Books to Self-Educate With
Below is a list of books I’ve either already read or are on my reading list. Of course, this list is intended to only be a starting ground for your individual journey to self-educate on racism and anti-Blackness in America. Of course, like with the movies and shows— you can watch and read as much as you do, but what really counts is what you do with the information you’ve learned. Will you be keeping it to yourself? Sharing what you’ve learned with others, especially those that don’t think racism is an issue? Will you believe in your own agency and become a part of the positive change?
In any case, before reading these texts, also consider the perspective from Tre Johnson’s piece, “When Black people are in pain, White people just join book clubs”. If you’re going to take the time to read these books— you owe it to the world to take the information you’ve learned and do something positive with it.
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
This is a combination of ethics, history, law, and science with Ibram’s own personal story of awakening to antiracism. This book is about going beyond the awareness of racism and onto the next step of changing society.
"The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander
This book is about the history of mass incarceration in America, and the “War on Crime” that takes advantage of the 13th Amendment. If you want to pair this with a visual, I would watch the movie “13th” on Neflix as well.
"White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism" by Robin DiAngelo
This is a book about an intense self-reflection and taking a look at how we as individuals who may identify as “non-racist” can still benefit from white privilege and systemic racism. Basically, it’s the book I want to give to anyone who cries to me and asks me “What? So I should apologize for being born White? I’ve had a hard life too!” Like, okay, no one is saying your life is hard— but we’re just asking for some self-reflection and acknowledgements that your life wasn’t made harder just by your skin color. Besides, racism isn’t a touchy subject if you’re really not a racist.
"Two Faced Racism: Whites in the Backstage and Frontstage" by Leslie Picca and Joe Feagin
OOF. This book is from 2007. TWO THOUSAND SEVEN, and it has more than 600 journal entries of racial events written by white students, at 28 different colleges in the United States. It pretty much exposes how prevalent racism still is in American society. It’s a heartbreaking analysis of racism in public and private spaces.
"Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" by Harriet Washington
This book is exactly what the title says, and more. It’s a look at the horrifying history of racism in the Medical field. Don’t believe that racism in medicine exists? Look into how many maternal deaths happen during childbirth in black communities. Listen to Serena Williams & Beyoncé’s own stories on their experiences with motherhood.
More Books I’ve read & reccomend:
Between the World and Me by Te Nehisi Coates
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
When They Call You A Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
Natives by Akala
AND!! If you don’t like my suggestions or if you’re looking for more, check out these reading lists:
