Sammy Davis Jr. was born December 8. Three notable books about him: two autobiographies and one biography.
Book 1: Yes I Can!
Book 2: Why Me?
Book 3: In Black and White by Wil Haygood
365 Black Books Hattie McDaniel Tuesday
Our bookclub discussed a historical fiction novel about Hattie McDaniel, the first African actress to receive an Oscar for a supporting role in a film (Gone With the Wind). ReShonda Tate, the author, researched Hattie McDaniel and used some creative liberties in creating a story about a pioneer, a fighter, and classy woman.
Book 1: The Queen of Sugar Hill by ReShonda Tate
Book 2: Hattie McDaniel Black Ambition, White Hollywood by Jill Watts
365 Black Books Little Richard Saturday
December 5 was Little Richard’s birthday. Two books were written about the musician’s life, music, and his influence.
Book 1: The Life and Times of Little Richard: The Authorized Biography by Charles White.
Book 2: The Big Life of Little Richard by Mark Ribowsky
365 Black Books Pryor Tuesday
After I posted yesterday books, I learned that December 1 was Richard Pryor’s birthday. I loved, loved, loved Richard Pryor! He was talented, sometimes controversial, but most of all funny! Well, IMHO. A few books have been written by and about him. I will focus on two.
Book 1: Pryor Convictions and Other Life Sentences by Richard Pryor his official autobiography.
Book 2: Becoming Richard Pryor by Scott Saul
365 Black Books Film Saturday
These books present information about Oscar Micheaux, the first black filmmaker.
Book 1: Oscar Micheaux: The Great and Only by Patrick McGilligan
Book 2: Writing Himself into History by Pearl Bowser and Louise Spence
Book 3: Oscar Micheaux and His Circle
Book 4: Straight Lick The Cinema of Oscar Micheaux by J. Ronald Green
Book 5: With a Crooked Stick by J. Ronald Green
365 Black Books Dance Thursday
These books feature the amazing dance pioneer Alvin Ailey
Book 1: Revelations: The Autobiography of Alvin Ailey by Alvin Ailey
Book 2: Alvin Ailey A Life in Dance by Jennifer Dunning
Book 3: Alvin Ailey by Andrea Davis Pinkney; illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Book 4: Ailey Spirit
Book 5: Edges of Ailey
365 Black Books Joe Louis Sunday
A new book has recently been published about the legendary boxer.
Book 1: The Fight of His Life by Johnny Smith and Randy Roberts
Book 2: A Nation’s Hope the story of legendary boxer Joe Louis by Matt de la Pena; illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Book 3: Joe Louis, My Life by Joe Louis and others
365 Black Books Wednesday Women
On November 4, a few cities, including Detroit, elected their first female mayor. These books feature the first African American woman elected to Congress–Shirley Chisholm, a trailblazer.
Book 1: She Was the First! by Katheryn Russell-Brown; illustrated by Eric Velasquez
Book 2: Shirley Chisholm Dared by Alicia D. Williams; illustrated by April Harrison
Book 3: Loud and Proud by Lesa Cline-Ransome; illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
Book 4: Unbought and Unbossed by Shirley Chisholm
Book 5: The Good Fight by Shirley Chisholm
365 Black Books Snowy Sunday
First day of snow in Michigan. Although there is only one print book about African Americans skiers, there are some electronic/digital “books” on the subject.
Book 1: The Day Snow Turned Black edited by Naomi Bryson, Ed.D
Bonnie St. John was the first African American woman to win two bronze medals in the 1984 Winter Paralympics. Read her inspiring story here.
The Jim Dandy Ski Club in Detroit is the first African American ski club in the United States. Read more about this awesome ski club here.
365 Black Books Skating Saturday
There are plenty of videos on roller skating. There are fewer books on the subject. Here are the few:
Book 1: Rollerdanceman: The Biography of Richard Humphrey by Carla Dometrious
Book 2: Motown Sound on Wheels by Rockin’ Richard Houston
Book 3: Evolution of Skating Vol. 1
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