Commemorating Black History Month Through African American Literature
By Paris Sanchez
As we approach the second month of the year, we are reminded of two events - Black History Month and Valentine's Day. During February, we should promote African American Literature, which is an important aspect of African American history, and show our love for it as it provides readers with a rich and diverse perspective on their history, experiences, and culture. It’s important to explore the issues and hardships that they faced, as well as their contributions to both literature and helping shape modern-day America. It is also essential to commemorate the contributions of African American authors who have had an immense impact on the literary world. Promoting these literary works, especially during Black History Month, is crucial to spread awareness of their history and ensure that their struggles are not forgotten. It is also a way to embrace their culture and broaden the various voices, experiences, and genres within the literary world. Literature allows us to remember their accomplishments and contributions to history through ink and paper.
Throughout history, numerous black authors have produced novels that have made significant contributions to literature. Although there are several influential pieces of literature, I will be shortly discussing a few including “Beloved” by Toni Morrison and “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin. These novels have captivated readers with thought-provoking themes and unique and authentic perspectives on the black experience. “Beloved” explores the traumatic history of slavery and its lasting impact on the lives of black people, while “The Fire Next Time” is a searing critique of racism as well as calling for social justice. Both of these pieces of literature have impacted the literature world and earned a place for essential reads to understand the black experience in America.
It cannot be overlooked how crucial it is to have African American history properly represented in literature. Books that explore the history of black people in America not only educate readers on the struggles and achievements of the black community but also give context to the lingering effects of that history on black lives today. However, it's also extremely important to have literature that represents the black community by having characters that resemble them. The presence of relatable characters in literature, that resemble them, helps create a sense of belonging that may also help the reader fight against negative stereotypes and underrepresentation that have affected black people, both in literature and the media, for a long time. This is important because at times black readers may simply want to escape into a story that involves a character that resembles them, living through normal experiences, such as love. This is why I have made a short list of black romance books, as a way of merging Black History Month and Valentine's Day.
Seven Days In June by Tia Williams
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
When I Think Of You by Myah Ariel
I’m So (Not) Over You by Kosoko Jackson
While We Were Dating By Jasmine Guillory
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute
Representation is important, especially in literature. Books that feature characters of color can make readers, particularly those who are part of marginalized communities, feel seen and heard. It can also help readers develop empathy and understanding towards others who may have different experiences from their own. With that in mind, I've compiled a list of resources where you can find books with diverse characters. It's crucial to have access to books that allow us to escape into stories with relatable characters and experiences. However, finding book recommendations can be hard at times which is why I have compiled a list of resources that offer both educational books about African American history and books that feature black characters living ordinary lives.
Resources:
Goodreads
“Popular African American Literature Books”
“African American Romance”
Websites
February is a month of significance, as we commemorate Black History Month and celebrate Valentine's Day. It's an ideal time to focus on promoting African American Literature. These unique voices have contributed immensely to our literary experience, from impactful novels such as “Beloved” by Toni Morrison and “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin to romance books such as “Seven Days In June” by Tia Williams. Black romance books provide relatable characters and everyday stories that seamlessly merge cultural celebrations. Black literature can help unify us through shared human stories.