Hello! Recently, I've been engaging with many documentaries and books that involve Black history and culture, and I feel that it's imperative that I use this platform that I have to share the things I've watched or read that have changed my worldview. I would like to also emphasize the fact that it doesn't need to be Black History Month for you to educate yourself and others on or appreciate Black history/culture. Please look up trigger warnings if you do decide to read or watch anything on this list! It's good to educate yourself, and educating yourself on history is usually uncomfortable, but take care of yourself. Self care is an act of resistance! Without further ado, here is my read/watchlist recommendations for Black History Month 2026, with little to no context. (None of this is sponsored by the way). Books to Read 1. "N*groes with Guns" by Robert F. Williams This book will radicalize you so much. 2. "Recitatif" by Toni Morrison Th...
Hello!
Recently, I've been engaging with many documentaries and books that involve Black history and culture, and I feel that it's imperative that I use this platform that I have to share the things I've watched or read that have changed my worldview. I would like to also emphasize the fact that it doesn't need to be Black History Month for you to educate yourself and others on or appreciate Black history/culture.
Please look up trigger warnings if you do decide to read or watch anything on this list! It's good to educate yourself, and educating yourself on history is usually uncomfortable, but take care of yourself. Self care is an act of resistance! Without further ado, here is my read/watchlist recommendations for Black History Month 2026, with little to no context. (None of this is sponsored by the way).
Books to Read
1. "N*groes with Guns" by Robert F. Williams
This book will radicalize you so much.
2. "Recitatif" by Toni Morrison
This book will challenge your views on race and racial stereotypes, read this post about it.
3. "Barracoon" by Zora Neale Hurston
This book will also radicalize you and possibly make you cry.
4. "The Willie Lynch Letter and The Making of a Slave"
This book will anger you so much, but it also explains so much.
5. "Feeling Black" by Charlotte Belle Brown
Probably the happiest book on this list.
6. "Passing" by Nella Larsen
Read this post that I wrote on it.
7. "African American Wisdom" by Reginald McKnight
Super easy read.
8. "The Best Short Stories by Black Writers" by Langston Hughes
Long read but really good.
9. "The Fire This Time" by Jesmyn Ward
I loved this so much.
10. "The Piano Lesson" by August Wilson
Such a beautiful play.
Things to Watch
1. "13th"
Police brutality, 13th amendment.
2. "CRACK: C*caine, Corruption, & Conspiracy"
Self explanatory.
3. "Descendant"
This inspired me to read "Barracoon".
4. "Who K*lled Malcolm X?"
Self explanatory.
5. "Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am"
Self explanatory.
6. "Supreme Models"
Documentary on Black models, my mom said there was a book to go with this.
7. "Blood Brothers: Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali"
Can you tell I love Malcolm X?
8. "Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin"
Queer, Black activism!
9. "Hip-Hop Evolution"
Please just watch it.
10. "Piano Lesson"
Movie version of the book/play by August Wilson.
11. "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
Movie version of another play by August Wilson. Queer, Black people in the Harlem Renaissance.
12. "I Am Not Your N*gro"
I love James Baldwin
13. "Hotel Rwanda"
Super triggering but very educational. I believe African history should be included as apart of Black history.
14. "Daughters of the Dust"
!!!!!!
15. "Malcolm X"
Self explanatory.
16. "Marshall"
One of my comfort movies. R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman.
17. "Selma"
Self explanatory.
I hope you enjoyed this list I put together, and I hope that you try out some of my recommendations. If you liked this, you can check out some reviews of these books on my Instagram and Pinterest. Please come back soon for more words from Willow!
BONUS: Research Topics!!!
Harlem Renaissance, obstetric racism/violence, misogynoir, the ballroom scene in New York (and the impact of it on Black and Latinx queer people), the origins of country, jazz, rap, and R&B music, and the Combahee River Collective.
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