5 books every activist should read
“My alma mater was books, a good library…. I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.” – Malcolm X
As we seek to become better activists and advocates, books are one of the most helpful and eye-opening resources at our disposal. They urge you to expand the limits of your mind, develop and strengthen your perspectives on the world, and empathize with the plights and persistence of others. Along my own journey of learning, five books in particular have resonated deeply with me. I find refuge in their crisp white pages, each one feeding my curiosity and passion. These books, all written by talented and revolutionary Black authors, touch upon key topics pertaining to intersectional racial justice work that are critical for activists to understand. They write vulnerably and authentically, making each chapter truly unforgettable. So as spring break and summer approach, these books are definitely worth putting on your reading lists. If you can shop them at your local bookstore rather than ordering them online from a large retailer! To one find a Black-owned bookstore by you, check out this resource here.
If you are looking to explore the intersections between Blackness and politics:
We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates
If you need to hear a testimony of resilience and hope:
Solitary by Albert Woodfox
If you want to deep-dive into concepts of identity and intersectionality:
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
If you need a history lesson on the foundation of racist ideologies in the United States:
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
If you want to read a story about the transformative power of Black feminism:
Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper
Thank you so much for coming along with me throughout this Black History Month! I hope you learned, reflected, and even smiled atleast once. Although I will be going back to monthly posts rather than weekly posts, I am looking forward to more growth and learning with you in the next months to come.
