February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and history of Black Americans, past and present.
The celebration dates back to 1926, when it was created by African American historian, educator and publisher Carter G. Woodson as a one week observance. It expanded to a month-long celebration in 1976. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and abolitionist Frederick Douglas (Feb. 14).
We’ve created a display highlighting the work of Black authors, non-fiction titles by prominent Black voices, and films centered on Black stories. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find in our collection:
Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke – A Black Texas Ranger investigates a murder in a small town in East Texas, and uncovers a shocking secret. Steeped in the culture, music and atmosphere of the East Texas bayou country, the novel creates a vivid portrait of contemporary Black life in rural America.
No One Is Coming To Save Us by Stephanie Powell Watts – A successful man returns to his North Carolina hometown to build his hillside dream home and win back the love of his high school sweetheart. But his success, contrasted with the town’s decline, forces everyone to consider what they really want from life, and how they might go about finding it.
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory – When a Los Angeles writer goes to a Dodgers game with an actor she’s casually dating, the last thing she expects is a scoreboard proposal. After she refuses, she’s trailed by a camera crew, until a handsome fan comes to her rescue. When what begins as another casual affair unexpectedly blossoms into love, can she find the courage to follow her heart?
Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid – An influential businesswoman tries to help her babysitter, who was falsely accused of kidnapping a child. But when a viral video reveals unwelcome aspects of the businesswoman’s past, both she and the babysitter are forced to confront what they think about themselves and each other.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead – An enslaved young woman escapes from a plantation in Georgia, via the Underground Railroad, which Whitehead reimagines as a literal railroad of tracks and tunnels running beneath the ground of the Civil War-era South.
When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole – A psychological thriller set in a gentrifying Brooklyn neighborhood. A young woman investigating the neighborhood’s vanishing history, with the help of a new arrival, begin to uncover the deadly secret of what really happened to the departed residents.
Find these books, and lots more, in our Black History Month featured collection. Click here for more titles.
This week, Joseph R. Biden will be inaugurated as our nation’s 46th president, which makes it a great time to read a book written by or about a president, his family or his legacy. AAPLD has a large collection of books devoted to American history, current events, and also biographies. If you’re taking part in Reading Resolutions, January is the month to read a biography, autobiography or memoir. Why not give a one of these a try?
Since 1990, November has been designated as Native American Heritage Month, when we recognize the cultures, contributions and struggles of America’s indigenous people. According to Native Hope, an advocacy organization for the Native American community, there are an estimated 6.79 million Native Americans currently living in the United States, and 574 federally recognized tribes.
Give Me Some Truth
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