15 Must Read Books That Reflect African American History And Experience

Four hundred Souls walks through African-American history through the eyes of different black writers and poets. Demystifying long-held assumptions about Black history, the book shines a light on the more salient nature of instituted racism across America’s history.

The stage opens with the arrival of the first African slaves on American soil in 1619 and weaves its way to 2019 with the 45th U.S. president’s appointment.

Written by Angie Thomas, The Hate You Give is one of those African American history books that you should read more than once. It depicts the life of a typical young African-American girl caught in the web of police brutality, political activism, and racial discrimination. T.H.U.G. conveys a strong message that expands on the Black Lives Matter Movement.

In this truly sensational read, Anna Malaika recreates the life of the mothers of three prominent icons in African-American History. The book gives a fresh perspective on social justice, racial inequality, and how the relentless tenacity of three mothers set the pace against systemic discrimination.

It also brings to the limelight previously unknown or ignored details about these women’s roles in what would set the stage for modern social activism.

Named by Time as one of the “10 Required Reading Books” in the non-fiction category, this gripping autobiography is authored by Malcolm X himself, alongside Alex Haley.

It describes the life, challenges, and philosophy of one of the most active Black-America history voices until his assassination. It was published after Malcolm X’s death in 1965 with Alex Haley providing useful insights into the last days of this human rights activism.

Sing Unburied Sing explores the challenges of a family trying to survive the aftermath of slavery in America. Using strong characters and spiritual elements, Jesmyn brings issues like racism, African traditions, and white supremacism to the foreground.

In a Facebook post in 2017, Barack Obama revealed: “Sing, Unburied, Sing” was included in his best read-list for the year.

Assata was a former member of Black Panther and the Black Liberation Army, instrumental in the revolution against repeated police brutality cases and social injustice.

She eventually fled to political asylum in Cuba after being placed on the F.B.I.’s most wanted terrorists list. Her book, published in 1988, documents her encounter with political activism, racism, and social oppression.

This explosive book takes a hard look at the idea of a “racial-caste” system in America. Using the Prison statistics of Black Americans, the author Michelle Alexander offers her readers a second look at the hydra-headed racial control system.

A civil rights litigator herself, she argues that Mass incarceration be addressed as an issue bordering on societal justice and civil rights.

Isabel got the inspiration for this book’s title from “Black-boy”, a poem written by Richard Wright in 1945. It weaves around the flow of African-Americans from the Southern parts of the United States.

This book documents the shift in the location responsible for the current distribution of Blacks in America. It has won different awards since it was published in 2010. In addition, this book is a national bestseller. 

Many of James Baldwin’s books and essays explored some controversial themes and avoided racial discrimination and civil rights. The Fire Next Time was no different.

A combination of two essays, its narrative delivered in a letter form, parallels many of the underlying issues affecting the black community today.

While it was originally written as a children’s book, the issues raised in this book make it worth reading for any African-American willing to find out more about their history. It won the Newberry Medal award in 1977.

Set against the backdrop of the race-riots in North Carolina, Chestnutt weaves a storyline that sheds light on the racial segregation and white supremacist movement of 1898.

The effects contributed to the death of many African-Americans during the Wilmington insurrection.

Using her autobiography, Angelou revisits some of the sensitive issues that plague every young African-American girl’s life.

This includes growing up in a racially prejudiced environment, rape and self-identity. Once a victim, she also shares honest and practical tips to thrive as a black woman in America.

This book traces the story of Alex Haley back to his African roots. It documents the search of an African-American character for his origin.

While Alex Haley released this book as fiction, it resonates with many blacks today on a quest to discover their real history.

Ashley Farmer in this book uncovers the impact of African-American women in political movements and activism.

Using artwork and political manifestos by black women, “Remaking Black Power” redefines black women’s true significance in shaping modern African-American history.