Twelve Reading Suggestions for Honoring Black History Month
In the world of literature and culinary arts, there's a vibrant celebration of diversity that's hard to ignore. From captivating novels to mouth-watering cookbooks, here's a roundup of some of the most exciting releases that honour the richness of various cultures and traditions.
Chef Rene Johnson, a passionate advocate for vegan cooking, embarks on a wonderful journey to make traditional recipes healthier, more inclusive, and delicious. Her cookbook, "From My Heart to Your Table," is a heartfelt ode to home cooking, offering a fresh spin on vegan recipes while maintaining the soul of family favourites like mac and cheese, okra bites, and cornbread.
Meanwhile, the world of literature is abuzz with the adaptation of J. Elle's "Ashes of Gold" by Oprah Winfrey's production company. This sequel to the "Wings of Ebony duology" follows Rue, a Black teen from Houston, Texas, who discovers her godly ancestry and must save both the human world and god worlds.
For those with a taste for history and the arts, "Augusta Savage: The Shape of a Sculptor's Life" by Marilyn Nelson is a biography in poems about Augusta Savage, a trailblazing Black sculptor who was influential during the Harlem Renaissance. Another must-read for music enthusiasts is "Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop" by Danyel Smith, a homage to the musical masters who shaped the story of American pop music.
"BLACK FOOD: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora [A Cookbook]," edited by Bryant Terry, is a unique collection that contains culinary histories of the African diaspora. With 42 rituals inspired by different goddesses from various African cultures, this book offers a rich tapestry of recipes, stories, essays, and art.
In the realm of fiction, "The Chosen One: A First-Generation Ivy League Odyssey" by Echo Brown is a YA novel that offers an insightful portrayal of what it's like to be a first-generation Black female college student on a predominantly white, Ivy League campus. "Black Cake" by Charmaine Wilkerson is a debut mystery that explores family secrets from the Caribbean to California.
"Nobody's Magic" by Destiny O. Birdsong is a literary triptych that follows three Black women with albinism, while "Redwood and Wildfire" by Andrea Hairston is an alternate historical fantasy that takes place in the early 1900s and features magical realism, hoodoo, time travel, and a love story.
Lastly, "African Goddess Initiation: Sacred Rituals for Self-Love, Prosperity, and Joy" by Abiola Abrams and "Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration" by Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts are books that recognise the power of self-love, prosperity, and joy, offering guidance and inspiration for readers.
These books and cookbooks are not just a testament to the richness of various cultures, but also a call to embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a literary connoisseur, there's something for everyone in this vibrant collection.
