Nine books to read for Black History Month
The month of February has been officially designated Black History Month since 1976 in order to, in President Gerald Ford’s words, “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” In keeping with this tradition, we have gathered the below titles, which all engage in the crucial political work of investigating and preserving the history of African Americans’ accomplishments and culture in the face of opposition, prejudice, and violence, both systemic and direct.
- Jane Crow: The Life of Pauli Murray by Rosalind Rosenberg
A pivotal figure in both the civil rights and women’s movements, Pauli Murray tirelessly worked towards gender and racial equality as a lawyer and activist. Murray also argued against constrictive forms of identity and believed that she was male, before the category of transgender was common. Her efforts helped pave the way for LGBT rights, as well. - Steeped in the Blood of Racism: Black Power, Law and Order, and the 1970 Shootings at Jackson State College by Nancy K. Bristow
Despite happening just days after the shootings at Kent State, the shootings at Jackson State College are much less well known. With issues of police brutality still all too frequent today, this book helps recover this tragic event from being forgotten.
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