Buzz
Guess what? It's not February, yet here we are, discussing race. Welcome! You've probably shared that black square on your social media. Maybe you even called out your so-called 'not racist' uncle for a remark made at Thanksgiving. Perhaps you've been out at protests every night, advocating for black lives that were unjustly taken. Now, you're thinking, 'What's next? What else can I do?' The answer: read!
I've put together a list of books that will meet you wherever you are on your journey to understanding race. Unsure about the term 'white feminist'? There's a book for that! Curious about the struggle black people faced to earn the right to vote? There's a book for that, too! Wondering how to bring up the topic of race with your friend Matt? Yep, there's a book for that (sorry, Matt)!
The hardest part about learning is often knowing where to begin. It can be overwhelming, especially when you're trying to grasp the intricate history of racism. As a black woman for 26 years, I still don't have all the answers. But that's the beauty of learning—you're never too old to pick up a book and start again, or even revisit the beginning. Approach any of these books with an open mind. You’re here for a reason. Let’s do the work together.
1. A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
AmazonThis book has gained immense popularity, and rightfully so. It presents America's history, but through perspectives that are often overlooked. Zinn takes a unique approach, telling the story from the viewpoints of women, African Americans, Native Americans, factory workers, and many others. He doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths, making this book essential reading.
Available for purchase at: bookshop.org and amazon.com.
2. Blackballed: The Black Vote and US Democracy by Darryl Pinckney
AmazonBlackballed delves into Darryl Pinckney's examination of black Americans' involvement in U.S. elections, from the moment they first gained voting rights—well, some of them, following the ratification of the 15th Amendment in 1870, with others gaining access in 1965 via the Voting Rights Act—through to President Barack Obama's two campaigns. Part memoir, part historical analysis, and fully political, this book offers something for everyone.
Available for purchase at: bookshop.org and amazon.com.
3. The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
AmazonWhen I first moved to Portland, I used to joke that every black person I met seemed to be from Chicago, as it felt like everyone was either visiting from Chicago or actually from there. I myself grew up in Chicago! Ever wonder why so many black families are rooted in the Midwest? There's a reason, and Wilkerson reveals it through the stories of three individuals who left the South for northern and western states in search of a better life for themselves and their future families. Expect laughter, tears, and, most importantly, valuable lessons.
Available for purchase at: bookshop.org and amazon.com.
4. How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Even before the pandemic, when I worked at a bookstore, Kendi’s book was already flying off the shelves. Many people mistakenly believe the opposite of racism is just 'not racist' (think of how often you hear someone say, 'I’m not racist, but...' before saying something incredibly racist), but Kendi challenges that. He argues the true opposite of racism is actually anti-racism. If you're interested in a deep dive into ethics, history, law, personal stories, and more, this book is essential reading for many reasons—this is just one of them.
Available for purchase at: amazon.com.
5. The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
If you've ever referred to a certain neighborhood as a 'ghetto' or felt that a particular area was dangerous based on its residents, you need to pick up this book right now. Rothstein uncovers how the U.S. government institutionalized residential segregation through racial zoning. Think whites-only suburbs and public housing that segregates communities based on race, even though many of these areas were once integrated. Sometimes, the neighborhood isn't as idyllic as it seems.
Available for purchase at: betterworldbooks.com.
6. Evicted by Matthew Desmond
In this powerful Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Desmond takes a deep, personal look into poverty and housing insecurity. He follows the lives of eight families in Milwaukee, grappling with exploitative landlords and subpar living conditions just to have a roof over their heads. While their identities are altered, these heartbreaking real stories will tug at your emotions and leave a lasting impact.
Available for purchase at: betterworldbooks.com.
7. Why are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum
If you're looking to understand the concept of self-segregation, this is the definitive book. While segregation is largely harmful, self-segregation can sometimes serve as a coping strategy. Tatum explores this intricate issue, arguing that in order to truly bridge racial divides, we must engage in open and meaningful discussions about racial identity. And honestly, she's spot on.
Available for purchase at: betterworldbooks.com.
8. The Pretty One: On Life, Pop Culture, Disability, and Other Reasons to Fall in Love with Me by Keah Brown
Better World BooksAvailable for purchase at: betterworldbooks.com.
9. Minor Feelings: An Asian-American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong
AmazonI will be the first to acknowledge this: as a Black woman, I often fail to consider the experiences of other minority groups. This is a blind spot for me, and it's something I am actively working to address. (We all have areas to improve! That’s one of the joys of learning.) Hong’s essays forced me to confront some of the most uncomfortable emotions I’ve ever had to face, and for that, I am grateful. She blends humor with her personal experience as the daughter of Korean immigrants to express what she calls 'minor feelings,' which occur when you begin to internalize the harmful stereotypes and falsehoods told about your racial identity. I would read anything written by Hong, any day of the week.
Available for purchase at: bookshop.org and amazon.com.
10. So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Discussing race is hard, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Oluo provides the ideal beginner's guide for tackling these challenging conversations. Whether it’s telling someone their joke is racially insensitive or explaining why it’s never okay to ask to touch someone's hair (seriously, stop doing that), this book is the perfect way to start addressing these tough topics in a compassionate, but direct manner.
Available for purchase at: betterworldbooks.com.
11. Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People about Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
AmazonInspired by her groundbreaking 2014 blog post, Eddo-Lodge offers a compelling and essential examination of what it means to be a person of color in contemporary Britain. This book is vital, particularly because it presents a fresh, timely approach to how we should all engage with and challenge racism in society.
Available for purchase: $10 on Kindle, amazon.com.
12. White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
DiAngelo wrote this book specifically for white audiences, focusing on how they typically react when confronted with discussions of race. The concept of "white fragility" is described as the intense emotional responses, such as guilt and anger, that often arise. While the book may be difficult to digest, it is crucial for understanding and addressing racial issues.
Available for purchase: bookshop.org and amazon.com.
13. White Tears/Brown Scars: How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color by Ruby Hamad
The idea of white feminism (feminism that centers the experiences of white women while ignoring the oppression faced by women of color and those without other forms of privilege) has long been exploited to uphold white supremacy. White Tears/Brown Scars addresses the role of white women in perpetuating various forms of oppression. Always remember: feminism is only truly feminism when it includes everyone.
Available for purchase: $15, amazon.com
14. Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper
Listen: Black women have every right to be angry. Malcolm X once stated that the 'most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.' His words ring true.
Cooper urges us to embrace our anger, because it is a powerful force. The anger of a black woman can drive change: it propels Serena Williams to new heights in tennis, and it fuels Beyoncé's extraordinary performances. This emotion gives us a strength like no other. With her trademark wit and charm, Cooper emphasizes that there are three essentials for surviving life: eloquent rage, feminism, and friendship. With these tools, we could take on the world.
Available for purchase: bookshop.org and amazon.com
15. Nobody: Casualties of America's War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond by Marc Lamont Hill
"Hands up! Don't shoot!" became a powerful chant after a series of tragic deaths of Black individuals at the hands of the police. While Hill primarily highlights the well-known cases—Rest in power, Sandra Bland, Freddie Gray, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, and so many others—he also examines critical government failures, notably the Flint water crisis. How did we end up here? Where do we go from here? I may not have all the answers, but Hill does, and I trust his perspective.
To buy: bookshop.org and amazon.com
