Community Corner

Library Offers Books to Help Celebrate Black History Month

Blair Memorial Library staff help us select several books to help celebrate Black History Month.

Today begins Black History Month and we asked the folks at the to help us select several books that would be worthy reads in honor of the monthlong celebration of black history.

These choices not only illustrate the rich culture and history of African Americans, but also help to tell their story.

We selected several books aimed at adult readers, and even a couple for children. 

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Each of these examples, and many more we couldn't mention, are available at the Blair Memorial Library.

Black Profiles in Courage by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Alan Stenberg

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  • The perfect introduction to black history. This book includes profiles of Peter Salem, Joseph Cinque, Frederick Douglas, Lewis Latimer and more. The books illustrates the important and intricate role African Americans had in the history of the United States.

Black Genius by Dick Russell

  • Author Dick Russell sits down with several contemporary and remarkable African Americans in Black Genius including Wynton Marsalis, Toni Morrison, Cornel West and Gordon Parks, among others, and weaves in the importance of tradition through the inspiring words and voices of these contemporary giants. Also, Russell offers readers a glimpse into the lives of such prominent figures as Frederick Douglas and James Baldwin and others as told by friends, relatives and historians alike.

THe Civil Right Movement by Sanford Wexler

  • This book takes a look at the Civil Rights Movement, from the passage of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, through the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1965. Hundreds of letters, speeches and editorials add to the books impact as do nearly 80 photos recounting this important era in American history.

The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes edited by Arnold Rampesad

  • A collection of works from the pen of one of Americas most beloved and controversial poets. From his first published poem in 1921 to his last in 1967, this book serves as an excellent introduction to one of America's great poets.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King by Doreen Rappaport

  • A children's book that tells the story of the Rev. Martin Luther King and illustrates his contribution to American history, culture and the Civil Rights Movement. Wonderful illustrations by Bryan Collier further emphasize the impact of one of the country's most important figures.

Jazz A-B-Z: An A to Z Collection of Jazz Portraits by Wynton Marsalis

  • Jazz great, Wynton Marsalis, gives children a glimpse into the lives of some of America's greatest jazz musicians. From Armstrong to Gillespie, this wonderful book covers all the greats and does it in a way that's entertaining and informative for children. Paul Rogers' illustrations compliment the groovy vibe of this collection.

There are countless more books that certainly deserve to be among those on this list, including works from great African American fiction writers such as Terry McMillan, Alice Walker and James Baldwin, just to name a few.

Be sure to head to Blair Memorial Library to check out these works and more. 


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