Black History Month

BLACK HISTORY MONTH RECOMMENDATIONS

Every year Black History Month occurs over October. The month is to remember and reflect on important events in black history, as well as celebrating culture and important people throughout black history! 

It is always important to be educated about the history of racial injustices and get a better understanding of black history, not just for October! So use this month to get researching and find some great ways to keep yourself informed and aware allll year round! 

Team Boux have grouped together some of our top picks for books and podcasts which are a great way to begin your education journey this Black History Month!  

OUR BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

If reading is your thing, get stuck into one of these great books by black authors!

#1 – I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings By Maya Angelou
This is an autobiography of Angelou’s early years. She explores themes and subjects around identity, racism and literacy. It is a must read by the massively celebrated American writer and poet!

#2 – Well-Read Black Girl By Glory Edim
Well-Read Black Girl is an essay collection by all black women writers from 2018. It was curated by Glory Edim, who also founded the book-club by the same name! 

#3 – The Hate U Give By Angie Thomas
This novel was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and is a great way to educate yourself about black culture, cultural appropriation, internalised racism and much, much more! There was also a film version made in 2018 you can watch!!

Book Recommendations

OUR PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS

Love a podcast? Then check out one of these great picks, they’ll be one of your new faves in no time!!

#1 – Slay In Your Lane: The Podcast
Slay in Your Lane is a podcast by multi-award winning Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinené! The podcast explores news, popular culture and so much more from a Black British female perspective!
Spotify Link

#2 – Yo, Is This Racist?
Hosts Andrew Ti and Tawny Newsome, plus special guests, answer voicemail questions submitted by fans about whether or not something is racist. 
Spotify Link

#3 – In Search Of Black History With Bonnie Greer
Playwright and British Museum Trustee, Bonnie Greer explores the stories of people of African descent who don’t fit the regular accepted history of Western Civilization. This eight-part Audible series explores the stories of people across the ages! It is so fascinating, get listening to this ASAP!
Audible Link

Podcast Recommendations

INSPIRATIONAL BLACK WOMEN YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT 

When it comes to Black History Month, it’s only right that we mention some of the most inspirational Black women in history. All of these women dedicated their entire lives to pave the way for other Black women, campaigning for rights to education, creating game-changing products and inspiring Black women all across the globe.

MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE 

Mary was a truly inspirational educator, civil rights activist, humanitarian and women’s rights leader. She championed education for young Black children, opening one of the first schools for African-American girls. 

She dedicated her whole life to campaign for the right to education and freedom from discrimination for African Americans.

MADAM C.J. WALKER

Madam C.J. Walker was the first female self-made millionaire in America after setting up a company devoted to creating hair care products specifically targeted at African-American women. 

FANNIE LOU HAMER 

Fannie Lou Hamer was an American civil rights activist. Her own experience of racism in society drove her passion and she soon became one of the most powerful voices of the civil and voting rights movements for African Americans.

MICHELLE OBAMA

Michelle is one of the most inspirational Black women of the 21st Century. As the first African-American woman to serve as the First Lady of the United States, she has become a true role model to Black women across the globe and was voted as the most admired woman in America for three years running.

ROSA PARKS

Rosa Parks was an African-American activist, who campaigned for civil rights. She is renowned for her refusal to give up her bus seat to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama, which was illegal at the time.

Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, organised by the local Black community, which lasted more than a year. The boycott ended when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against bus segregation, which was a huge step forward in the fight against racism.

We hope you use this Black History Month to educate yourself and discover new Black authors and podcasters! If you have any more recommendations, share them with us over on Insta