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Anayo's avatar

Looking at the full list and I just noticed The Dead Emcee Scrolls is included! I feel like this book appeared in a fever dream because I never hear people speak about it, but it was so seminal for me in my early poetry writing days. A favorite to this day, shout-out to Saul Williams. Also, I'm reading Song of Solomon as we speak and almost finished.

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Shanna Miles's avatar

It’s in my personal library and I try to get a copy for the schools I work in

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Simone Arabia's avatar

I have had this book for so long and tried to get so many of my people in my life to read it. It’s on my book shelf now and its been years since I’ve looked at it. Thank you for reminding me about this book. I loved it then and I’m gonna re-read it now.

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Judy Bukenya's avatar

Song of Sol introduced me to Queen Toni. That book is my favorite of hers.

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Oiwuri She Encourages's avatar

Thank you. Taking time to read more. Knowledge is power. I personally refuse to allow the legacy of my ancestors to die. Like they we will tell our stories to our children of our people though oppressed found courage to move forward despite the pain.

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André Santana's avatar

I've had an audiobook copy of their eyes we're watching god FOREVER and you've convinced me to move it up my reading list 🙌🏾

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Shanna Miles's avatar

You must! It’s really one of the top 10 books you must read before you check on out of here.

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To All My Darlings's avatar

I have read all of her books and they are all brilliant and wonderful!

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and now Miguel's avatar

Oh my goodness! You need to definitely move it up your list, Zora is, in my opinion, The Mother 🙏🏽. And who is reading this audiobook you have, is it well done? I might have to try that out. Because yeah, many reasons. Please let me know.

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Shanna Miles's avatar

The publisher sent me a handful of people to listen and choose from. Brilliance Publishing

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and now Miguel's avatar

Noted. Thanks 🙏🏽

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Janet Salmons PhD's avatar

It is an all-time favorite!

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Roshaunda D. Cade, Ph.D.'s avatar

Libraries, books, and history have always been vital, and now they are even more so. If we each do what we can to preserve them, we can help thwart their erasure. Thank you!

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ChanelAF's avatar

Will be checking this out! Thank you!

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Lakeisha | Temple Priestess's avatar

Thank you so much for this list. I will definitely be adding to my personal library.

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LaToya Allen's avatar

So many great recs!

I recently started reading The Source of Self-Regard Selected Essay, Speeches, and Meditations of Toni Morrison. I think you’d like it.

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Shanna Miles's avatar

I’m reading BLACK WOMEN WRITERS AT WORK and she has an excerpt. It’s great.

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Samantha Maposa's avatar

Do you have a list for short stories by black writers

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Shanna Miles's avatar

I don’t, but there is a great Black speculative fiction magazine I love.

https://fiyahlitmag.com/

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Samantha Maposa's avatar

Thank you!!

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André W.'s avatar

Great list. I am proud to have read four of them and currently reading the fifth: Project 1619.

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Dr. Mercedes Samudio's avatar

The Bluest Eye is one of my favorite books of all time. I actually had to force myself to reread Beloved recently as I always pick up TBE. This is a great list and reminds me that I can create my own library at home (which I've been doing low-key anyway).

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Kae S.'s avatar

Thank you for compiling this list. I have a few of these books in my TBR list, but I've only learned about them from some of the Black book creators I follow. Most of the books we read in school were Greek Mythology. Just thinking about it, it's sad how easy it is to never come across these books.

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Shanna Miles's avatar

It is sad.

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Melanie Blank's avatar

Shanna, thanks for this wonderful list!

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Shanna Miles's avatar

My pleasure!

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Taylor Cobb's avatar

I have all but one. I’m proud

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Shanna Miles's avatar

You should be!

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Kaitlyn Elese's avatar

Definitely will be adding some of these to my to be read list

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MaryLanae ✨'s avatar

Happy to see I have all these except one, 1619, which I was gonna buy the other day.

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Resilient_Coach's avatar

Thank you for this.

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