All posts tagged: RECOMMENDED READS

As a nation, we remain in a moment when many people continue to earnestly try to learn more about how black people experience life in America. And many of us who are black are in search of solace, inspiration and reminders of our heritage and the legacy of our forbearers. There are several ways to do that effectively. One is by reading poetry. Our correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum has gathered a list of some of the best and most iconic poems written by leading black and African-American poets. Here you will find voices from many generations of writers, including some who are creating brilliant work today. Any one of these would be perfect poems to read right now to better understand the Black Lives Matter movement and the lived experience of African-American poets. And to celebrate the laureates who give voice to our community, which is still too often silenced.

We remain in a moment when many people are earnestly seeking to learn more about how black people experience life in America. Also a moment when many of us who are black are looking for inspiration and reminders of our rich heritage and the courage of our ancestors. There are many ways to do that, of course. One is reading memoirs written by black writers. Empathy and knowledge can help build bridges. And understanding can begin – or be further deepened – by listening to stories. Our correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum has gathered a list of 20 exceptional memoirs written by top black authors to read right now to better understand the Black Lives Matter movement and the African-American experience. Making time to immerse yourself in one or more of these is an excellent way to support brilliant writers. And to hurry along the change that we all so urgently hope for.