hurston’s, Their Eyes Were Watching God is a groundbreaking novel that celebrates Black womanhood and Southern folklore. The novel is a coming-of-age story of Janie Crawford, an African American woman growing up in Eatonville, Florida
Black Authors to Read Now
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
Yasmen and Josiah’s marriage crumbled under the weight of life’s hardships. Now separated, they co-parent and run a business together, finding a new rhythm. However, their attraction remains strong, leading to a passionate yet complicated affair. As their past wounds resurface, they must decide if a second chance at love is possible, or if they are destined to remain forever apart.
Hands by Torrey Maldonado
This 5-6th grade level book tells the story of Trev, a boy struggling to protect his family from his abusive stepdad. He turns to boxing for self-defense, but others urge him to pursue his artistic talents instead. Torn between protecting his loved ones and fulfilling his potential. Trev must decide how to use his hands – for fighting or for creating – ultimately realizing that the choice lies within himself.
The Gatekeeper’s Staff by Antoine Bandele
TJ, raised in a hidden community of gifted diviners, has never shown magical abilities. After his sister’s mysterious death, he enrolls in a magic camp to unlock his dormant powers. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he encounters powerful ancient spirits. This forces him to confront his destiny and the secrets surrounding his sister’s demise.
A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
In the fractured kingdom of Myre, princesses Eva and Isa are locked in a deadly rivalry to claim the throne. Eva, cursed with a powerful but dangerous magic, must confront her sister in a fight to the death. However, when an assassination attempt reveals a deeper conspiracy, Eva must learn to control her magic and forge unlikely alliances to survive and protect her kingdom from a hidden enemy.
This is just a small selection of the many talented Black authors whose work deserves to be celebrated. By reading books, we can gain a deeper understanding of various experiences. We can challenge our own perspectives, and escape from our own stresses for the day. Be sure to share some of your favorite authors.
