After a star-studded Democratic National Convention full of impassioned cries to get out the vote, it’s hard not to feel like the country is on the verge of electing its first Black female President. But with less than 80 days before we cast our votes, we can’t afford to take our feet off the gas. A lot can happen in that short time, so we need to stay engaged and focused on the issues.
Suggested Reading
That’s why we’ve curated a list of books by Black authors that will remind us of the most important issues and the trailblazers who’ve paved the way for this historic moment.
As we prepare to head to the polls in November, these books should be on your reading list.
“The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together” by Heather McGhee
While Donald Trump wants to convince us that migrants are “stealing Black jobs,” Heather McGhee is telling a much different story in “The Sum of Us.” She writes about her travels around the country speaking with people about their economic woes and opens readers eyes to the reality of how racism impacts everyone.
“Our country will be better because of this book,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
“The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn’t and How We All Can Move Forward Now” by Bakari Sellers
Shortly after the George Floyd’s killing, Bakari Sellers was set to talk about it on CNN, but he became so emotional that it was hard for him to speak. After catching his breath, his eloquent and heart-felt comments got us all choked up. That specific moment did not only go viral, it was heard across the world and set the stage in his new book for smart conversations and narratives on why we must stay informed with the past, alert about the present and prepared to create our own future. In the “The Moment,” Sellers writes about the real impact of government policies and how disparities in everything from healthcare to education to policing affect the Black community.
“The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto” by Charles Blow
The COVID pandemic and the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd inspired journalist and author Charles Blow to write “The Devil You Know,” a book that calls on African Americans to consider another Great Migration from the North to Republican-held states in the South in order to have a greater impact on the countries elections.
The book was the inspiration for the HBO documentary, “South to Black Power.”
“We Were Eight Years in Power” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“We Were Eight Years in Power” is a collection of essays from Ta-Nehisi Coates in which he shares his personal reflections about the historic nature of Barack Obama’s election and the aftermath that gave us a new era of racial prejudice and ultimately the election of Donald Trump.
“Say it Louder: Black Voters, White Narratives and Saving Our Democracy“ by Tiffany Cross
In “Say it Louder,” Tiffany Cross explores the critical impact of the Black vote in America’s elections and the not-so-subtle efforts to suppress it throughout history – including those by mainstream media.
“Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea” by Meena Harris
Written by Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece Meena Harris, “Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea,” is a beautifully inspiring children’s picture book inspired by the childhoods of sisters Kamala and Maya Harris. The story, which follows the young girls’ efforts to turn their empty apartment courtyard into a playground for neighborhood children, is meant to teach the lesson that with perseverance, dreams can come true. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) called it “a must read for little girls around the world.”
“Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” by Vashti Harrison
“Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” is a bestselling children’s picture book written to teach children ages 4 to 9 about some of the most influential Black women in history. From Sojourner Truth to Mae Jemison, these biographies will inspire young readers to reach for the stars.
“For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics” by Donna Brazile, Yolanda Caraway, Leah Daughtry and Minyon Moore
With decades of political experience between them, Donna Brazile, Yolanda Caraway, Leah Daughtry and Minyon Moore are among the most influential and well-respected Black women in politics.
In “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics,” they give readers an inside look at how they were called to service and how their work with everyone from Presidents to community activists has helped shape the Democratic party.
“She Was The First: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm” by Katheryn Russell-Brown
Before there was Kamala Harris, there was Shirley Chisholm. “She Was The First!” is a picture book to help kids ages 6 to 12 learn more about the trailblazing politician and activist who made history as the the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first Black woman to run for President of the United States.
“Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors” by Carolyn Finney
While many voters will be thinking about the economy as they head to the polls in November, we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of environmental issues – particularly as they impact the Black community. In “Black Faces, White Spaces,” Carolyn Finney looks at African Americans’ relationship with the outdoors throughout history and examines the intersection of racism and our country’s environmental policy decisions.
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Love” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If you find yourself asking what Dr. King would do during this highly-charged time in political history, “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On Love” is the book for you. Set for an October 22 release, it’s a compilation of some of the legendary civil rights leader’s writings and speeches about the transformative power of love.
“I have also decided to stick with love, for I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind’s problems,” he wrote.
“Represent: The Unfinished Fight for The Vote” by Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau
Authors Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau tell the story of voting rights in the United States from American Revolution to the present day in “Represent: The Unfinished Fight for the Vote,” set for a September 10 release date. A must read for every American, Dyson and Favreau introduce readers to some of the unsung heroes who have committed their lives to make democracy work for every citizen.
“Our Time is Now” by Stacey Abrams
If anyone knows about voter suppression, it’s Stacey Abrams, who was targeted by efforts to stop her from becoming the first Black woman governor. In “Our Time is Now,” she writes about the campaign to disenfranchise people of color across the country and offers solutions to protect one of our inalienable rights.
“Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice” by Mahogany L. Browne, Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood
It’s never too early to become an activist. “Woke” is a collection of poetry intended to inspire young readers between age 8 and 12 to join the fight for social justice and make a lasting impact in their communities.
“The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story” by Nikole Hannah-Jones
“The 1619 Project” is a frequent target of book bans and challenges around the country. But Nikole Hannah-Jones’ bestselling book should be required reading for every American. The book beautifully weaves together essays, poems and works of fiction that examine the impact of slavery on every aspect of today’s America.
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