Here are a few books that are currently on my "to-be-read" list.
1. The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
"W. E. B. Du Bois was arguably the most progressive African American leader of the early twentieth century, and this collection of essays is his masterpiece. An examination of the black experience in America following emancipation, and an introduction to the historic concept of “double-consciousness” as it pertains to that experience, The Souls of Black Folk is an extraordinary literary achievement—a provocative, profound, and courageous clarion call."
I'm hoping that this book will give me some insight into current race relations and the ongoing struggles that African Americans still continue to face today.
2. The Assassination of the Black Male Image by Earl Ofari Hutchinson
"In The Assassination of the Black Male Image, noted political analyst and media critic Dr. Earl Ofari Hutchinson offers a searing, controversial indictment of our society’s attitudes toward black men. The black male image, he argues, has been battered, maligned, and assaulted by academics, the press, and Hollywood, as well as by some black rappers, comedians, feminists, filmmakers, and novelists—many of whom he accuses of reinforcing, and profiting from, ethnic and sexual stereotypes. Offering both a wide historical perspective and acute insights into such racially charged events as the O. J. Simpson trial, the Clarence Thomas hearings, and the Million Man March, Hutchinson brilliantly counters the image of the black male as a figure entrenched in crime, drugs, and violence. At the same time, he issues a deeply moving call to rethink the way we view African-American men."
As we have seen, the black male image is often tarnished in cases dealing with police brutality. Criminal history is brought up and any attempt is made to turn the black man into a monster. This book will delve into all of these atrocities and speak on the black man's place in society.
3. Death of Innocence: The Story of the Hate Crime That Changed America by Mamie Till-Mobley
"There are many heroes of the civil rights movement—men and women we can look to for inspiration. Each has a unique story, a path that led to a role as leader or activist. Death of Innocence is the heartbreaking and ultimately inspiring story of one such hero: Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till—an innocent fourteen-year-old African-American boy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and who paid for it with his life. His outraged mother’s actions galvanized the civil rights movement, leaving an indelible mark on American racial consciousness."
I did not learn about Emmett Till until I did some reading outside of the classroom. Since I was never taught about him, it will be interesting to hear his story told by his mother.
4. The Black History of the White House by Clarence Lusane
"The Black History of the White House presents the untold history, racial politics, and shifting significance of the White House as experienced by African Americans, from the generations of enslaved people who helped to build it or were forced to work there to its first black First Family, the Obamas."
Michelle Obama said in her speech at the Democratic National Convention: "I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves. And I watch my daughters, two beautiful, intelligent black young women, playing with their dogs on the White House lawn.” This statement gives testament to the fact that black people did in fact build this country. This book will tell the story of how the White House came to be.
5. Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur
"Assata Shakur recounts the experiences that led her to a life of activism and portrays the strengths, weaknesses, and eventual demise of Black and White revolutionary groups at the hand of government officials. The result is a signal contribution to the literature about growing up Black in America that has already taken its place alongside The Autobiography of Malcolm X and the works of Maya Angelou."
I've always been interested in African American leaders and pioneers. Assata Shakur was another person that I was not taught about in school. I'm excited to learn about her story as it relates to the Civil Rights Movement.
Dive into these books to expand your knowledge and enrich your mind. Happy reading!
Source: amazon.com
