In celebration of Black History Month, the Department of African American Studies is spotlighting influential books that delve into Black history, civil rights, and the African American experience.
These works provide valuable insights into America’s rich and complex history. This campaign features titles by AAS faculty and other prominent authors. While we acknowledge that it is impossible to capture every essential work, this list serves as a starting point. Join us in honoring the contributions and resilience of Black Americans through these significant literary works.
The First Civil Right: How Liberals Built Prison America by Naomi Murakawa
The rise of mass incarceration is often attributed to conservative policies, but "The First Civil Right" reveals how liberal lawmakers also played a pivotal role. Naomi Murakawa examines how efforts to fight racial violence and ensure civil rights led to harsher sentencing laws, expanded policing, and the deepening of the carceral state. This powerful book challenges conventional narratives and forces us to reconsider the roots of racial injustice in America’s legal system.
The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson
First published in 1933, "The Mis-Education of the Negro" by Carter G. Woodson remains a powerful critique of how Black Americans have been systematically miseducated. Woodson argues that traditional schooling perpetuates racial inferiority and discourages self-sufficiency. He urges Black communities to reclaim their history, think critically, and build institutions that reflect their experiences. A foundational text in Black intellectual thought, this book continues to inspire discussions on education, identity, and empowerment.
Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde
In "Sister Outsider", Audre Lorde presents a fearless collection of essays and speeches that challenge racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism. A Black lesbian feminist, Lorde reflects on the power of difference, the necessity of speaking truth to power, and the ways in which oppression is interconnected. Through poetic prose and sharp analysis, she urges marginalized voices to embrace their identities and build solidarity in the fight for justice. A timeless and essential read for understanding the intersections of race, gender, and power.
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
In "The Color of Law", Richard Rothstein delivers a meticulously researched account of how American governments deliberately segregated cities and neighborhoods, shaping racial disparities that persist today. From redlining and discriminatory housing policies to federal programs that favored white homeownership, Rothstein reveals the legal foundations of racial segregation. This book challenges the widely accepted notion that segregation happened by accident, proving that it was—and remains—a matter of law and policy. A vital read for understanding the roots of housing inequality and racial injustice in America.
Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain
In "Four Hundred Souls", Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain assemble 90 brilliant writers to tell the sweeping history of African America—from 1619 to 2019. Through essays, poems, and personal narratives, this collaborative work illuminates the resilience, creativity, and impact of Black people in shaping the nation. Each contributor captures a five-year period, weaving together a powerful collective story of struggle, resistance, and triumph. A must-read for understanding the depth and complexity of Black history in America.
South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry
In "South to America", Imani Perry takes readers on a journey below the Mason-Dixon Line, exploring the South as more than a geographic space—it is the soul of the nation. Weaving history, culture, and personal narrative, Perry challenges myths, highlights resistance, and reveals how the South has shaped Black identity and American history. This powerful book reminds us that understanding the South is key to understanding the United States itself.
2025 AAS Black History Month Book List - Week 1