March 2022 – As a young black girl, you may have noticed that mainstream media is dominated by people who don’t look like you. From Disney Princesses to pop singers, you may have looked for role models who were like you. But if you look closely, you would find beautiful black women in black sitcoms, like Family Matters, in popular musicians like Destiny’s Child, and in books by amazing black authors.
These books can help you feel empowered, and feel stronger and most secure in your identity as a black woman.
I know why the caged bird sings by Maya Angelou
In this beautiful autobiography, Maya Angelou writes about her childhood in which she and her siblings found themselves struggling to fit in with their personalities, socioeconomic class, and race. Amidst the struggles, readers witness Maya confront her insecurities as a young African-American woman, overcome her fears and emerge as a strong, resilient woman.
Home for Hurricanes by Nikki Murphy
This riveting memoir-in-verse, Home for Hurricanes: A Memoir of Resilience in Poetry and Prose provides a sobering portrayal of both the jubilance and hardening of Black girls emanating from the ghettos, and celebrates their resolve to build free and whole lives.
In her book, Murphy invites readers to witness her hard-fought journey to find healing, love, and gratitude with her message: “No matter where you are in weathering the storms of trauma, you will be reminded you are built to withstand.”
Author Monique “Nikki” Murphy is an award-winning author as well as a passionate Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) speaker, leader and one of the leading black motivational speakers in New York. Find out more about her on her website www.nikki-murphy.com.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison’s debut novel is the story of the 11-year-old Pecola who simply wishes to be as beautiful as America’s beloved white children. The story follows her complex journey of self-discovery, where she takes racism and self-hatred head on. The story highlights low self-esteem in young African-American women and displays the importance of self-love.
The Sisters Are Alright by Tamara Winfrey Harris
In her novel, Harris shows how real black women are fighting negative stereotypes against themselves. The author proves that real black women are more than stereotypes and shows what it means to be black woman in the modern times.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Alice Walker’s book-turned-movie focuses on the struggles of a black woman in the early 1900s. Young Celie, who is abused all her life, feels completely broken but turns to God and her sister to find her voice. The story may sound older but it is still a powerful reminder to young women that no one is allowed to dictate your value.
If you are looking for black coming of age stories book online or the best urban book to read in USA, check out the above five books today!
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