Staff Picks for Black History Month

“Brownies” is Packer’s most famous piece of work, and is also included in the compilation “100 Years of the Best American Short Stories.” What I love about the story is the surprising twist deftly handled at the end, turning upside down views held by the reader and the characters. I had the fortune of meeting ZZ decades ago, and her personality is radiant and kind. — Debbie C. (Marketing)

This book masterfully puts a spotlight on silent struggles as it follows three Black Americans who left the south and went to Chicago, New York, and California for a fresh start. It’s a true story of indignity after indignity, setbacks, and dashed hopes of encountering racism no matter where they went seeking a better life — if not for themselves, then for their children. For the most part, each person rises up and eventually has a happy ending, but only because each person embodies superhuman resilience. — Sarah S. (Editorial)

This is a fantastic biography of Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave who became one of the most prominent figures in the abolitionist movement. — Pranit P. (Engineering)

A stirring celebration of Black voices in the form of short stories and poetry. Moving narration from Daveed Diggs and Lena Waithe brings these diverse experiences to life. — Adrienne S. (Content Acquisition)

In his first book, writer and actor Robert King shares very personal stories about the challenges of growing up biracial. He relays formative moments in his life where being both Black and white made him feel like he didnʼt belong (“If the ʻBlack cardʼ was a real thing, mine would only work at certain stores,” he writes). — Joanna V. (Content Acquisition)

Jenkins calls what she writes “edutainment”; her historical romances are always filled with Black history, history that is seldom taught in schools. So not only do you get a strong romance between a fearsome, brave heroine and the hero who can't help but love her, you always glean new information about the history of the United States. — Megan F. (Content Acquisition)

It’s fun to fantasize about traveling back in time, but once you start really thinking about the realities of it — and I’m not just talking about the (lack of) hygiene, medical care, and bathrooms — the fantasy quickly turns into a nightmare for anyone who isn’t a rich, straight white man. Butler makes this agonizingly clear in “Kindred,” when Dana, a Black woman, finds herself forced back in time onto a plantation in the antebellum South. “Kindred” is so good, I can’t believe I waited this long to read it. I can’t stop thinking about it and the implications of race, gender, and class Butler delves into. Do yourself a favor and read it. — Katie W. (Editorial)

This is a strong personal account of growing up Black and queer, and it was among the books banned in multiple places in 2022. It’s necessary reading for all young adults because it deals with topics that you don't always understand at that stage, and aren't really discussed, like gender identity and consent. — Bob F. (Marketing)

The late award-winning author and activist Gloria Jean Watkins, known by her pseudonym “bell hooks,” offers feminist theory in a down-to-earth manner suitable for anyone. This hopeful and insightful book encourages readers to engage in feminism, regardless of background, gender, or social class. hooks also includes vital commentary on intersectionality within feminism. — Brittany C. (Lifecycle)

Vitale, a white professor of sociology, breaks down how the American police system emerged, how far its reach has become, and how short it falls. This is an important book for anyone intrigued by the concept of defunding the police, American history and politics, or even how the institution of policing was established. This book gained a lot of attention during the Black Lives Matter movement. — Brittany C. (Lifecycle)