From the arts and culture, to history and music, these books help celebrate and honor Black History Month this February and every month beyond.
For further reading, browse our previous collections here and here.
Vigilance: The Life of William Still, Father of the Underground Railroad by Andrew K. Diemer
The remarkable and inspiring story of William Still, an unknown abolitionist who dedicated his life to managing a critical section of the Underground Railroad in Philadelphia—the free state directly north of the Mason-Dixon Line—helping hundreds of people escape from slavery.
“Diemer weaves in the stories of many other figures . . . whose neglected histories deserve attention and care. Still’s archive is, as he intended, a vibrant legacy, an essential reminder that freedom is often won rather than granted. Diemer’s book, meanwhile, is a tribute to the record keepers.”—Catherine Clinton, The New York Times
“Vigilance . . . retrieves an important piece of American history . . . fulfill[ing] the purpose that Mr. Diemer lays out: to remedy Still’s ‘erasure’ from historical memory.”—Roger Lowenstein, Wall Street Journal
Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley and the Struggle for Equality By Tomiko Brown-Nagin
The first major biography of one of our most influential but least known activist lawyers that provides an eye-opening account of the twin struggles for gender equality and civil rights in the 20th Century.
“Written by legal and Civil Rights historian Tomiko Brown-Nagin…this biography about [an] iconic female leader…is the perfect nonfiction addition to your bookshelf this year.”—The Appalachian, “Most Anticipated Books of 2022”
Available in Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook Editions
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A Few Days Full of Trouble: Revelations on the Journey to Justice for My Cousin and Best Friend, Emmett Till by Reverend Wheeler Parker, Jr. and Christopher Benson
The last surviving witness to the lynching of Emmett Till tells his story, with poignant recollections of Emmett as a boy, critical insights into the recent investigation, and powerful lessons for racial reckoning, both then and now.
“In this moving and important book, the Reverend Wheeler Parker Jr. and Christopher Benson give us a unique window onto the anguished search for justice in a case whose implications shape us still.”—Jon Meacham
“Emmett Till’s murder changed the course of American history. Like so much of our history, the truth of it has been shrouded and distorted, but Reverend Parker’s riveting book reveals new details about Till’s life and community, as well as shocking twists in the decades-long quest for justice. It’s a precious contribution to our shared history, and I am grateful for it.”—Heather McGhee, New York Times bestselling author of The Sum of Us
Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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Twice as Hard: The Stories of Black Women Who Fought to Become Physicians, from the Civil War to the 21st Century by Jasmine Brown
Black women physicians’ stories have gone untold for far too long, leaving gaping holes in American medical history, in women’s history, and in black history. It’s time to set the record straight.
“At once a celebration of Black women’s medical achievements throughout history and an indictment of misogynoir in medical education, Twice as Hard is an essential, enraging read that deftly weaves the author’s own experience as a Black woman in medicine among the rich historical profiles.”—Olivia Campbell, author of Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine
“A fascinating journey into the depths of American history told through undervalued voices. Brown brings to life the stories of nine amazing women who fought racial and gender discrimination at every turn on their paths to becoming pioneering physicians.”—Damon Tweedy, MD, author of Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor’s Reflections on Race and Medicine
Available in Hardcover and eBook Editions.
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The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama
In an inspiring follow-up to her critically acclaimed, #1 bestselling memoir Becoming, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and powerful strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today’s highly uncertain world.
“Reaffirming . . . What makes the book special is that it builds on parts of Becoming, and [Michelle] Obama serves as mentor and guide.”—The Washington Post
“Obama’s road map for uncertain times resonates in ways that other self-help books do not. . . . Through her stories, experiences and thoughts, we’re finding the light with her.”—The New York Times
Available in Hardcover, eBook, Audio, and Large Print Editions.
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The Body Liberation Project: How Understanding Racism and Diet Culture Helps Cultivate Joy and Build Collective Freedom by Chrissy King
From author and wellness personality Chrissy King, an exciting, genre-redefining narrative mix of memoir, inspiration, and activities and prompts, with timely messages about social and racial justice and how the world needs to move beyond body positivity to something even more exciting and revolutionary: body liberation.
“The Body Liberation Project ultimately teaches us the practice of self-love and community love. It teaches us to hold space within our bodies for the nuance, for the possibilities, and for the joy.”—Layla F. Saad, New York Times bestselling author of Me and White Supremacy
“This is the book that we have been waiting for and it has arrived right on time. And now, I will go back and read it a third time and then again. May we continue to not only learn, but to unlearn. Thank you, Chrissy King.”—Jen Pastiloff, bestselling author of On Being Human
Available March 14th in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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Scenes from My Life: A Memoir by Michael K. Williams
A “gripping, revelatory” (NPR) memoir of hard-won success, struggles with addiction, and a lifelong mission to give back—from the late iconic actor beloved for his roles in The Wire, Boardwalk Empire, and Lovecraft Country.
“Williams’s cool rasp leaps off every page, his story told in the direct yet impassioned language that defined his greatest characters.”—Vulture
“Refreshingly straightforward . . . Scenes from My Life is an altogether superior memoir.”—The Washington Post
Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
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My America: Recipes from a Young Black Chef: A Cookbook by Kwame Onwuachi and Joshua Stein
What is American food? In his first cookbook, Kwame Onwuachi (“the most important chef in America”—San Francisco Chronicle), the acclaimed author of Notes from a Young Black Chef, shares the dishes of his America; dishes that show the true diversity of American food.
“A must-have for anyone who wants to be a better cook. Each recipe is an insight into Kwame’s family, travels, and time spent in some of the best kitchens in the world.”—David Chang
Onwuachi’s America truly marvels at the country’s melting pot, perhaps as only a millennial child of New York City can . . . His recipes pass along not just family history, but larger historical truths, too.”—The Washington Post
Available in Hardcover and eBook Editions.
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Aphrochic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home by Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason
A powerful, visually stunning celebration of Black homeownership, featuring inspiring homes and family histories of notable Black Americans—including chef Alexander Smalls and actor Danielle Brooks.
“The most important design book of our time.”—Stacey Lindsay, design editor, Camille Styles
“Sixteen tours thrillingly document Black homes in Bryan Mason and Jeanine Hays’s AphroChic, at once a rousing celebration of Black homeownership and a salient reminder of the obstacles that many still face.”—Parker Bowie Larson, style director,ELLE Decor
Available in Hardcover and eBook Editions.
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Fresh Fly Fabulous: 50 Years of Hip Hop Style by Elizabeth Way and Elena Romero; Foreword by Slick Rick
On a hot summer night in August of 1973, DJ Kool Herc and his sister, Cindy, put on a “back to school jam” in the rec room of their apartment block at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the West Bronx. The rest is history. The birth of hip hop rippled out across the globe, influencing music and fashion for generations.
Fresh Fly Fabulous is the definitive source for hip hop style, brought to life by the groundbreaking photographers who captured it firsthand, including Janette Beckman, Jamel Shabazz, and Ernie Paniccioli.
Available in Hardcover.
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9 Undead Audiobooks for Your The Last of Us Obsession
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