We can say “peace on earth.” We can sing about it, preach about it or pray about it, but if we have not internalized the mythology to make it happen inside us, then it will not be – Betty Shabazz
While black history month is coming to an end, we enter March, declared as National Women’s month. It’s important to highlight all women of all types this month. However, it’s as important to highlight women of color during this month, especially considering the social climate in which we live in. I find it imperative for men to learn about Black women’s experiences in America and to learn about the reasoning behind the myth of black women’s tone.
What other way to learn about the adversities of Black women in America than a black female author telling her story or someone else’s through books. After talking to several women of color, these are the books I feel are great for men to read during March.
Push by Sapphire is about a Black woman Precious Jones’s experiences while living in purgatory circumstances. Many people have seen the movie Precious, but the book has many nuances that help develop the character more in-depth.
Iyanla Vanzant’s Piece from Broken Pieces is a autobiography. In this book, we are taken on a journey from Iyanla’s childhood to adulthood. What the most critical theme in the book is Iyanla’s definition of pathology. She writes in a psychological way explaining how she found herself doing the things her parents did in her adult life even though she tries her best not to. This is how she defines the pathology.
Just as I am by Cecily Tyson is a memoir of the late actress’s life. In this book, she not only talks about her success in the entertainment business but her journey to how she got there. It was not a comfortable ride, but she explains how she remained resilient.
Reverend Curtis Black series by Kimberla Lawson Roby is a series of books about a relationship in turmoil. This is a good read because we view a black women’s reasoning of her actions and how men in society can construe it.
Christian author Sarah Jakes Roberts daughter of Rev TD Jakes writes a book Woman, Evolve talking about how a woman can find their purpose in life. She writes from a Christian standpoint having an allegory in the story about the story of Eve.
Malik is a writer who loves to write about thought provoking topics concerning people of color worldwide.