There are plenty of options for those seeking good reads during Black History Month, both for adults and children. These titles are a few recommended readings for the month, but they are good to read any time, as well. Also, your local bookstores, especially Alkebu-Lan Images near TSU, have books of interest year round. Another great resource is your Nashville Public Library system, which is an award-winning system that has fantastic resources available free to residents of Nashville / Davidson County of all ages.
“Love is Loud” is the perfect introduction for young children to an inspiring and compelling civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis. As one of the few women leaders of the Civil Rights movement, Diane Nash worked to end segregation with strong words of truth and actions. Diane Nash fought segregation not with anger or violence, but with love.
This picture-book biography by former ESPN sportscaster Sandra Neil Wallace and acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier honors Diane Nash, a significant figure in the civil rights movement. The book opens with images of Nash’s parents cradling her as a baby and then of Nash, as a small child, being hugged by her grandmother, highlighting the love that encouraged her activism. Written in direct but poetic phrases, it is a fitting portrayal of Nash, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022.
Errol Pierre is an author, college professor, and highly motivated business executive. His new book “The Way Up” incorporates 2 years of research and writing, 15 lessons from academic research, 11 interviews with Executives of Color, and personal/professional experiences detailing the realities Black people face in today’s workplace. The book delivers a pragmatic and actionable guide to help underrepresented individuals from all ethnic backgrounds uncover their passion to achieve their professional goals and elevate their careers.
“The Way Up” is an intensely personal narrative profiling Pierre’s own journey from working in a beauty salon warehouse to COO for Empire BlueCross BlueShield and offers career-transforming lessons learned along the way. The book also offers guidance from prominent executives of color and takes a step-by-step approach to understanding the skills and strategies required to move from entry-level and middle management roles to the executive ranks.
Deeply inspirational, the book includes how to harness identity-defining moments and provides a perspective about career advancement that Pierre believes is particularly relevant to people of color: the path is not a corporate ladder, but a mountain that sometimes requires lateral moves and different prep to make it to the top.
“Teach Me About Malcolm” highlights Malcolm X’s contributions to the world from an African-Centered perspective. A poetic ode to the late, great, Malcolm X. Children will take a glimpse into the life and times of Brother Malcolm from his childhood until his untimely demise.
You are cordially invited to a “Teach Me About Malcolm” Book Signing this Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM CST at Alkebu-Lan Images Bookstore, 2721 Jefferson Street, near TSU. Bring the kids! Refreshments will be provided, and author James Wilson, Jr. will read aloud from the book and sign copies.
