8 books you can read to honor Black Women and Feminist this World Book Day.

It’s no secret that black women and femmes have made essential contributions to political discourse. Whether it was introducing us to intersectionality or identity politics, the impact of the work of black women and femmes is clear. Because of their work, we have blueprints to follow as we work towards collective freedom and liberation.Below you will find a few of my favorite reads to check out to help deepen your understanding of black feminisms!

Words of Fire: An Anthology of African-American Feminist Thought by Beverly Guy-Sheftall

Words of Fire is one of the largest collections of Black Feminist magic! Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall brings together the work of black suffragettes, civil rights leaders and even reproductive justice advocates in this timeless piece of work. Feminism has always belonged to black women and although some folks may struggle to use that label to describe the work of these women, this book will surely help folks understand that the label doesn’t even begin to properly honor the work of black women. This book covers over a century of black feminist theory and provides a thorough primer for any reader that is looking to expand their understanding of the ways in which black women fought for themselves and others.

At the Dark End of the Street- Black Women, Rape, and Resistence- A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power By Danielle L McGuire

In this important book, Daneille McGuire writes about the role that gender based violence plays in building black civil rights and power movements. The unfortunate racialized gang rape of Recy Taylor sparked a movements to address the ways that black women were victims of sexual violence, especially at the hands of white men. Rosa Parks was sent by the NAACP to investigate this crime. From there, we learn about the significant role of gender-based violence organizing and how it laid the foundation for larger civil rights movements. Readers will leave with a clear understanding that Rosa Parks was more than a lady that sat down because she was tired. She was a fierce, strategic organizer whose work spans over 70 years. They will also understand how we come to contemporary movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter.

A Taste of Power-A Black Woman’s Story by Elaine Brown

Elaine Brown beautifully writes a book about her journey from a young girl to the first and only female chair of the Black Panther Party. She talks about the political and personal relationships within the organization misogyny she faced and the ways that she came into herself through the work of social justice advocacy.. Readers will get so much for this book, but they will especially learn about the fullness of one the most essential organizations to black liberation work.

Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes.

In this book, critically acclaimed and award winning creator Shonda Rhimes discusses the ways that the act of saying Yes has changed and saved her life. Rhimes is well-known for shows like Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy and How to get away with Murder. As successful as she is, she reveals in this book that she is an introvert that struggles with the fear of doing new things, so much so that she was in the habit of turning away from speaking engagements, Hollywood parties and media appearances. Through boldly saying yes to her family and herself, she was able to become a better mother, creator and person. Readers will take away lessons on leaning into fear and leading with courage.

Minority Leader: How to Lead from the Outside and make Real change by Stacey Abrams

In this timely book, the Honorable Stacey Abrams discusses some of her major lessons in leadership. She gives her take on the public service as an “unconventional” candidate, launching companies and even her time running a day care center for homeless teen moms. She provides insight into her past, why she is committed to equity and even provides the readers with activities to do at the end of each chapter to help guide the readers in their own journey in leadership. Stacey Abrams is considered a star in politics and this book is sure to give the readers the insight and confidence needed to shine in their own life as well.

Sister Citizen” Shame, Stereotypes and Black Women in America by Melissa V. Harris-Perry

This refreshing and thorough book carefully discusses the specific ways that black women relate to political systems, political organizing and political truths. Melissa Harris-Perry uses an analogy of the “crooked room” to help the reader understand the ways in which black women are judged and expected to shift, especially in our political lives. Harris-Perry uses parts of classic stories of women like Their Eyes Were Watching God and the Color Purple to reflect and remind us of our unique narratives and how they are inherently political. This book touches on identity politics and the way that stereotypes interact with political beliefs for black women. If you are interested in understanding how black feminism shows up in electoral politics, this is a must read!

Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Brittney Cooper

In this honest and powerful book, Dr Brittney Cooper brilliantly captures the social and political lived experiences of Black women and girls. Using her own life as an example, she covers everything from sassiness to faith. She gives us a contemporary black feminist take on the role of patriarchy in black communities, the way that white feminism shows up and how our social and political institutions reinforce the status quo. Readers will feel inspired to live a life dedicated to better understanding black feminism and the way in which this praxis is one of the only ways we will be able to free all black women and girls.

How we get free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective by Keeanga-Yamahttw Taylor

This necessary book focuses on the legendary Combahee River Collective text and its modern day impact. Keeanga-Yamahttw Taylor interviews three of the founding members of the Collective, Barbara Smith, Beverly Smith and Demita Frazier. The radical black feminist organizations developed many concepts that are used in modern day party politics, like coining the term identity politics. Taylor also speaks to contemporary activist Barbara Ramsey and Alicia Garza as they reflect on the contributions of the Combahee River Collective. They discuss how the work of black feminist is vibrant and inspires modern movements. Readers will understand the ways in which many progressive political praxis are possible because of the work of black feminist.