Celebrate Women's History Month with us as we embark on a journey of exploration and storytelling. Dive into a collection of classic and contemporary literature penned by Black women, capturing the essence of Black women's experiences. These novels, presented in no particular order, offer profound insights into timeless struggles, victories, and complexities of womanhood. Join us in honoring these narratives and legacies.

"High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America" by Jessica B. Harris

"High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America" by Jessica B. Harris is a captivating exploration of the African culinary influence on American food culture. Harris traces the journey of ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural traditions from West Africa to the American South, revealing the profound impact of the transatlantic slave trade. Through vivid storytelling, Harris celebrates the creativity of African descendants in preserving and adapting their culinary heritage. She highlights the enduring influence of ingredients like okra, yams, and black-eyed peas, as well as cooking techniques such as stewing and frying, which have become integral to American cooking. Interwoven with historical narratives are personal anecdotes and tantalizing recipes that invite readers to not just taste, but to feel a personal connection to the flavors of African-inspired cuisine. "High on the Hog" is not just a book about food; it's a profound exploration of identity and heritage, showcasing the power of food to connect us to our shared human experience.

"The Color Purple" by Alice Walker

"The Color Purple" by Alice Walker is a poignant and powerful novel that follows the life of Celie, an African American woman living in the rural South in the early 20th century. Through a series of letters addressed to God and later to her sister, Nettie, Celie shares her experiences of abuse, oppression, and, ultimately, liberation. Set against the backdrop of Jim Crow-era America, the novel explores themes of race, gender, sexuality, and spirituality. Walker's expression is lyrical and evocative; capturing Celie's raw emotions and struggles as she navigates a world marked by violence and discrimination. As Celie's journey unfolds, she forms profound and transformative relationships with other women, including the bold and independent Shug Avery. Through these connections, Celie discovers her strength and resilience, reclaiming her voice and agency in a society that seeks to silence her. "The Color Purple" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers around the world. It offers a powerful portrayal of character, sisterhood, and triumph.

"Negroland: A Memoir" by Margo Jefferson

"Negroland: A Memoir" by Margo Jefferson is a compelling exploration of race, class, and identity. Jefferson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning cultural critic, reflects on her upbringing as a member of the black elite in 1950s and 1960s Chicago. In this candid and thought-provoking memoir, Jefferson navigates the complexities of growing up in a world where racial privilege intersects with societal expectations and cultural norms. She delves into the nuances of "Negroland," the rarefied social sphere inhabited by affluent African Americans, where success and respectability are both prized and constrained by the realities of racism. Through vivid prose and keen insight, Jefferson examines the tensions between assimilation and authenticity and the ways in which race and class intersect to shape individual experiences and perceptions. She grapples with questions of belonging and self-identity, offering a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of black life in America. "Negroland" is an impactive memoir that challenges readers with direct confrontation of racial complexities, privilege, and belonging in America. Jefferson's introspective exploration offers a compelling glimpse into a world rarely seen or understood by those outside its boundaries.

"A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry

"A Raisin in the Sun", a play by Lorraine Hansberry, delves into the experiences of Lena Younger (Mama), Ruth Younger, and Beneatha Younger, who are each working through various  challenges of race, gender, and socioeconomic status in 1950s America. Mama, the family matriarch,strives to fulfill her late husband's dream of buying a house to provide stability for her family, despite racial discrimination. Ruth sacrifices her own dreams to support her family, highlighting the challenges that African American women face in balancing familial and personal aspirations. Beneatha's pursuit of becoming a doctor opposes societal expectations and gender roles and reflects the quest for self-actualization beyond limitations. Through these women, the play explores themes of agency and dignity amidst oppression, while shedding light on the complexities of womanhood in the African American community. Their experiences are relevant in contemporary discussions on race, gender, and equality; emphasizing the enduring relevance of the play's portrayal of familial bonds and individual struggles. "A Raisin in the Sun" stands as a timeless exploration of the strength and endurance of women in the face of societal barriers, offering in depth reflection on ones capacity to overcome adversity and pursue dreams despite daunting odds.

"The Twelve Tribes of Hattie" by Ayana Mathis

"The Twelve Tribes of Hattie"  is the haunting and powerful debut novel of Ayana Mathis that spans several decades into the lives of the Shepherd family. Set against the backdrop of the Great Migration and the Civil Rights Movement, the story follows Hattie Shepherd, a young mother who leaves Georgia in the 1920s for a chance at a better life in Philadelphia. As Hattie grapples with poverty, racism, and personal tragedies, she raises her twelve children with a mixture of love, strength, and tenaciousness. Each chapter of the book focuses on a different member of the Shepherd family, offering a rich and intimate portrait of each of their struggles, dreams, and aspirations. Through lyrical narration and vivid storytelling, Mathis highlights themes of family, identity, and the legacy of trauma. She paints a vivid picture of African American life in the 20th century, while capturing the hopes and struggles of a generation striving for dignity and belonging in a hostile world. "The Twelve Tribes of Hattie" is a moving and unforgettable novel that delves deep into the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring power of family bonds.