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
John Hope Franklin was born on January 2, 1915. He was an American historian who wrote primarily about American history. His classic and seminal work is:
Book: From Slavery to Freedom
Book: Mirror to America, his autobiography
Born December 30, 1928, guitarist and singer Bo Diddley transitioned from the blues to rock and roll. Two books about him:
Book 1: Bo Diddley: Living Legend
Book 2 (a children’s book): Bo Diddley Rock & Roll All Star
Florence Griffith Joyner, aka Flo-Jo, was and is the fast woman ever recorded in track and field. Here is a tribute to her life and career.
Book: She Persisted: Florence Griffith Joyner by Rita Williams-Garcia and Chelsea Clinton
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
November 30 was Gordon Parks birthday. Belated rest in heaven wishes to a multitalented man! This post will feature three of his works. For more information about Gordon Parks, please check out this website: Gordon Parks Museum
Book 1: The Learning Tree: A classic book and movie!
Book 2: A Choice of Weapons
Book 3: Half Past Autumn: A Retrospective
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.
These books are written by poet, musician, and more Gil Scott-Heron.
Book 1: The Vulture by Gil Scott-Heron. Gil Scott-Heron’s first novel that he wrote at the age of 20.
Book 2: Now and Then by Gil Scott-Heron. His song lyrics/poems
Book 3: The Last Holiday A Memoir by Gil Scott-Heron
I attended a booksigning at Detroit Public Library featuring Abby Phillip, author of A Dream Deferred. Ms. Phillip shared so much insight and information about this trailblazer. A must read!
Today’s books feature/highlight courageous/brave African Americans.
Book 1: The classic. Black Profiles in Courage by Kareem Abdul-Jabaar and Alan Steinberg.
Book 2: Brave. Black. First. by Cheryl Willis Hudson
Book 3: The Black Knight by Clifford Worthy.
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