4 Notable Pieces of Black Literature to check out
BY: DEVYNN LEJUNE
Staff Writer
February is a month to commemorate influential African Americans whose journeys have had a massive impact on today’s history. There are many ways to celebrate Black History Month. Why not enjoy it by indulging in black literature? Here are four pieces of writing that showcase black stories.
“Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting In The Cafeteria Together” by Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum
“Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting in the Cafeteria Together” is a nonfiction story that sheds light on black issues spanning from stereotypes to inter-racial households. Dr. Beverly Tatum, the ninth president of Spelman College, first published this text in 1997. It has since been updated several times in the past two decades, and is now in its twentieth edition. “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting In the Cafeteria Together” covers hard hitting topics that show readers how to discuss race and everything that comes with it. This is a great nonfiction read that will help you become more educated on racial issues within America.
“The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin
“The Fire Next Time” is a non-fiction book that contains two essays by James Baldwin. The two essays are titled “My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation” and “Down at the Cross: Letter from a Region of My Mind.” James Baldwin was a well known author and activist who was outspoken on racial issues in America. “My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Emancipation” was originally a letter to James’ nephew discussing race and its central role in the Nation’s history. “Down at the Cross: Letter from a Region of My Mind” is about race and religion. Baldwin writes about his young experiences in a christian church. “The Fire Next Time” has been credited as one of the most impactful books regarding race relations in the 1960’s, as it gives an in-depth description of how race in America was regarded during that time.
“Passing” by Nella Larsen
“Passing” is a fiction novel written by Nella Larsen that was published in April of 1929. Nella Larsen was a young American novelist who had written short stories and another notable novel, “Quicksand.” “Passing” takes place in New York, where two childhood girlfriends rekindle their friendship as women who’ve established their place in society. Clare Kendry has spent her life masquerading as a white woman who happens to marry a wealthy racist white man who is unaware of her true racial identity. Irene Redfield’s main concern is to keep her social status as a middle class woman who also partakes in passing as a white woman at times. “Passing” touches on the real issue of living in a black and white world as an interacial woman in the 1920’s. After reading the novel, you can stream the film adaptation on Netflix.
“Fences” by August Wilson
“Fences” is a play, turned into a short novel, written by August Wilson, which was published in 1985. “Fences” is set in the 1950’s and dives into an African American family’s life and their struggle. Troy, who is a hard working man, is working day by day to provide for himself and his family. He battles with the nostalgia of his days in Negro-League baseball and the regret of being in prison for a robbery gone bad, all while trying to be a husband, brother, and father. The play explores religion, family, and struggle, and was made into a motion picture in 2016 which was directed by Denzel Washington.
