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When we think about the past, it’s impossible to ignore how racism has shaped so much of history.
But, through writing, Black authors have given us a way to not only see those struggles but also feel the hope and strength that came from them.
Books like these are important because they share the truth, spark conversations, and open our eyes to the world around us.
I’ve included a mix of both fiction and nonfiction in this list, because both bring something valuable to the table.
Fiction lets us step into different lives and experiences, while nonfiction teaches us real lessons and truths.
I hope you’ll find something here that speaks to you and that you’ll keep these stories in mind as we continue to learn from the past and work toward a better future.
1. Amiable with Big Teeth by Claude McKay
This colorful and dramatic novel takes us to 1930s Harlem, where the community is rallying to support Ethiopia against Mussolini’s invasion.
Alongside the political organizing, McKay dives into Harlem’s vibrant and complex social scene and combines satire, romance, and global intrigue.
It’s a fascinating look at how African Americans fought for justice, not just at home but around the world.
2. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Janie Crawford is a woman who refuses to let life define her.
Set in the 1930s, this beautiful story follows her journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Each of her three marriages teaches her something new about freedom and identity.
Hurston’s writing is like poetry, and Janie’s story feels so personal – like she’s sitting across from you, telling you her life.
3. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
This play centers on a Black family in 1950s Chicago that are wrestling with big dreams and the challenges of poverty and racism.
The Younger family is trying to decide what to do with a life insurance payout, and their hopes and conflicts are so raw and real.
It’s heartbreaking, hopeful, and a powerful reminder of how dreams can shape us, even when the odds are against us.
4. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
This gripping story follows Dana, a Black woman from the 1970s, who is suddenly pulled back in time to a plantation in the 1800s.
Each trip back becomes more dangerous as she witnesses the horrors of slavery and reveals the painful ties between her past and present.
Butler’s storytelling is unforgettable, and the way she ties history to modern struggles is incredible.
5. The Tragedy of Brady Sims by Ernest J. Gaines
After Brady Sims shoots his own son in a courtroom, the story unravels in a small-town barbershop, where the locals share the truth about his life.
Brady’s tough love was meant to protect Black kids in a harsh world, but when his own son falters, tragedy follows.
It’s a heartbreaking and deeply human tale about community, love, and survival in the Jim Crow South.
6. The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man by James Weldon Johnson
This novel tells the story of a biracial man who has the chance to pass as white and grapples with what that means for his identity.
It’s a moving exploration of race in America and the sacrifices people make to fit into a world that doesn’t always see their worth.
And, it’s eye-opening, raw, and still so incredibly relevant today.
7. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
This is a story about a nameless Black man trying to find his place in a world that refuses to see him.
From the Deep South to Harlem, his journey reveals the harsh realities of racism and the struggles for identity.
Ellison’s writing is sharp and haunting, and this book will make you think deeply about what it means to truly be seen.
8. Cane by Jean Toomer
This book feels like walking through a gallery of stunning portraits.
It’s a combination of poems and stories that capture Black life in the South and the North during the Harlem Renaissance.
The imagery is rich – sugarcane fields, smoky cities – and it’s filled with the beauty and struggles of life.
Toomer’s writing honestly feels like art come alive.
9. Beloved by Toni Morrison
Sethe has escaped slavery, but her past haunts her – literally.
It’s a heart-wrenching tale about love, trauma, and the scars of slavery.
Morrison’s writing is both beautiful and brutal, and the way she captures the pain and strength of her characters is unforgettable.
It’s a tough read, but so worth it.
10. Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes
This coming-of-age story follows Sandy, a young boy growing up in 1930s Kansas.
His family struggles with racism, poverty, and big dreams, but their love for one another shines through.
Hughes brings so much heart to this novel, and he shows the joys and pains of everyday life. It’s warm, real, and full of soul.
11. Native Son by Richard Wright
Bigger Thomas’s life spirals out of control after a tragic mistake, and this gripping novel explores the consequences of racism and poverty in 1930s Chicago.
It’s a hard, raw story that forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about society.
Wright doesn’t hold back, and it’s a book that stays with you long after you finish it.
12. Passing by Nella Larsen
Irene and Clare are childhood friends who reconnect as adults, but Clare’s life is built on a secret – she’s been passing as white.
Their reunion stirs up questions about identity and belonging, and the tension is palpable.
I love how this story dives into the complexities of race and friendship with such elegance.
13. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs
This is Harriet Jacobs’ true story of escaping slavery and fighting to reunite with her children.
She endured unimaginable hardships, including hiding in a tiny attic for seven years.
Her courage and determination shine through every page.
It’s a heartbreaking but inspiring account of a woman’s fight for freedom and family.
I hope you find something you love, and be sure to check out the related posts for more book ideas.
Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear which one you’re excited to read!
