Books that All African-Americans Should Read

There are some books that all African Americans should read at some point in their lives, for enrichment and entertainment. In fact American's in general should probably sit down to read a few of these books to gain knowledge in the African American experience. Some of these books can give insight to African Americans; about the history of where they have come from like slavery, and the struggles of being a free black, dealing with discrimination and inequalities in America. Others on this list can be entertaining and educate on the struggles of African Americans today and encourage them to keep pushing through just like some of the author's on this list did, so without further adieu in no particular order:

There Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neal Hurston
Published in 1937 this is the tale of a middle-aged woman named Janie Crawford who meets and later marries a younger man named Teacake. After a long absence she returns to her hometown without that young husband and people speculate on what happened. Janie tells her friend Pheoby everything from the beginning of her life. It is written in southern dialect or accent, which is why it was greatly criticized during the time it was published. This was also a time in which most books or essays written were scholarly, but over time this has become a favorite especially with Oprah Winfrey who produced a film adaptation and to show that it is still relevant today.

The Souls of Black Folk, by W.E.B. Du Bois
Published in 1903, this book has a few essays that W.E.B Du Bois had previously written and he goes on his own experiences as a black man to explain his ideas. It focuses on prejudices based on race and how it impacts the person that is affected. In it Du Bois makes arguments against Booker T. Washington's ideas on dealing with racism (who also appears on this list), which was more of an acquiescence to segregation. Du Bois shows how this approach affects the mentality of African Americans. This book is not only important in the study of race relations and political science, but it is also important to recognize his ideas to understand how racial situations in the United States have affected African Americans.

Coldest Winter Ever, by Sistah Souljah

When you read this book you'll be thinking to yourself, "Dang, this girl can't win from losing." Winter Santiago is a young girl who grew up well off, because her father was one of the biggest drug dealers in Brooklyn, New York, but like all good gangster stories they always seem to get caught even after years and years of dealing. Winter gets into a great deal of trouble and it's not the fact that her father gets locked up, or that her mom becomes a crack head, or the fact that her sisters have been divided by the state; Winter gets in trouble because of her immaturity, thinking that she can make it on her own and the chase of the life she had before her father was incarcerated. Published in 1999 this book could teach young African Americans and really anyone else that they should wise up and stop chasing street dreams, before it's too late and before your life is out of your control and in the state's.

Up from Slavery, by Booker T. Washington
In this book Booker T. Washington talks about his life, from being a slave as a child to getting his education and his ideas of how African Americans could also help themselves in the segregation and prejudices of the United States. He really stressed the importance of learning a trade with education. He also saw the importance of learning manners and having dignity. As what was said previously some of his ideas were criticized by W.E.B. Du Bois, but Washington does have some vital points that are helpful in the education of Blacks in America.

Dreams from our Fathers, by President Barack Obama
This is the autobiography of the President and it discusses his childhood, later his time in college and time at Harvard Law. He describes a party lifestyle, drinking and using drugs while in college. President Obama also talks of the time he visited Kenya where his father is from and that experience. Clearly with the fact that President Obama is of mixed heritage this book also includes his experience with race relations.

Letters to A Young Man, by Hill Harper
Harvard Law Student and graduate, Hill Harper also an actor was inspired by the many letters he received by numerous teens. Writing back to young Black men, he gives words of wisdom and encouragement as he includes his life lessons from his own life to reaching the Ivy League.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, by Steve Harvey
Comedian Steve Harvey put together a relationship help book for women and although there are some jokes that make you chuckle scattered throughout the book, but he is serious when he advices women about men.. He speaks on different subjects including cheating men, understanding how men think, and marriage. This is a very enlightening book for women.

The Mis-Education of the Negro, by Carter G. Woodson
The founder of Black History Month demonstrates in his book the fact that African American's are/were not taught "authentic" African American History. Carter G. Woodson spent his life trying to educate African Americans about their true history, heritage and culture. With his book he tries to bring African Americans to the truth of the race's history.