Blessed heavenly birthday Booker Taliaferro Washington! Born April 5, Booker T. Washington was an educator, author, founder and first president of what is now Tuskegee University. Known for Up From Slavery, Booker T. Washington wrote several books. Here are just a few:
Happy heavenly birthday Dr. Maya Angelou! Born April 4, Dr. Angelou was a poet, activist, professor and more. Her iconic/classic poem, “Still I Rise”, is as relevant today as it was when it was first written and published.
Happy birthday Michaela Angela Davis! Michaela Angela Davis is a writer on African-American style, race, gender and hip-hop culture in the United States. She is also a fashion expert and an “image activist.” Her memoir, Tenderheaded, tells how she view the world through the lens of race, gender, and culture.
Born March 15, Harriet E. Wilson was the first African American to publish a novel in North America. Her novel, Our Nig, Sketches From the Life of a Free Black, published in 1859, is an autobiographical narrative that stands as one of the most important accounts of the life of a black woman in the antebellum North.
Born March 8, Mel Watkins is an author, critic and a former staff member of the New York Times. He is known for this book, Stepin Fetchit, the Life and Times of Lincoln Perry. He has written a book about comedy, On the Real Side and his memoir, Dancing with Strangers.
John Lewis was born February 20. Posting books about his life and legacy. Read more about him here.
Here are just a few books written by and about him.
I watched a very informative and fascinating documentary titled, “Women in Motion.” That is the name of Nichelle Nichols consulting firm that partnered with NASA to recruit more people of color into NASA. Excellent documentary!
Nichelle Nichols’ autobiography:
Her adult fiction:
A children’s book about Nichelle Nichols:
Langston Hughes, poet, playwright, and short story writer, was born February 1. More about Langston Hughes can be found here. Some of his notable books:
Born January 13, Sharon Robinson is the daughter of Jackie Robinson. She is also a nurse-midwife, health writer, author, and educator. She has written several books about Jackie Robinson and herself.
Book 1: Her memoir, Child of the Dream
Book 2: Jackie Robinson’s biography, Promises to Keep
Book 3: Jackie’s Nine
Zora Neale Hurston, author, anthropologist, and folklorist was born January 7. Well-known for her book, “Their Eyes Are Watching God”, she has written other books. Just a few pictured here. More can be found on the website: https://www.zoranealehurston.com/books/
Her autobiography:
If you are a fan of Zora Neale Hurston, you should treat yourself to the Zora Neale Festival in January. It is a fabulous event that honors and pay tribute to a fantastic author. For more information, check out the website: https://zorafestival.org/
