Honoring the Journey: Celebrating Black History Month Through Literature

Black History Month, February 1-28, is a time to honor the past while celebrating the vibrant, complex, and evolving stories of the African Diaspora. The recent winners of the NYC Big Book Award and the Independent Press Award offer a profound look at both the shadows of history and the light of modern resilience.

To understand the deep roots of the struggle, "Damaged Heritage" by J. Chester Johnson (a 2025 Independent Press Award Winner, https://www.independentpressaward.com/2025winners/9781643134666) provides a necessary look at the Elaine Race Massacre, blending historical investigative work with a personal narrative of reconciliation. This work reminds us that history is not just about dates, but about the long road toward healing.

The celebration also extends to contemporary voices that showcase the "Black Joy" and resilience of today. "When It All Falls Down" by Chinedu Achebe (a 2025 NYC Big Book Award Winner, https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-winners/9798321019689) explores the modern Nigerian-American experience, navigating family dynamics against the backdrop of today’s social challenges.

Meanwhile, books like  "The King Inside: Practical Advice for Young African-American Males" by Dr. Angelise M. Rouse (a 2021 Independent Press Award, https://www.independentpressaward.com/2021winners?lightbox=dataItem-kni4je18) provide vital mentorship and empowerment for young Black men, ensuring that the history we make today is rooted in strength and self-worth. By engaging with these diverse titles, we honor Black history as a living, breathing, and multifaceted legacy.