Last week, I reposted an instagram story from Black Women Radicals, and almost immediately, my messages were flooded. While I couldn’t go through all of them, the responses I did recieve have me intrigued.
I’ve been reading a lot lately in-between writing, as a way to excercise my mind. It has always been the trick for seasons like this, and also helps me think a bit clearly. Suddenly, words of my own feel safe enough to come out. Because of this, I’ve been picking up old favorites, and devouring essays over lunch at my kitchen table. There are a handful of books that have changed me. I assume, as I get older, there will be more.
As I’ve said over the years, a few years ago, I read All About Love by Bell Hooks, and so far, it has been the book that has been the source of pivotal change for me. I feel like this decade of life may bring a new book that may be a cornerstone for me. So I’d love to hear about what you’ve read by a Black Feminist that changed your life?
(Photo of Natalie Cole, circa 1973. Isaac Sutton/Johnson Publishing Company via New York Times / Ebony Magazine Archive)
Without a doubt Adrienne Marie Brown’s Emergent Strategy. ❤️
Amanda, I love that one too! I haven’t picked it up recently, but thank you for reminding me!
Recently reread bell hooks Bone Black, and am now rereading All-Night Party, The Women of Bohemian Greenwich Village and Harlem, 1913-1930. I rarely reread books but man, the good ones, they are so worth it, and I’m really loving it.
In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens by Alice Walker!
Alexis Pauline Gumbs changes me every time.
I had the great luck to read Assata by Assata Shakur in high school! It Had a big influence and let me see how big a life can be.
I want you to read what Bell Hooks wrote about the Central Park 5.
https://m.facebook.com/13309061/posts/10101461024472174/
As a black woman i would not go near any of her books.
Thank you so much for sending. I will def read.
x