Beyond the Bestsellers: Expanding Black History Month Reading

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 16:55 GMT by LA Times
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE

Beyond the Bestsellers: Expanding the Conversation During Black History Month

February marks Black History Month, an annual observance dedicated to recognizing the profound contributions and enduring legacy of Black individuals throughout history. While many are familiar with the landmark achievements of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, the month also serves as a vital opportunity to delve deeper into the multifaceted Black experience through literature, art, and cultural exploration. Recent lists, like the one compiled by Yahoo Entertainment showcasing ten recommended reads, provide a solid foundation, but truly engaging with Black History Month requires expanding beyond even the most popular titles.

This year, as we reflect on the past and consider the present, it's crucial to acknowledge the sheer breadth of Black narratives. The books highlighted - The Vanishing Half, Homegoing, The Hate U Give, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Between the World and Me, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Kindred, The Color Purple, Red Rising, and Parable of the Sower - each offer unique and powerful perspectives. Brit Bennett's The Vanishing Half skillfully explores the complex consequences of colorism and the search for identity, while Yaa Gyasi's Homegoing presents a masterful intergenerational saga demonstrating the long-lasting effects of slavery and the diaspora. Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give remains unfortunately relevant, igniting conversations about police brutality and the fight for justice in contemporary America.

However, these novels represent just a small fraction of the rich literary landscape. To truly honor Black History Month, readers should venture into other genres and voices. Consider exploring the works of James Baldwin, whose essays and novels - Go Tell It on the Mountain and Notes of a Native Son - are foundational texts in understanding the Black American experience. Toni Morrison, another literary giant, offers a wealth of novels, including Beloved and Sula, that grapple with trauma, memory, and the complexities of Black womanhood. These authors, alongside Richard Wright (Native Son), Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man), and Lorraine Hansberry (A Raisin in the Sun), offer crucial historical and social commentary.

The inclusion of Pierce Brown's Red Rising is a noteworthy, if somewhat contentious, addition to many reading lists. While the author is not Black, the novel's central theme of challenging systemic oppression resonates with the struggles faced by Black communities throughout history. This prompts a broader discussion about allyship and the importance of recognizing oppression in all its forms. However, it's vital to prioritize and uplift Black voices first, acknowledging that non-Black authors writing about oppression can sometimes perpetuate harmful tropes or lack the nuanced understanding of lived experience.

Octavia Butler's presence on the list with both Kindred and Parable of the Sower is particularly significant. Butler is considered a pioneer of Afrofuturism, a genre that blends science fiction with African and African diasporic culture. Her work offers not just commentary on the past but also envisions possible futures, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, control, and survival. This forward-thinking approach is essential for understanding the ongoing fight for liberation and social justice.

Beyond fiction, nonfiction works are vital for understanding the historical and political context of Black History Month. Ibram X. Kendi's Stamped from the Beginning provides a comprehensive history of racist ideas in America, while Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow exposes the systemic inequalities embedded within the criminal justice system. These books, combined with memoirs like those of Malcolm X and Assata Shakur, offer crucial insights into the forces that have shaped the Black experience and continue to impact Black lives today.

Ultimately, Black History Month is not merely about reading a list of books. It's about committing to ongoing learning, critical self-reflection, and a genuine effort to understand the complexities of race and racism. It's about amplifying Black voices, supporting Black-owned businesses, and actively working towards a more just and equitable future. The books serve as a starting point, a catalyst for conversation, and a reminder that Black history is not confined to a single month, but woven into the very fabric of our nation's story.