On Saturday, June 6, our Jhaded x MAGLYFE Virtual Book Club hosted our second meeting. In light of worldwide solidarity efforts, we decided to uplift the black community by celebrating black authors. Our discussion focused on books we recently read or are currently reading by black authors.
We discussed the following books:
Mom & Me & Mom – Maya Angelou
In Mom & Me & Mom, Maya dramatizes her years reconciling with the mother she preferred to simply call “Lady,” revealing the profound moments that shifted the balance of love and respect between them.
The Awakened Woman – Dr. Tererai Trent
The Awakened Woman chronicles one incredible woman’s journey from a child bride in a small Zimbabwe village to one of the world’s most recognizable voices in women’s empowerment and education, this manifesto inspires women to pursue their sacred dreams through nine essential lessons brought forth from ancient African wisdom.
Young Black and Gifted – Jamia Wilson
Journey across borders, through time and even through space to meet 52 icons of color from the past and present in a celebration of achievement and Discover how their childhood dreams and experiences influenced their adult achievements.
Melanin Poppin’: Mommy, Why is My Skin Tone Different Than Yours? – CJ Johnson
This book follows Chrissy, a 6-year-old girl embarks upon a journey seeking answers about her skin tone. After noticing that her mother, Teresa, is much lighter than she is, Chrissy is confused about her mother’s racial identity. Teresa, educates, uplifts, and bestows knowledge upon Chrissy so she can then teach others about the beautiful term called “melanin”. Shop the book
Becoming – Michelle Obama
In her memoir, Becoming, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address.
Bad Feminist – Roxane Gay
In these funny and insightful essays, Roxane Gay, through Bad Feminist takes us through the journey of her evolution as a woman of color while also taking readers on a ride through culture of the last few years and commenting on the state of feminism today. The portrait that emerges is not only one of an incredibly insightful woman continually growing to understand herself and our society, but also one of our culture.
When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America – Paula Giddings
When and Where I Enter is an eloquent testimonial to the profound influence of African-American women on race and women’s movements throughout American history. Drawing on speeches, diaries, letters, and other original documents, Paula Giddings powerfully portrays how black women have transcended racist and sexist attitudes–often confronting white feminists and black male leaders alike–to initiate social and political reform.
They Came Before Columbus: The African Presence in Ancient America – Ivan Van Sertima
They Came Before Columbus reveals a compelling, dramatic, and superbly detailed documentation of the presence and legacy of Africans in ancient America. Ivan Van Sertima builds a pyramid of evidence to support his claim of an African presence in the New World centuries before Columbus.
Of Water and the Spirit: Ritual, Magic, and Initiation in the Life of an African Shaman – Malidoma Patrice Somé
Malidoma Patrice Some was born in a Dagara Village, however he was soon to be abducted to a Jesuit school, where he remained for the next fifteen years, being harshly indoctrinated into European ways of thought and worship. The story tells of his return to his people, his hard initiation back into those people, which lead to his desire to convey their knowledge to the world.
The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient Teachings In The Ways Of Relationships – Sobonfu Somé
In The Spirit of Intimacy, Somé distills the ancient teachings and wisdom of her native village to give insight into the nature of intimate relationships. Her ideas are intuitively persuasive, provocative, and healingand supported by sound practical advice, along with specific rituals and ceremonies based on those used for thousands of years.
Conversations in Black – Ed Gordon
Hard-hitting, thought-provoking, and inspiring, Conversations in Black offers sage wisdom for navigating race in a radically divisive America and, with help from his mighty team of black intelligentsia, veteran journalist Ed Gordon creates hope and a timeless narrative on what the future of black leadership should look like and how we can get there
Things Fall Apart – Chinua Achebe
A simple story of a “strong man” whose life is dominated by fear and anger, Things Fall Apart is written with remarkable economy and subtle irony. Uniquely and richly African, at the same time it reveals Achebe’s keen awareness of the human qualities common to men of all times and places
King of the Masquerade – Michael Anthony
This story is about Trinidadian family, the Broomleys. The parents do not approve of the Carnival spirits, but their son Alan makes secret plans to take part in a big Carnival competition on the Savannah in Port of Spain. The Story is mostly seen through the eyes of Letitia, the maid who is half-fearful at being found out, half excited a t being witness of Alan s secret preparations to compete in the competition. Alan appears on the big day disguised as the Fool in Shakespeare s Twelfth Night.”
What book/s are you currently reading?
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Photos and descriptions: Goodreads
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