February is Black History Month. It is a time dedicated to highlighting and celebrating the significant contributions made by Black Americans to the history and culture of the United States, serving as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of Black individuals throughout history. As a way to commemorate this important occasion, I have compiled a selection of remarkable Black authors whose literary works deserve to be explored and appreciated. If you have not already familiarized yourself with their literature, I highly recommend exploring their thought-provoking and impactful works.
Alice Walker:
Alice Malsenior Tallulah-Kate Walker is a well-known American author who has excelled in various literary genres and is also actively involved in social causes. She made history in 1982 by becoming the initial African-American female to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, presented to her for her acclaimed work, The Color Purple.
Her Blue Body Everything We Know: Earthling Poems
In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens: Womanist Prose
Toni Morrison:
Toni Morrison, born Chloe Anthony Wofford, was a well-known American author and editor. Her debut book, The Bluest Eye, hit bookshelves in 1970. The widely praised Song of Solomon propelled her into the spotlight and earned her the National Book Critics Circle Award.
Remember: The Journey to School Integration
Maya Angelou:
Maya Angelou, a versatile American figure, excelled in various fields such as writing, activism, singing, and acting. She was the first African American woman to direct a film in Hollywood and demonstrated her talent through autobiographies, poetry, and essays. Angelou worked alongside influential figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights movement.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Diiie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is recognized as a prominent African writer and speaker who has gained fame for her compelling portrayal of the struggles faced by people during times of conflict, along with her strong advocacy for gender equality through feminism.
Leila Mottley:
Leila Mottley, an American writer, is known for her best-selling book Nightcrawling. The novel received several award nominations, including the prestigious Booker Prize, making Mottley the youngest author ever to be considered for the prize.
This, That, or The Other Way Back Home
Bethany C. Morrow:
Bethany C. Morrow is a writer from the United States who specializes in speculative fiction targeted towards both adult and young adult readers. Recently, in 2022, she was recognized as one of the top 100 Black novelists and fiction writers by USA Today.
Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance
So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix
Akwaeke Emezi:
Akwaeke Emezi, a prominent Nigerian writer and visual creator, has gained fame for their novels Freshwater, Pet, and The Death of Vivek Oji, which was a bestseller in The New York Times. Emezi, known for their versatility, dabbles in various genres including speculative fiction, romance, memoir, and poetry targeting both young adults and adults, often incorporating LGBT themes in their work.
Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir
My Spirit Burns Through This Body
Colson Whitehead:
Arch Colson Chipp Whitehead is a US novelist known for nine novels. His works include The Intuitionist in 1999, The Underground Railroad, which won awards in 2016 and 2017, and The Nickel Boys, which earned him another prize in 2020. Whitehead is among just four writers to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction twice.
N. K. Jemisin:
Nora Keita Jemisin, a talented American writer known for her work in the science fiction and fantasy genres, explores a diverse array of topics in her fiction, with a focus on issues such as cultural clashes and societal injustice. Her first book, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, along with the rest of her Inheritance Trilogy, was highly praised by critics.
Talia Hibbert:
Talia Hibbert, a British author specializing in contemporary and paranormal romance, is praised for her inclusive storytelling featuring characters from diverse backgrounds in terms of race, ethnicity, body type, sexual orientation, and life experiences. One of her most popular works is the 2019 novel Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute
Kristina Forest:
Kristina Forest, a writer from America, is known for her romantic novels catered to both teenage and adult audiences. Some of her popular works include The Neighbor Favor and Zyla & Kai. The Partner Plot, her latest novel, received praise as Good Morning America’s Buzz Pick in February 2024.
Oyinkan Braithwaite:
Oyinkan Braithwaite, a novelist and writer of Nigerian-British descent, hails from Lagos and split her early years between Nigeria and the UK. Her claim to fame lies in her first book, My Sister, the Serial Killer. This year, she clinched the top spot as the recipient of the Crime and Thriller Book of the Year at the prestigious British Book Awards.
Kim Johnson:
During her teenage years and college days, Kim Johnson took on leadership roles in various social justice groups. These days, she is known as an educator and author. Kim’s book, This Is My America, received high praise and awards such as the Pacific Northwest Book Award and Malka Penn Human Rights Award for Children’s Literature. Her follow-up novel, Invisible Son, is also a gripping story inspired by real-life events. Both books have been recognized as NPR’s top picks.
Dolen Perkins-Valdez:
Dolen Perkins-Valdez is a well-known African American author who made a significant impact in the literary world with her first published work, Wench: A Novel. This novel resonated with readers and quickly rose to the top as a bestseller, solidifying Perkins-Valdez’s place as a prominent voice in contemporary literature.
Happy Land (Expected release 4/8/25)
Marlon James:
Marlon James, the author of the highly praised A Brief History of Seven Killings, gained global recognition when he was awarded the prestigious 2015 Man Booker Prize. His novel, focused on a plot to murder Bob Marley, made him the inaugural Jamaican recipient of this esteemed literary award.
A Brief History of Seven Killings
Have you come across any of these writers before? I believe it is crucial to showcase the writings of Black authors, as their narratives can offer valuable insights. Growing up in a fairly homogenous community, I was oblivious to many cultural customs until I reached adulthood and was exposed to more diversity. The perspectives of BIPOC individuals can differ significantly from those of Caucasian individuals in how they interpret situations. Understanding and acknowledging these disparities is essential for our collective societal advancement and the well-being of all individuals.
