The General Commission on Religion and Race has released a list of recommended reading materials for adults during Black History Month.
The List
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"The Souls of Black Folk" by W.E.B. Du Bois
A foundational text in African American literature that explores the complexities of race and identity in America. -
"Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates
A powerful letter from Coates to his son about the realities of being Black in America, blending personal narrative with history. -
"Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" by Bryan Stevenson
A moving memoir that addresses issues of racial inequality in the criminal justice system, focusing on Stevenson’s work with marginalized individuals. -
"The Color Purple" by Alice Walker
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that tells the story of African American women in the early 20th century South, exploring themes of resilience and empowerment. -
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston
A classic novel about the life of Janie Crawford, capturing the struggles and triumphs of a Black woman in early 20th century America. -
"The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X and Alex Haley
A profound narrative of Malcolm X's life and thoughts, detailing his journey from a troubled youth to a leading figure in the civil rights movement. -
"Heavy: An American Memoir" by Kiese Laymon
A visceral memoir that addresses race, body image, and family, exploring the intersections of identity and personal struggle. -
"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
The first volume of Angelou's autobiography, chronicling her early years and the impact of racism and trauma on her life. -
"The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander
An eye-opening examination of how systemic racism is perpetuated through the criminal justice system. -
"Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson
A thought-provoking analysis of race in America, comparing it to caste systems in other societies and examining the implications of systemic inequality.
Originally published by the General Commission on Religion and Race. Republished with permission by ResourceUMC.