Ishmael Reed was born February 22 and is a poet, novelist, essayist, playwright, songwriter, public media commentator, lecturer and publisher. He has written more than 40 books, a few posted below. Read more about Ishmael Reed here.




Ishmael Reed was born February 22 and is a poet, novelist, essayist, playwright, songwriter, public media commentator, lecturer and publisher. He has written more than 40 books, a few posted below. Read more about Ishmael Reed here.




Audre Lorde, feminist, poet, professor was born on February 18. She passed away in 1992. Read more about Lorde’s work and legacy here.
A few of her many works:






Today, February 9, Alice Walker celebrates her 82nd birthday! Known for The Color Purple, Alice Walker has written essays, novels, and poetry. A few are show below. To read more about her, click here.





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:





Cornelius Eady, born January 7, is a poet and co-founder of Cave Canem, a network for African American poets.
Three of his works: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/230758/cornelius-eady



These books highlight children and their pets.
Book 1: Thinker My Puppy Poet and Me by Eloise Greenfield; illustrated by Ehsan Abdollahi
Book 2: Sounder by William H. Armstrong A classic!
Book 3: Please, Puppy, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee; illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Book 4: Not My Cat by Stacey Patton; illustrated by Acamy Schleikorn
Today’s post features books about gratitude and community.
Book 1: Thanks A Million by Nikki Grimes. The award-winning poet wrote several poems on thankfulness and gratitude.
Book 2: Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora. Omu shares her stew with everyone until there is none left for her. What happens next speaks to the power of gratitude and community.
Book 3: Thank You! It’s an Afro by Cassidy Bridges. A true story about self-love and Afro appreciation.