Books for Black History Month based on what you stream + follow

This year, get ready to show up and show out with these essential books for Black History Month. Black History Month is a time to celebrate the men and women who helped shape Black history and culture. Whether you love to binge Insecure or can’t wait for DONDA2 to drop, learn and explore the different facets that make Black culture beautifully rich and complex with these 17 books to read for Black History Month based on what you watch, read, and listen.

Pairing the best books for Black History Month alongside our favorite Black creators in music, art, TV, and podcasts, Mango’s books for Black History Month invite you to meet Black icons, learn their stories, and walk away with a new perspective. From honoring trailblazers of the Civil Rights movement (Book of Awesome Black Americans) to learning what it means to be a Black woman in America (Oh Sis You’re Pregnant) our Black History Month booklist has books for you, your partner, your friends, and even the little little ones in your life.

If you watch Insecure…drop these books for Black History Month in your white Telfar bag

This past December, we said goodbye to Insecure, a groundbreaking series that highlighted the day to day experiences of Black women. We laughed with Kelli, and shook our heads with Issa, but like Molly, we experienced growth and realized our worth. We’re ready to enter the next season of our lives, and carrying a copy of Your Next Level Life in your White Telfar Bag will help you do just that. Similarly, The Prepared Graduate will help navigate you through the job search waters and sail you towards career success, a guide that Molly would appreciate.

It’s important that you learn about mental health and self-care and pass it onto the next generation, which is where Oh Sis You’re Pregnant steps in. It’s the perfect combination of learning and self-care for all the expectant mom-to-be’s like Insecure’s Tiffany.

Cover of Your Next Level Life by Karen Arrington

The Prepared Graduate by Kyyah Abdul cover

Cover of OH SIS, You're pregnant! by Shanicia Boswell

If you listen to Therapy For Black Girls…add these reads to your Black History Month booklist

We’re gearing up to become the next best version of ourselves, we have to remember to take a step back and acknowledge the stigma that many Black women face. If you want to add a more introspective read to your Black History Month booklist, The Strong Black Woman discusses Black mental health and the importance of self-care, one of our favorite topics. Another book to add to your self-care toolkit is Banish Your Inner Critic. Inside, you’ll learn how to silence the voice of self-doubt and be your most authentic being. Both are powerful books that Iyanla Vanzant would love to discuss.

The Strong Black Woman by Marita Golden cover

Cover of Banish Your Inner Critic by Denise Jacobs

If you read BlackMomsBlog….here are the best books for Black History Month to meet all your parental needs

For those who already have their little bundle of joy running around, Raising Confident Black Kids is your go-to guide to empowering your children on their journey through life and conquering the obstacles they might face living while Black. As a parent, we know the importance of fostering their knowledge and we’ve got the perfect books to read for Black History Month. From Young Trailblazers to Civil Rights Then and Now they get to learn about Black trailblazers and icons of Black History,

Amp up your teen’s Black History Month booklist with the Badass Black Girl Series and spark teachable conversations around #Blackgirlmagic. If your teen is looking for historical books for Black History Month, the Book of Awesome Black Americans will teach them about the Amazing Black game-changers of America. If your teen is into sports and looks up the football greats such as Larry Allen and Deion Sanders, then The Recruits Playbook is their guide to scoring big. There’s something for every bright young mind which you can explore here.

Raising Confident Black Kids by M.J. Fievre cover

Civil Rights Then and Now by Kristina Brooke cover

The Recruit’s Playbook by Larry Hart cover

Book of Awesome Black Americans by Monique L. Jones cover

Resilient Black Girl by M.J. Fievre cover

If you enjoy the art of Kehinde Wiley…dive into history with the best books to read for Black History Month

There are books that make you laugh and there are books that make you cry. Then there are books that make a deep impact on the human soul through powerful experiences. The award-winning Seven Sisters and a Brother does just that. Travel back in time through a pivotal moment in U.S History and walk alongside student activists in a fight for resistance, change, and equality. Looking for a read that will bring you even further back? Black Man on the Titanic has got you covered as you glimpse into the hidden side of the Titanic disaster (not the Jack and Rose version).

Black Man on the Titanic by Serge Bile cover

If you’re waiting for DONDA2… make sure you feel fresh with these books to read for Black History Month

Looking for something to read while you wait for the new Season of Atlanta and Rihanna’s album to drop? We suggest you up your style in honor of Kanye West and the late Virgil Abloh with Notoriously Dapper. Inside, you’ll learn the art of the modern gentleman while discovering your signature style. While you’re discovering your style and adding songs to your playlist, we figured you’d be hungry and that’s where Eating Well to Win steps in. With healthy and mouth watering recipes from Richard Ingraham, the personal chef of NBA all star Dwanye Wade and Actress Gabrielle Union, this cookbook is perfect for those seeking peak performance.

Cover of Notoriously Dapper by Kelvin Davis

Eating Well to Win by Richard Ingraham cover

We hope that you’ve added all of these essential books for Black History month to your reading list for a great month of learning and listening. Whether it be for you, or even as a gift, these books will help you and your circle to celebrate Black History Month.

Want to Celebrate Black History Month with More than a Booklist? Try These 3 Effective and Easy Tips Help on How

Resources

Support your local Black owned brands and businesses and let us know of some of your personal favorites by tagging @mangopublishing on Instagram.

Here are some of our personal favorite Black Bookstores, Brands, and Businesses.

Bookstores

Want to visit a Black owned bookstore? Here are two resources resource that will help you locate the nearest one: