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Learning history is really important for everyone, no matter how you do it.
It helps us understand where we come from and why things are the way they are today.
In this post, I’ve picked out 10 nonfiction books on Black history that look at things from different angles so you can get a better idea of the full story.
I’ve read a few of these myself, and even the ones I’ve already finished, I want to read them again because there’s always something new to learn.
This is kind of unrelated, but writing this post reminded me of a memory from secondary school.
I wanted to take history as one of my subjects, but my mom insisted I pick government instead.
She thought it would be better for my future.
I didn’t get it back then, so now that I can read more about history, I’ve made it a point to study it more.
I really think it’s something everyone should do!
1. So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
This book breaks down tough topics about race, like privilege, police brutality, and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Ijeoma Oluo talks honestly about difficult subjects and makes them easy to understand.
She does a wonderful job of explaining things without judgment, so it feels like you’re having a real, honest conversation.
It’s a great read if you want to understand more about race and what we can do to make things better for everyone.
2. The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
This book is all about the powerful role the Black church has played in American history.
From the days of slavery to the Civil Rights Movement, the church has been a source of strength, resistance, and community for Black Americans.
Gates takes us on a journey through its rich history and shows how it helped shape our nation.
This is a beautiful tribute to the church’s lasting impact on Black culture and history.
3. Across That Bridge by John Lewis
In this heartfelt book, the late Congressman John Lewis shares his wisdom and experiences from the Civil Rights Movement.
He teaches us about nonviolence and the importance of standing up for what’s right, even in the face of adversity.
Lewis’ reflections are a powerful reminder that we all have a part to play in making the world a better, more just place.
4. In the Shadow of Slavery by Leslie M. Harris
Leslie Harris shines a light on the African American experience in New York City before emancipation.
She uncovers the history of enslaved people who helped build the city and reveals the hidden history of Black New Yorkers.
This book is a fascinating look at how African Americans shaped the city and fought against racial inequality, even in the North.
5. The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones
This groundbreaking book rethinks American history by putting slavery at the center of the story.
It explores how the legacy of slavery still affects every part of American life today, from politics to culture.
I love how the book not only looks back at the past but also connects it to the struggles for justice we face right now.
6. The Young Crusaders by V.P. Franklin
This book tells the powerful story of the young people who led the charge in the Civil Rights Movement.
They organized protests, boycotts, and marches, demanding justice and equality.
These young crusaders often worked behind the scenes and showed us how much youth activism has shaped the progress we see today.
7. Banking on Slavery by Sharon Murphy
Murphy examines how banks were deeply tied to the institution of slavery, especially in the South.
It’s a sobering look at how financial institutions profited from enslaved people.
The book sheds light on how slavery wasn’t just an economic system.
It was woven into the fabric of American capitalism, even in places like banks, where money was made from people’s suffering.
8. Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
Kendi traces the history of racist ideas and shows how they’ve been used to justify discrimination.
He talks about key thinkers in American history, from slave owners to abolitionists, and how their ideas shaped the way we think about race.
It’s a fascinating, sometimes uncomfortable read, but it’s so important for understanding how racism is built into society and how we can work to dismantle it.
9. Soundtrack to a Movement: African American Islam, Jazz, and Black Internationalism by Richard Brent Turner
This book goes into how jazz music and Black Islam came together in the mid-20th century and helped shape African American identity and activism.
Turner shows how jazz musicians used their music to spread messages of freedom and self-determination to deeply influence the rise of Black Islam.
In my opinion, this is a super unique and inspiring look at the intersection of music, religion, and activism.
10. The Three Mothers by Anna Malaika Tubbs
In this touching book, Anna Malaika Tubbs tells the story of the three incredible mothers who raised Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin.
These women, though often overlooked, shaped their sons into the powerful figures they became.
Tubbs celebrates the strength and love of Black motherhood, showing how these women’s sacrifices and wisdom changed the world.
If you’ve read any of them or have suggestions of your own, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for even more book recommendations.
