The annual Black History Month, a 29-day commemoration honoring the history of Black Americans and the challenges they have faced, is upon us again. It is important during this time of the year to reflect on education about the history and social issues involving race, diversity, and discrimination. OCA presents to the NYU Shanghai community five of the most critically acclaimed novels to learn about the Month and what it aims to highlight.

Tears

We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America By Michael Eric DysonA sermon to call for change, this book argues that progress in racial issues can only be obtained by coming to terms with difficult truths, including the fact that the challenges and grievances of Black Americans have often been ignored or dismissed.

High

CottonBy Darryl Pinckney Focusing on the lives of upper-class blacks, High Cotton discusses the burden of “double consciousness” on an educated black person. The protagonist’s childhood and professional life is traced with relation to his identity issues.

The Hate U GiveBy Angie ThomasInspired by the Black Lives Matter Movement, this novel traces the experiences of Starr, the only witness of her unarmed best friend’s murder by a fatal police shooting. Issues highlighted include police brutality, the role of media and society, and justice.

Piecing Me TogetherBy Renee WatsonWritten from the perspective of a 16-year old African-American girl studying in a predominantly white school, this book brings to light the “pity” often faced by people of color in society furthered by the thought that they need to “saved.”

The SelloutBy Paul BeattyThe Sellout is about a young black man who continues segregation and slavery and is eventually taken to the Supreme Court. This satirical novel touches on racial issues related to the Constitution of the United States, the civil rights movement, and equality.

This article was written by Editorial Staff. Please send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Illustration Credit: Arshaun Darabnia, Goodreads