Black History Month is a significant time to celebrate the rich and diverse contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It provides an opportunity to honor the remarkable figures who have shaped our world, such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela and many others. Their profound impact on the fight for freedom, equality, and justice is invaluable. In commemorating their legacies, we recognize the importance of sharing their stories through literature. There are numerous books that beautifully capture the courage, resilience, and achievements of these extraordinary individuals, allowing us to appreciate their struggles and triumphs. By exploring these books, we can deepen our understanding of Black history and foster a genuine appreciation for the immense contributions of Black people to our shared human experience.
I also invite you to listen to some wonderful stories from a terrific series called Bookmarks that premiered on Netflix back in 2020. Check out the videos on my Libguide, where you can hear authors and illustrators reading their own work as well as the work of others.
As well as books about important figures from our past, we have incredible books written and illustrated by Black people in the last 20 years. We have an amazing collection of books in our library and invite you to check out one of these today; from picture books to biographies, from novels to non-fiction, there is something in our library to suit every stage, and every age of reader. Below are just a few.
28 days in Black History that Changed the World
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History
The Story of Martin Luther King Junior: A biography book for new readers
Books about the frustrations of names being mispronounced
Books about Hair Love
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
the barefoot librarian 