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One thing that’s super important during Black History Month and beyond is making sure to support Black writers.
I’ve worked with several behind the scenes, especially indie authors, and they need all the help they can get.
The truth is, indie authors don’t get the same amount of publicity that those attached to traditional publishing houses do.
I’ve written a whole post where I talk about everything you can do as a reader to support indie authors, but in this post, I want to focus on what you can do and the role you can play to support Black writers.
These are simple, easy steps to start that won’t take too much of your time, and they’ll definitely make you feel good knowing you’ve done a good deed.
1. Read Books by Black Authors
One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to support Black authors is by reading their books.
The literary world is full of incredible Black writers whose work spans every genre you can imagine – from fiction to memoirs, poetry to thrillers.
Whether you’re into heart-wrenching novels or exciting mysteries, there’s something out there for everyone.
For example:
- The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is a must-read about identity and race.
- The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead is a gripping and imaginative take on American history.
- If you prefer poetry, The Tradition by Jericho Brown is full of powerful, thought-provoking poems.
By reading books by Black authors, you’re helping to support their success and show the world how important their voices are.
2. Follow Black Authors on Social Media
Another way to support Black authors is by following them on social media.
Authors often share their latest projects, personal thoughts, and behind-the-scenes looks at their work on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
When you follow them, you help boost their visibility and give them a platform to share their ideas with more people.
For example, I love following authors like Jason Reynolds, Roxane Gay, and Tiffany D. Jackson.
They’re often sharing meaningful content about their writing journeys, book recommendations, and their thoughts on current events.
By liking, commenting, and sharing their posts, you’re helping them reach a wider audience and encouraging others to explore their books.
3. Write Reviews and Share Your Thoughts
After reading a book by a Black author, take a few minutes to leave a review.
Writing a review on Goodreads, your blog, or even on social media can have a big impact.
Reviews help spread the word about great books, especially those by lesser-known authors who need more exposure.
Plus, a review doesn’t have to be long or complicated – just a few sentences can make a difference!
When you share your thoughts on a book, you’re amplifying the voice of the author and encouraging others to check out their work.
You never know who might discover their next favorite book through your recommendation.
And if you’re stumped about how to write a review for a book you’ve read and enjoyed, here are my top of the top tips.
4. Join or Start a Virtual Book Club
If you’re looking for a fun way to dive deeper into books by Black authors, consider joining or starting a virtual book club.
You can find groups focused on reading books by Black writers, or you could start your own with friends.
It’s a great way to read new books, engage in meaningful discussions, and support the authors whose work you’re reading.
Some well-known clubs include #ReadBlackAuthors and The Black AF Book Club, which offer a chance to read and discuss books with like-minded people.
Virtual book clubs are a wonderful way to learn more, share your thoughts, and find even more authors to love.
5. Recommend Books to Friends and Family
Do you have friends or family who love to read?
Help spread the word by recommending books by Black authors to them.
Sharing a book you loved can open up a whole new world for someone, and who knows?
Maybe they’ll pass on the recommendation to others, and this will create a ripple effect of support for Black authors.
For example, if you loved An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, recommend it to a friend who enjoys contemporary fiction.
Your recommendation might be the nudge they need to pick up that book and to keep recommending great books to others.
6. Support Black-Owned Bookstores
Shopping at Black-owned bookstores is another way to directly support Black authors.
These bookstores are key in promoting and selling books by Black writers.
By purchasing from Black-owned bookstores, whether online or in person, you’re contributing to the success of these businesses and helping them continue to thrive.
Some wonderful Black-owned bookstores include MahoganyBooks (which has locations in Washington, D.C., and online), Source Booksellers in Detroit, and Semicolon in Chicago.
Next time you’re in the market for a new book, consider visiting one of these bookstores to support both the store and the authors they feature.
7. Donate to Organizations Supporting Black Writers
There are many organizations that support Black writers by providing grants, resources, and opportunities to help them get their work published and recognized.
Donating to these organizations is a great way to give back and make a difference.
These donations can help Black authors cover publishing costs, attend writing workshops, and access the resources they need to succeed.
Some organizations you might want to check out include The Hurston/Wright Foundation, which works to support Black writers, and The Black Writers Alliance, which provides educational resources and community for writers of color.
8. Attend Literary Events or Festivals
If you’re able to, attending literary events and festivals that feature Black authors is a fantastic way to show support.
These events allow you to hear from authors directly, ask them questions, and engage with their work on a deeper level.
Many of these events are virtual, so you don’t even need to leave your home to participate.
Events like The National Black Writers Conference and The Harlem Book Fair are popular places to connect with Black authors, learn more about their books, and show your support.
These festivals help to create more opportunities for Black authors to be seen and heard, so attending these events is a meaningful way to get involved.
9. Buy Signed Copies or Special Editions
Want to make your support feel even more personal?
Purchase signed copies or limited-edition prints of books by Black authors.
Signed copies are often sold through authors’ personal websites or at book festivals, and they’re a great way to show how much you value their work.
Plus, it’s a special keepsake for your bookshelf.
Limited editions are also an exciting way to get a unique version of a book – sometimes with added content or special covers – while supporting the author at the same time.
10. Learn About Their Life Stories
Sometimes, learning about the lives of Black authors can add even more meaning to the books we read.
Many Black authors have faced challenges, fought through adversity, and overcome obstacles that shaped their writing.
Reading interviews, biographies, or watching documentaries about them gives us a deeper appreciation for their work.
I’ve done the work and curated this list of the very best nonfiction books that totally belong on your black history month reading list.
11. Create Art or Write About Black Authors
If you’re creative, why not use your talents to support Black authors in a unique way?
You can draw, paint, write poetry, or even blog about the books and authors that inspire you.
Creating art or writing about Black authors not only shows your appreciation for their work, but it also helps spread the word to others.
You can write a blog post about your favorite books, create fan art inspired by a character, or even write a poem that connects with the themes of a book you’ve read.
This kind of creative expression can help share their stories with new audiences and deepen your own connection to their work.
Celebrating and supporting Black authors is something we can do every day, not just during Black History Month.
The actions we take – whether it’s reading, recommending, or simply learning more about their lives – can have a lasting impact.
Let’s continue to support and uplift these authors, not only for a month, but all year long.
I’d love to hear about your favorite Black authors and how you plan to support them.
Drop a comment below or share your thoughts on social media!
Let’s keep this conversation going and celebrate Black authors today and every day.
