February marks Black History Month and we are celebrating, honoring, and recognizing the achievements and sacrifices Black people have made over the years. Their impacts on society are indelible and undeniable. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing information on our social media channels about local events you can participate in, key historical figures, as well as current Black leaders.
As we unite in solidarity with the Y’s commitment to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism, we’ve put together some resources that will help immerse you in the Black experience.
Created by The New York Times, “1619” is an audio series that explores “how slavery has transformed America, connecting past and present through the oldest form of storytelling.
Learn About Black-led Nonprofit Organizations
Read about these impactful organizations with a focus on issues that are important to Black Americans in our communities. You can even take it a step further and volunteer your time or set up a recurring donation!
Read These Books by Black Authors
Take the time to immerse yourself in these literary pieces by Black authors, many of which center around racial justice and the Black experience in America.
Nonfiction
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments by Saidiya Hartman
The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race, an anthology edited by Jesmyn Ward
Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Fiction
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler