Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, specifically marking the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, and announced that enslaved black people in the state were free. While the Emancipation Proclamation was effective in 1863, not all enslaved individuals were immediately freed due to Confederate-controlled areas. To celebrate this holiday, it is suggested to support Black authors by reading their books, many of which are filled with heartache and triumph, providing unique and compelling stories. Fiction books recommended for reading include “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker, “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin, “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, “Black Leopard, Red Wolf” by Marlon James, and “My Sister, the Serial Killer” by Oyinkan Braithwaite.
For readers interested in non-fiction, recommended books include “You Can’t Touch My Hair” by Phoebe Robinson, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou, “Temple Folk” by Aaliyah Bilal, “Legacy” by Uché Blackstock, MD, “The Ugly Cry” by Danielle Henderson, “Zami: A New Spelling of My Name” by Audre Lorde, “I’m Still Here” by Austin Channing Brown, “All That She Carried” by Tiya Miles, and “Civil Rights Queen” by Tomiko Brown-Nagin. These non-fiction works cover a wide range of topics related to race, religion, politics, and societal issues, providing insight into the lived experiences of Black individuals in America.
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker is a tough but important read that follows two sisters facing challenges in their lives. “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin delves into a complex relationship set in Paris in the 1950s. “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison tells the story of an 11-year-old Black girl longing for blue eyes. “Black Leopard, Red Wolf” by Marlon James is the first book in a trilogy rooted in African mythology. “My Sister, the Serial Killer” by Oyinkan Braithwaite is a darkly humorous mystery set in Lagos. “Freshwater” by Akwaeke Emezi explores identity through a Nigerian protagonist.
Non-fiction works such as “You Can’t Touch My Hair” by Phoebe Robinson, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X, and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou offer insights into the struggles faced by Black individuals in America. “Temple Folk” by Aaliyah Bilal and “Legacy” by Uché Blackstock, MD provide nuanced perspectives on religion, race, and healthcare. “The Ugly Cry” by Danielle Henderson is a personal memoir addressing themes of abandonment and self-discovery. “Zami: A New Spelling of My Name” by Audre Lorde explores the author’s journey to self-acceptance. “I’m Still Here” by Austin Channing Brown discusses the impact of race and faith on identity.
“All That She Carried” by Tiya Miles and “Civil Rights Queen” by Tomiko Brown-Nagin shed light on forgotten aspects of American history, particularly focusing on the experiences of enslaved individuals and civil rights activists. These books offer valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs of Black individuals throughout history. By reading and supporting Black authors, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the diverse voices and perspectives within the Black community, enriching their literary experiences and broadening their knowledge of American history and culture.
