Books about black experiences have helped people better understand the struggles, achievements and culture that have shaped the society.

From personal narratives written during slavery to modern books about justice and identity many of these works have influenced out the average person in communities think about history today.

One of the most impactful books that most students have some insight on would be “Narrative of the life of Fredrick Douglass”. The book was written in 1845 and tells the story of Douglass’s life in slavery and his journey to freedom. When the book was published it gave people that first hand account of the horrors of slavery.

His book helped people see the truth about the realities of slavery and strengthen the abolition movement. Books like this that speak on the horrors of slavery are often left out of the history text books.

Another autobiography, “The autobiography of Malcolm x” spoke on his expedited that shaped his views on activism and equality. The typical textbook in school doesn’t focus on real people, its often brushed off. Reading these stories you realize how history isn’t just dates and events, its so much more nuanced.

“I believe in recognizing every human being — neither white, black, brown, or red; and when you are dealing with humanity as a family there’s no question or integration… or one human being living around and with another human being.”  Malcom X said in the autobiography of Malcolm X.

These books highlight black voices. Those voices and ideas have influenced culture, politics, and education for generations.

By sharing real stories from black authors, people gain perspective. Although these books weren’t written in this decade other books such as “Maame” by Jessica George, “A Spell of Good Things” by Ayobami Adebayo, and “Riot Baby” by Tochi Onyebuchi are all beautiful pieces of literature to pick up and read.