February is Black History month, and if you are looking for a combination of classic and contemporary reads to enrich your curriculum, here are some authors that touch on racism, the legacy of slavery, American dreams deferred, and what it means to be Black in America. This short collection (which certainly is not an exhaustive list) will help students reflect on the Black experience, open dialogue in your classroom around inequalities and injustices in American history, and invite conversation about those who rise up and persevere.
The Women of Brewster Place
The Women of Brewster Place: The Women of Brewster Place: A Novel in Seven Stories by Gloria Naylor is a beautifully-written collection of stories about seven black women living in Brewster Place. Through their stories of love, pain and grief, Naylor builds a community of support, strength, and survival. Despite shattered dreams, these women demonstrate the courage to persevere and move forward.
The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor offers a profound exploration of the lives of African American women, highlighting themes of resilience, community, and the struggles against systemic oppression. The novel presents a tapestry of interconnected stories that reveal the complexities of race, gender, and social class in America, making it a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding in students. Through its vivid characters and emotional depth, the book challenges readers to confront the realities of injustice and inspires them to consider the impact of these issues on their own lives and communities.
The Hate You Give
One of my students’ favorite novels is Angie Thomas’ The Hate You Give. The main character Starr lives in two words: her poor neighborhood and her upper middle class suburban school. At the start of the novel, her closest friend is fatally shot and she witnessed the shooting. As the story unfolds, Starr finds herself caught between two words and the delicate balance she tries to navigate. This captivating and accessible story keeps the reader’s attention from the first page to the last. This story explores themes of culture, community, racism, belonging, class, and more.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas provides a compelling and timely exploration of the impact of racism, police brutality, and systemic inequality on Black communities. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Starr Carter, the novel offers a relatable and powerful narrative that resonates with young readers, encouraging them to critically examine the social issues that shape their world. The book fosters important conversations about identity, justice, and activism, empowering students to reflect on their own roles in advocating for change and understanding the complexities of standing up for what is right.
Fences
Fences by August Wilson is a play that also showcases stories of survival, struggles, and failed dreams. Set in the 1950s and 60s, the story follows Troy, a blue collar worker whose childhood dreams of becoming a pro baseball player were dashed because of the time period. Now, a trash collector, Troy’s story centers on his wife Rose, his son Cory and his community. As he ages, he grows angrier, detached from his wife, and estranged from his son. Themes of race, American dreams, family relationships, and hardship weave through this classic.
Students should read Fences by August Wilson because it is a poignant and powerful exploration of the African American experience in the mid-20th century, particularly the struggles related to race, family, and personal dreams. The play’s central character, Troy Maxson, embodies the conflicts and frustrations of a man grappling with the limitations imposed by a racially divided society, offering students a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological toll of systemic racism. Through its rich dialogue and complex characters, Fences invites readers to engage with themes of generational conflict, missed opportunities, and the quest for dignity, making it an essential text for discussions about identity, responsibility, and the enduring impact of societal barriers.
Still I Rise
Still I Rise: This poem by Maya Angelou showcases her determination to rise above her circumstances and constraints society has placed her as an African American woman. Written during the 1970s, this poem reflects Angelou’s experiences witnessing racism and discrimination. Yet despite that, this poem’s main messages are about speaking up against hatred and oppression. This poem highlights inequities between whites and blacks in America, and Angelou’s determination to rise up and continue to fight for equality for all.
Kindred
Kindred by Octavia Butler offers a fresh and captivating story about an African American writer, Dana, who vacillates between present day in 1976 and a pre-Civil War plantation in Maryland. While in Maryland, she is introduced to her ancestors and is exposed to a unique perspective of slavery and what it takes to survive. What makes the story so unique is Dana’s modern day lens on historical events, especially those that so closely hit home to her own family. In addition to exploring topics of race and power, it also delves into gender and power.
Check out these other exciting poetry activities from my ELA colleagues!
Literary Black History Activities for ELA by Building Book Love
5 Text for Black History Month (and Beyond!) by The Secondary English Coffee Shop
