Books | Photo by Ariel Parker | The Wright State Guardian
Even though Black History Month is coming to a close, it is important to read and listen to Black voices all year long. Here are some excellent nonfiction recommendations by Black authors.
“Sister Outsider” by Audre Lorde
Lorde is well known not only for her beautiful and insightful poetry, but also for her essays and various nonfiction. This collection of essays speaks on identity, sexuality, race and socioeconomics, and is as true and perceptive as when she first wrote them. If you have not had the opportunity to pick this up yet, be prepared to find a new favorite.
“When They Call You A Terrorist: A Black Lives Memoir” by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
A deeply emotional and profound memoir written by one of the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, Khan-Cullors opens up about her family and past, and what led her to co-found the BLM movement today. She describes what she refers to as “ground zero of the drug war,” the early criminalization of young Black and Brown people and the heinous abuse inflicted by the police on BIPOC of all ages, even children. While it can be very difficult to read at times, Khan-Cullors made sure to end her powerful memoir at a call to action.
“I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness” by Austin Channing Brown
Brown’s short book packs so much as she talks about her life growing up Black and her relationship with the predominantly-white evangelical churches. She is open but frank when detailing her experiences, and anyone in any religion will be able to gain something from this.
