Books have long been a cornerstone of cultural preservation and empowerment. This is especially true within the African American community, where books created for us and by us have a history of being banned from libraries, schools, and the mainstream altogether. For that reason, we’re highlighting 20 books every African American should read (or reread), amplifying voices that have shaped our collective consciousness.
From classic literature that sheds light on the Black experience to contemporary works that challenge societal norms, these stories are windows into our history, struggles, triumphs, and futures. They educate, inspire, and provoke thought, serving as reminders of where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
Whether you’re reconnecting with your heritage, seeking a deeper understanding of social justice, or simply looking for inspiration, this list is a treasure trove of must-reads.
KEEP SCROLLING FOR 20 BOOKS EVERY AFRICAN AMERICAN SHOULD READ
This comic novel is about a man who struggles to live within a societal hierarchy while trying to balance his skin color and wealth.
2. “The Blacker The Berry” by Wallace Thurman
Looking for hope, Emma Lou Morgan—a person unashamed of being black but ashamed about the darkness of her skin—leaves her home in Idaho and finds herself in the middle of the Harlem Renaissance. This puts her on a soul-finding journey to accepting herself as she is.
3. “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
Written by Kathryn Stockett, this book is details the point-of-view and hardships of African-American housekeepers working in white homes during the civil rights movement.
4. “We’re Gonna Need More Wine” by Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union tells the story the of her life in this funny, heartwarming, and tear-jerking autobiography. Grab a glass of wine and get cozy!
5. "The Success Commandments: Master the Ten Spiritual Principles to Achieve Your Destiny" by DeVon Franklin
In his book, Franklin gives guidelines on navigating life and finding success by using your faith and trust in the Lord.
6. “Song Of Solomon” by Toni Morrison
This story is about a man named Milkman Dead who attempts to “learn to fly by all means,”…literally and figuratively.
7. “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” by Fredrick Douglas
This book tells the story of Frederick Douglas, the man who went from being a slave to an abolitionist, writer, newspaper editor, and orator.
8. “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou
“I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” is an autobiography detailing the life and career of Maya Angelou.
9. “Half Of A Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Taking place in Nigeria, this novel explores the promise, hope, and disappointment of the Biafran war.
10. “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly
This true story is about three intelligent African-American women who worked at NASA and were responsible for helping put the first man on the moon.
11. “Go Tell It On The Mountain” by James Baldwin
This book is about John Grimes an intelligent teenager living in Harlem during the 1930’s finding his identity living under the shadow of his step father who is the pastor of the church he’s grown up in.
12. "Assata: An Autobiography" by Assata Shakur
This autobiography explains what happened during the shooting and killing of a White police trooper on the New Jersey Turnpike in May of 1973. Officers questioned Shakur about the incident while she was handcuffed to a hospital bed after being seriously wounded in the incident.
13. "Annie Allen" by Gwendolyn Brooks
Brooks became the first African-American to receive the Pulitzer Prize for this book. “Annie Allen” is a collection of poems that follows the life of the author from childhood to womanhood, and addresses themes such as poverty, racial discrimination, parental expectations, and unhappiness.
14. "Up From Slavery" by Booker T. Washington
“Up From Slavery” is an autobiography sharing Booker T. Washington’s life story, from experiencing being a child slave during the Civil War to the obstacles he faced while trying to chase a quality education.
15. "Blessed Life: My Surprising Journey of Joy, Tears, and Tales from Harlem to Hollywood " by Kim Fields
Kiem Fields’ book follows her life from accomplishments to struggles and how this actress, producer, director (and now author) came to be.
16. "The Secret Life Of Bees" By Sue Monk Kidd
This book beautifully depicts how the healing power of love can supersede hate and racism,
17. "Kindred" by Octavia E. Butler
“Kindred” is about a woman named Dana who is kidnapped from her husband’s birthday party and taken to the antebellum south in the past. She then is forced to navigate the racially tense South.
18. "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison
“The Bluest Eye”, by Toni Morrison, explores the dangers that white beauty standards have on black people and black culture.
19. “Higher Is Waiting” by Tyler Perry
Chronicling his life through a series of journal entries, Tyler Perry pens a book that encourages all who read it to seek God and keep moving forward as God takes you to higher places.
20. “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander
This book argues that the U.S. criminal justice system is being used as a contemporary system of racial control even as it adheres to the principle of colorblindness (OJP.gov).
