Celebrating Black Voices: 10 Must-Read Books by Black Authors for Black History Month

This February, honor Black History Month through literature and celebrate the rich tapestry of voices and stories within the Black community. Literature serves as a powerful vehicle for understanding, empathy, and connection. Black authors have contributed immensely to the literary world, offering illuminating, challenging, and inspiring perspectives. 

“Stories written by Black authors are important for cultural representation. Writers like Jamaica Kincaid, Marlon James, and Claude McKay are emblematic of the importance of cultural representation because they epitomize the different voices in the Black community,” said Malik Windsor, writing for the Center for Black Literature.

Books by Black authors foster greater understanding and empathy by exposing readers to perspectives different from their own, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable literary landscape. Celebrating Black authors during Black History Month is one way to recognize their invaluable contributions to literature and society as a whole.

The following ten books amplify marginalized voices and provide a platform for stories often overlooked in mainstream narratives, honoring the rich literary heritage of Black communities and showcasing their diverse experiences, struggles, and triumphs. How many have you read?

1. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning and New York Times Bestselling book. Sethe, a formerly enslaved person, grapples with the trauma of her past when the spirit of her deceased daughter returns, forcing her to confront painful memories. Exploring the legacy of slavery and its enduring impact on generations, Morrison’s lyrical prose and unflinching portrayal of history make “Beloved” an unforgettable read.

2. “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker

Alice Walker’s iconic novel, “The Color Purple,” depicts the life of Black women in early-twentieth-century rural Georgia. Separated as girls, sisters Celie and Nettie sustain their loyalty to each other across time and distance. Through Celie’s letters to God, Walker crafts a narrative of resilience, sisterhood, and empowerment in the face of oppression and abuse. An influential cultural touchstone of modern American literature, “The Color Purple” won the National Book Award and a Pulitzer Prize.

3. “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates’s poignant and searingly honest letter to his teenage son tackles race, identity, and the Black experience in America. Drawing on history, personal anecdotes, and social commentary, Coates reflects on the realities of being Black in a society plagued by systemic racism and violence. “Between the World and Me” asks significant questions about American history and is a necessary read to understand the complexities of race in the United States. 

4. “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead

In Colson Whitehead’s gripping novel, the railroad is not a metaphor. Engineers and conductors run a covert network of tunnels through southern states. Follow Cora, a young enslaved person, on a perilous journey to freedom as she encounters both kindness and cruelty. Through Cora’s odyssey, Whitehead crafts a powerful narrative that confronts the brutality of slavery while offering hope and resilience in the face of oppression.

5. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston

Set in the early 20th century, “Their Eyes Were Watching God” is a timeless exploration of love, independence, and self-discovery. Zora Neale Hurston’s novel follows Janie Crawford as she navigates three marriages in search of her voice. Hurston’s vivid storytelling captures the essence of Black life in the American South with unparalleled beauty and depth.

6. “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin

James Baldwin delivers a searing indictment of race relations in America in this landmark nonfiction work. Consisting of two “letters,” Baldwin urges Americans, both Black and White, to reflect on the terrible legacy of racism. Baldwin reflects on the role of race in society, the legacy of slavery, and the struggle for equality and justice. “The Fire Next Time” remains as relevant and incisive today as it was upon its publication more than 50 years ago, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race and identity.

7. “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi

Named one of Oprah’s best books of the year, “Homegoing” traces the parallels of two half-sisters and their descendants through eight generations. Each chapter offers a glimpse into different family members’ lives, spanning centuries from slavery to the present day. Gyasi’s sweeping narrative illuminates the interconnectedness of past and present, plus trauma and resilience in a captivating and deeply moving saga.

8. “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Americanah” is a poignant exploration of race, identity, and belonging through the eyes of Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman navigating life in America who must grapple with issues of race constantly. Adichie offers incisive commentary on immigration, privilege, and the complexities of love and friendship in “Americanah,” a rich, immersive read that resonates long after the final page.

9. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas

#1 New York Times Bestseller “The Hate U Give” tackles pressing issues of race, police brutality, and activism through the eyes of Starr Carter. The Black teenager unfortunately witnesses a fatal shooting of her unarmed friend by a police officer, which spurs her towards activism. As Starr finds herself torn between her predominantly Black neighborhood and her mostly White school, Thomas crafts a compelling narrative that speaks to the urgency of the Black Lives Matter movement and the power of speaking out against injustice.

10. “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward

Jesmyn Ward’s “Sing, Unburied, Sing” is a haunting tale of family, loss, and redemption set against the backdrop of rural Mississippi. Through the perspectives of multiple characters, including a young boy haunted by the ghosts of the past, Ward weaves a narrative that explores the bonds that tie us together and the burdens that weigh us down. “Sing, Unburied, Sing” is a beautifully crafted novel, an intimate portrayal of three generations of a family, and an epic tale of hope and struggle.

Celebrate Black History Month and honor Black authors’ achievements and contributions throughout history and literature. These ten books by Black authors offer a glimpse into the richness and diversity of the Black experience, inviting readers to listen, learn, and empathize with stories that all should hear.