African American Literature

Their Eyes Were Watching God is a seminal work by Zora Neale Hurston that explores the journey of Janie Crawford as she searches for identity, love, and self-realization against the backdrop of early 20th-century Florida.

Maya Angelou’s debut memoir, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,' explores themes of racism, self-acceptance, and resilience through her childhood experiences in the segregated American South.

Native Son by Richard Wright tells the harrowing story of Bigger Thomas, a young black man in 1930s Chicago whose life spirals out of control after he murders a white woman in a moment of panic.

In 'Life After Death,' Winter Santiaga emerges from prison determined to reclaim her life, confront her enemies, and win back her love, Midnight, in a raw and gripping narrative filled with drama, betrayal, and resilience.

Master Slave Husband Wife tells the true, thrilling story of Ellen and William Craft, who ingeniously escaped slavery by disguising themselves as master and slave, undertaking a perilous journey of over 1,000 miles for freedom.

In "Elijah of Buxton," eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first child born into freedom in Buxton, Canada, embarks on a dangerous quest to recover stolen money from a thief, confronting his family's past and the horrors of slavery.

Second Class Citizen is a powerful narrative of Adah, a Nigerian woman who battles gender oppression and racial prejudice while navigating life in the UK, ultimately striving for independence and a better future for her children.

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is a powerful play that explores the struggles and dreams of a Black family in 1950s Chicago, addressing issues of racism, housing discrimination, and family unity.

'Beloved' by Toni Morrison is a powerful novel that delves into the haunting legacy of slavery through the story of Sethe, a former slave, and the ghost of her deceased child.

PowerNomics by Claud Anderson is a strategic plan aimed at empowering Black America through self-sufficiency and competitive strength in key areas like education, economics, and politics, while dismantling systemic inequalities.

Sounder is a poignant tale of an African-American boy and his family in the 19th-century South, focusing on their struggles for survival and the unwavering loyalty of their coon dog, Sounder, amidst adversity and racism.

Chang-rae Lee's 'Native Speaker' follows Henry Park, a Korean-American who grapples with cultural alienation and personal loss, as he navigates his complex identity amidst the tensions of New York City and his strained marriage after the death of his son.

Fences, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson, explores the life of Troy Maxson, an African American man facing the challenges of discrimination and personal struggles in 1950s Pittsburgh, reflecting broader themes of race, family, and ambition.

Zora Neale Hurston's 'How It Feels to Be Colored Me' is a vibrant autobiographical essay exploring race, identity, and self-pride in early 20th-century America.

Dominicana by Angie Cruz tells the poignant story of 15-year-old Ana Cancion, who marries Juan Ruiz to immigrate to America, navigating love, duty, and personal freedom amidst political turmoil.

Ralph Ellison's 'Invisible Man' is a powerful exploration of identity, race, and societal invisibility through the journey of a nameless black narrator in mid-20th century America.

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison is a richly woven novel that follows Milkman Dead's quest for identity, exploring themes of family, race, and generational trauma.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi is a profound novel tracing the parallel lives of two half-sisters and their descendants across eight generations, illustrating the enduring impact of slavery on those taken and those who stayed.