8 Books To Read To Educate Yourself About Black History | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

8 Books To Read To Educate Yourself About Black History

During these protests and riots, take this time to learn the WHY and join in.

6051
8 Books To Read To Educate Yourself About Black History

In This Article:

One thing that protests and riots effectively do is raise awareness. People are beginning to watch the news more and read up on what has lead to today's racial tensions, which in turn educates the public more on black history.

From the beginning of slavery, to the 1919 riots, to segregation, to police brutality, and everything in between, authors have covered these parts of history that are often less talked about and left out of general history classes.

You may never be perfect, and if you are non-black you will never fully understand the black experience, but the best you can do is stay educated, keep learning, and remain an ally. Here are some books to get you started on black history.

1. "Red Summer" by Cameron McWhirter

Wall Street Journal reporter Cameron Mcwhirter outlines this summer of violence in 1919 called "The Red Summer," in reference to the bloodiness of this period.

Written through a journalist's perspective rather than a historian's, the book includes thorough detail of the fight for civil rights post-WWll.

2. "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Interested in why people claim slavery still exists? The criminal justice system and its eerie history come to light in this book written by civil rights lawyer Michelle Alexander. She was inspired while she was in charge of investigating racial bias in police interactions and had overheard other groups comparing the current criminal justice system to Jim Crow. She investigated more, wrote this book, and its sales spiked as a top black history seller.

3. "Stamped From the Beginning" by Ibram X Kandi

Learn how racist ideas were birthed and implemented throughout history by pro-slavery thinkers. The book steers away from the idea that racism is "ignorance" but rather "brilliantly honed" and the masses manipulated. Five minds chime in and we hear from a Puritan minister, Thomas Jefferson, an abolitionist, a scholar, and an anti-prison activist.

4. "She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman" by Erica Dunbar

Explore Harriet Tubman's life through biography, photos, sidebars, and a detailed timeline. Tubman helped release hundreds of slaves, was the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the Civil War, and advocated for voting rights and elderly people. The author, Erica Dunbar, continues to outline how her activism has inspired activists today.

5. "Ain't I A Woman: Black Women and Feminism" by Bell Hooks

The intersectional book between sexism and racism demonstrates black womanhood throughout history. White feminism is discussed, as well at the experiences of black women compared to black men and white women. For every feminist and racial justice advocate, this book is a must-read.

6. "The Bill of the Century: The Epic Battle for the Civil Rights Act" by Clay Risen

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a long-fought battle around the nation through speeches, activism, riots, and more outlined in this historical account. "The force is more powerful than an idea whose time has come."

7. "The Promised Land: The Great Black Migration and How it Changed America" by Martin Fletcher

Between the 1940s and 1960s, black people left the rural areas of the south for the urban areas of the north, forever altering culture, politics, and demographics. Delve into the history, politics, and public policy of The Great Migration and its impact through stories and analysis.

8. "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa" by Walter Rodney and Vincent Harding

For someone hoping to understand Africa's relationship with the west and the impacts of colonization and slavery. The reader can examine modern Africa through a political, historical, and economic lens.

While this list is by no means exhaustive, they are recommendations to get you started or inspire you to find related books. I know it's hard to choose, but pick one up and dive in!

As an Amazon Associate, Odyssey may earn a portion of qualifying sales.

Report this Content
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

147573
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

36678
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

32499
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments