BOOKS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

There are many books in the library on subjects pertaining to African Americans. Please check with a librarian. A sampling of books is listed below. Please also check the book shelves under numbers:

973.0496
305.896
371.829
940.540

The African American Almanac, 10th ed. The Gale Group, 2008. this new edition provides a range of historical and current information on African American history, society and culture. Users will also find chronologies, texts of important documents and speeches, biographical profiles, legislation, essays, statistics and more than 800 illustrations to help them with their research.

Almanac of African American Heritage: A Book of Lists Featuring People, Places, Times, and Events That Shaped Black Culture. Prentice Hall Press, 2001. This resource celebrates the remarkable contributions of black men and women to the United States, beginning with the earliest slave ships to cross the Atlantic and culminating at the close of the 20th century.

 

 

 

African American lives / edited by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham. New York : Oxford University Press, c2004. This book offers a breathtaking range of African American history through hundreds of poignant biographies. From Esteban, the earliest known African to set foot in North America in 1528, right up to the continuing careers of Venus and Serena Williams, these stories of the renowned and the unsung give us a new view of American history.

The African American Century: How Black Americans Have Shaped Our Country by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Cornel West: Free Press, c2000 With its introspective text and understated layout, this tome is a small treasure. In addition to such well-known individuals as George Washington Carver, Oprah Winfrey, and Tiger Woods, the authors cover the contributions of lesser known figures like jockey Jimmy Winkfield, aviator Bessie Coleman, and filmmaker Oscar Micheaux.

From roots to wings : successful parenting African American style : beliefs and practices for academic excellence & cultural excellence / by James C. Young. Chicago, Ill. : African American Images, 2006.

Black genius : African American solutions to African American problems / edited by Walter Mosley ... [et al.] ; and with an introduction by Walter Mosley. New York : W.W. Norton, c1999. Presents 13 lectures delivered at a conference organized by novelist Mosley at New York University to share the insights of some of the best known African Americans on the problems their people face and the solutions available. They include Spike Lee, George Curry, Melvin Van Peebles, bell hooks, Joycelyn Elders, Angela Davis, and Farai Chideya. Each essay is introduced by a biographical sketch.

Black women in America : an historical encyclopedia / editor, Darlene Clark Hine ; associate editors, Elsa Barkley Brown, Rosalyn Terborg-Penn. Brooklyn, N.Y. : Carlson Pub., 1993.

Living to tell about it : young Black men in America speak their piece / Darrell Dawsey. New York : Anchor Books, c1995.

New York Public Library African American Desk Reference; Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. New York: Wiley, 1999. An indispensable reference book when you're looking for a quick piece of information.

Amazing African American History: A Book of Answers for Kids by Diane Patrick: “What was the Underground Railroad?” “Who were the Buffalo Soldiers?” “What is affirmative action?” Clear, simple language and engrossing stories will encourage young people to find out the answers to these questions and more.

The African-American Family Album by Dorothy and Thomas Hobbler: A man from Sierra Leone describes his horrific capture in 1820. A 94-year-old recounts the struggles of the Reconstruction era. An English teacher recalls the first day of the Montgomery bus boycott. Piercing, first-hand accounts from ordinary people in extraordinary times.

Black Inventors: From Africa to America: Two Million Years of Invention and Innovation. Three Dimensional Pub., 1995. "This book links African American inventors with a continuing tradition of African inventiveness dating back to prehistoric times. The book presents a separate chapter with patent drawings on black women inventors in the United States."

Black Profiles in Courage: A Legacy of African-American Achievement by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Alan Steinberg: Have you ever heard of Peter Salem? Bass Reeves? Lewis H. Lattimer? From soldiers to speakers to scientists, basketball great Abdul-Jabbar brings to light courageous black men and women throughout history who have often gone overlooked.

Black Saga: The African American Experience by Charles M. Christian: From the pre-Columbus kingdoms of Africa to the struggles of today, Christian provides a massive chronology of the people, places, and events that have shaped the culture and identity of African-Americans in the United States.

Contemporary Black Biography: This 36-volume reference set provides at-a-glance information on personalities as varied as blues singer Bessie Smith, tennis champ Arthur Ashe, Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, and Easy Rawlins creator Walter Mosley.

Encyclopedia of African American Culture and History: The Black Experience in the Americas, 2nd ed.

Macmillan Reference USA, 2006.

Extraordinary People of the Harlem Renaissance by P. Stephen Hardy and Sheila Jackson Hardy: If your children’s knowledge of music and literature ends with Destiny’s Child and Harry Potter, introduce them to the sensational New York of the Roaring 20s. Covering everyone from Louis Armstrong to Countee Cullen, this easy-to-read book is perfect for budding artists, writers, and entertainers.

The Forgotten Players: The Story of Black Baseball in America by Robert Gardner and Dennis Shortelle: We all remember Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, and Reggie Jackson, but what about Frank Grant, Cool Papa Bell, or Martin Dihigo? We’ve heard of the Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays, but what of the Detroit Stars and Kansas City Monarchs? Sports and history buffs alike will enjoy this look back at the Negro Leagues that flourished before Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947.

Freedom’s Children: Young Civil Rights Activists Tell Their Own Stories by Ellen Levine: When Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat, few knew that an eleventh-grader had been jailed for the same protest a few months earlier. After Martin Luther King, Jr. was imprisoned for his demonstrations in Birmingham, so was a nine-year-old girl. Perhaps one of the least-known aspects of the Civil Rights era, thousands of children and teenagers took part in marches and protests during the 1950s and 60s, often enduring police beatings and arrests. This remarkable collection is perfect for any teen who’s ever thought he or she was too young to make a difference.

From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans, 8th ed. by John Hope Franklin and Alfred A. Moss, Jr.: First published in 1947, this latest edition begins with the rise of slavery and continues through the Clinton Administration. Neatly organized into chapters and sub-chapters, this accessible work is suitable for anyone wishing to understand black history in greater depth.

History and Achievement of the NAACP by Jacqueline L. Harris: In 1909, three whites—a Jew, a Southerner, and the granddaughter of an abolitionist—launched a national biracial organization to help address the wrongs endured by African-Americans. Since then, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has campaigned against lynching, laws preventing blacks from voting, discrimination in housing and transportation, racial division in the armed forces, and segregation in schools. Harris’ straightforward, engaging text will interest young adults to read more.

In Her Footsteps: 101 Remarkable Black Women from the Queen of Sheba to Queen Latifah by Annette Madden: A 16th Century Nigerian queen. A former slave turned successful entrepreneur and investor. A brilliant doctor who rose from poverty. What do these women have in common? They are all strong, African-American females who triumphed over racism, sexism, and countless other obstacles. An excellent book for mothers and daughters to share.

I Was Born a Slave: An Anthology of Classic Slave Narratives edited by Yuval Taylor: No American’s knowledge of slavery can be complete without this monumental, two-volume collection written by such individuals as William Grimes, Nat Turner, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Jacobs. These small masterpieces, stretching from 1772 to 1866, include haunting tales of Africa, the Middle Passage, life on the plantation, and the Emancipation Proclamation. 920.009296 I Vol. I-II

Martin Luther King, Jr. by Marshall Frady: For those looking for a quick overview of Dr. King’s life, the amount of information available can be overwhelming. At just over 200 pages, this slim Penguin Lives biography is a short but informative read on the late civil rights leader’s life. BIO King, Martin Luther, Jr.

Notable Black American Scientists edited by Kristine Krapp: Anthropology, organic chemistry, nuclear engineering, medicine—learn about the many contributions African-Americans have made to the world of science. A great reference for high school students doing research or just looking for a positive role model.

The real lives of strong black women : transcending myths, reclaiming joy / by Toby Thompkins. Chicago : Agate, c2004.

Remembering Jim Crow: African Americans Tell About Life in the Segregated South edited by William H. Chafe, Raymond Gavins, and Robert Korstad: In the early 1990s, Duke University set out to record the stories of 20th Century segregation by the black Southerners who lived it. This remarkable book includes extensive transcripts of these interviews. The two accompanying compact discs feature an original radio documentary on the project, and a selection of some of the participants’ accounts.

Timelines of African-American History: 500 Years of Black Achievement by Tom Cowan and Jack Maguire: Find out what happened in African-American history the year you were born, or the year your great-great grandfather was born. Nearly every year from 1492 to 1993 is divided into categories of accomplishments, including politics and civil rights, business and employment, literature and journalism, the military, science and technology, religion, education, the performing and visual arts, and sports.

To Keep the Waters Troubled: The Life of Ida B. Wells by Linda O. McMurry: In the generation that followed Frederick Douglass, no African-American was more prominent, or notoriously outspoken, than Wells. A forceful crusader against lynching and a powerful advocate for women’s rights, Wells remains an unforgettable figure in the fight for civil liberties.

Weary Feet, Rested Souls: A Guided History of the Civil Rights Movement by Townsend Davis: Take an incredible journey through the Deep South, stopping at Martin Luther King, Jr.’s childhood home in Atlanta, a Baptist church in Memphis, a barbershop in Jackson, and the famous path from Selma to Montgomery. A must-read for transplanted Southerners or anyone planning a road trip.

W.E.B. DuBois: Biography of a Race, 1869-1919 by David Levering Lewis: Born three years after slavery was outlawed, DuBois rose to become the premier architect of the civil rights movement in the United States. This towering biography focuses on DuBois’ education at Harvard, his assistance in the creation of the NAACP, and his controversial sparring with fellow activist Booker T. Washington.

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BOOKS ON CD AND TAPE

There are many books on CD and tape in the library on subjects pertaining to African Americans. Please check with a librarian. A sampling of materials is listed below.

All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes by Maya Angelou: Actress Lynne Thigpen narrates poet Maya Angelou’s life in her ancestral home in West Africa in the 1960’s. Maya Angelou confronts the issue of what it means to be an African-American on the mother continent. Complete and unabridged. BOT B Angelou

Beloved by Toni Morrison: Read by the author herself. This is a recording of Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer-Prize winning novel. Set in rural Ohio a few years after the Civil War, it is the story of Sethe, an escaped slave who has risked her life for freedom and lost a husband and child as well. Living on the outskirts of town with her daughter and mother-in-law, she is haunted by a disturbing apparition named Beloved.
BOT Morrison

Black Boy: A Record of Childhood and Youth: by Richard Wright
A complete and unabridged narration of Richard Wright’s landmark work. This is a gripping and powerful story of Richard Wright’s struggle to survive in a racist world. This is a definitive edition and presents the entire text as Wright intended. BOT B Wright

Black Mutiny: The Revolt On the Schooner Amistad by William A. Owens
A historical recreation of one of the nation’s most dramatic crises. An oral account of William Owen’s novel on the true story of 53 illegally enslaved Africans who revolted against their captors. This is a story of oppression, justice and the fight for human dignity. Complete and unabridged. BOT 973.049 OWE

Colin Powell: Soldier/Statesman by Howard B. Means. Read by Michael Kramer. With determination and talent, Colin Powell rose to become the first African American in a position of major national prominence. General Powell was closely involved with many of this nation's most dramatic events. BOT B Powell

Fires of Jubilee: Nat Turner’s Fierce Rebellion by Stephen B. Oates and read by John McDonough. This is a narration of prize-winning biographer Stephen Oates’ dramatic account of Nat Turner’s bloody slave rebellion in Virginia in 1831. Complete and unabridged. BOT 975.555 OAT

Gather Together In My Name by Maya Angelou. Maya Angelou recounts her life as a young woman in California after WWII. At seventeen she is already a young mother, learning to use pride and dignity to rise above racism and rage. Acclaimed actress Lynne Thigpen narrates this unabridged recording, the first of Angelou’s works ever released. BOT B Angelou

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. William Fowler narrates the acclaimed poet Maya Angelou’s childhood in Arkansas. Maya’s grandmother provides a world of dignity and hope for young Maya, but the outside world still intrudes with its hatred and prejudice. It is beautifully told and illustrates the poet’s gift for language and for observation. BOT B Angelou

Lincoln And The Negro by Benjamin Quarles. Read by Jonathan Reese. Benjamin Quarles’ work examines the contradictory nature of Lincoln’s attitude towards the issue of slavery, and the ambivalent feelings of blacks towards Lincoln. It was only gradually that Lincoln earned the respect and trust of African Americans, as he learned to become more affirmative in his stance towards slavery and emancipation. BOT B Lincoln

Our Souls Have Grown Deep Like The River: Black Poets Read Their Work. A generous selection of writing are afforded here, with anaccompanying text. Amoung the readings are works by W.E.B. Dubois, Niki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, and many more. CD 811.54 OUR

Rosa Park by Douglas Brinkley. Historian Douglas Brinkley recreates the heroic story of Rosa Parks, a very young black woman who refused to give up her seat in a segregated bus. Rosa Parks was a seamstress who tired after a long day's work, and would not give her seat to a white man sparking the bus boycott that brought Martin Luther King Jr. into the spotlight.BOT B Parks

Sula by Toni Morrison. The acclaimed novelist, Toni Morrison, reads her own work about Sula, an African-American woman, trying to survive in a harsh loveless world. Interweaved is the bond of Sula and her childhood friend who are threatened eventually. BOT Morrison, Toni

Tar Baby by Toni Morrison.
In Tar Baby, Toni Morrison, explores human interaction, and examines acts of love and cruelty. Six people on a tropical island paradise demonstrate choices facing women and men in a black and white world. Rich and poor, black and white, young and old, male and female learn from each other. BOT Morrison, Toni

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. Here is a rediscovered classic. Originally published in 1930, it tells the story of Jaine Crawford, one of literature's first powerful and assertive black heroines. Complete and unabridged. BOT Hurston, Zora Neale

Vernon Can Read: A Memoir of Vernon E. Jordon by Vernon Jordon with Annette Gordon Reed. An inspiring story of Vernon Jordon, whoselife is an American success story. This is a moving testament to his family who gave him support and courage to be all that he could be. BOT B Jordon

VIDEOs AND DVDs

There are many DVDs and videotapes in the library on subjects pertaining to African Americans. Please check with a librarian. A sampling of materials is listed below.

American-American War Heroes
African-Americans’ service during World War II, with special focus on the Tuskegee airmen and the contributions of women.

The Execution of Wanda Jean
The life and death of Wanda Jean Allen, the first African-American woman to be put to death by lethal injection for murder.

Ghosts of Mississippi
Alec Baldwin and Whoopi Goldberg star in this drama about the long delayed trial for the murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers.

A Great Day in Harlem
The story of the famous 1958 Art Kane photograph which featured 57 jazz greats gathered on a Harlem street.

The Harlem Renaissance
Featuring commentary from historians and performers, this program traces the roots of the music of the period and its impact on society.

Lean on Me
Morgan Freeman stars in this fact-based picture about a high school principal in Patterson, NJ who used tough love to reach his students.

Live in New Orleans
Bishop Paul S. Morton presents the Louisiana State Mass Choir performing at the Beacon Light Cathedral in New Orleans.

Malcolm X
Denzel Washington was nominated for an Oscar for his astonishing performance at the civil rights leader in this Spike Lee film.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: The Man and the Dream
A remarkable insight into the civil rights hero’s personal and public life using interviews and rare footage.

Men of Bronze
The story of the African-American 369th combat regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," who served with the French in World War I.

Men of Honor
This 2000 drama tells the story of Carl Brashear, the first African-American US Navy Diver and his embittered, racist trainer.

The Oprah Winfrey Show
It’s John Travolta, Halle Berry, Jim Carrey, and more in this anniversary collection featuring highlights from the last 20 years.

Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement
A documentary about the mother of the civil rights movement specially geared towards children.

MUSIC CDs & CASSETTES

There are many music CDs and cassettes in the library on subjects pertaining to African Americans. Please check with a librarian. A sampling of materials is listed below.

Sweet Honey in the Rock at Carnegie Hall (1988)
CD
MA
SWEE
LCH
S 06

From Where I Stand the Black Experience in Country Music (1998)
CD
MC
FWI
W 28
(BOX)

Negro Choirs: 1926-1931 (1997)
CD
MG
COLL
NC
D 66

There Is No Eye: Music for Photographs (2001)
CD
MG
COLL
TIN
S 91

There Will Be No Sweeter Sound: the Columbia Okeh Post War
MG Gospel Story 1947-1962. (1998)
CD
COLL
TWB
C 29

Spirituals and Gospel Dedicated to Mahalia Jackson (1996)
CD
MG
STAP
SG
S 62

Still on the Journey, the 20th Anniversary Album / by Sweet Honey in MG the Rock (1993)
CD
SWEE
SOJ
S 36

My Blue Heaven: the Best of Fats Domino (1990)
CD
MR
DOM
MBH
D 08

The Long Road of Freedom: an Anthology of Black Music (2001)
CD
P
COLL
LRF
B 56
(BOX)

Good Time, a Good Time / by Linda Tillery (1995)
CD
P
TILL
GTG
T 46

Rux Revue / by Rux, Carl Hancock (1999)
CD
792.9
RUX

Our Souls Have Grown Deep like the Rivers: Black Poets
CD
811.54 Read Their Work (2000)
OUR

African American Congregational Singing [nineteenth century roots] (1994)
CASS
P
COLL
AAC
S 73

African American Gospel: the Pioneering Composers (1994)
CASS
P
COLL
AAG
S 74

African American Spirituals: the Concert Tradition (1994)
CASS
P
COLL
AAS
S 72
V. 1

Sing for Freedom: the Story of Civil Rights Movement Through
It’s Songs (1990)
CASS
P
COLL
SFF
S 32

NEW

Black History, Exploring African-American Issues on the Web
There are links to six web sites that were created as models to suggest ways to integrate the World Wide Web and videoconferencing into classroom learning.

Additional Books for Black History Month

Picture Books

Fiction

Information

Poetry and Songs

Biography

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