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Recommended Books About Famous African-Americans
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items Make time to learn more about some of the truly great black Americans who helped to shape the history and culture of America.
Learn about the life of this historical figure. Book chronicles Malcolm's transformation from a troubled street hustler into one of the most influential social and religious activists in American history.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X|Paperback - Barnes & Noble
Oral history of the Vietnam War as told by twenty African-American veterans of that tragic war.
Bloods: Black Veterans of Vietnam War Oral History
Motivational book offering guidance, hope, and practical advice for inmates and their families. This book encourages self-reflection and offers principles for a fulfilling life.
Letters to an Incarcerated Brother: Hope
Barack Obama, prior to becoming president of the United States, shares his thoughts about the nature of politics in this country.
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream|Paperback
Barack Obama explores the events of his early years in Honolulu and Chicago until his entry into Harvard Law School. Obama navigates life as a mixed race child with a mostly absent father. Published years prior to his presidency.
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance|Paperback
Barack Obama's presidential memoir explores his historic journey to becoming the first African American president.
A Promised Land|Paperback
#1 New York Times bestseller for 22 weeks. Groundbreaking novel tells the story of Kunta Kinte, who is sold into slavery in the United States where he and his descendants live through major historic events.
Roots: The Saga of an American Family|Paperback
MLK's classic exploration of the events and forces behind the Civil Rights Movement—including his Letter from Birmingham Jail in 1963.
Why We Can't Wait | Paperback
Classic essay by Martin Luther King. The Letter from Birmingham Jail explains why MLK believed people had a responsibility to follow just laws and a duty to break unjust ones.
Letter from Birmingham Jail | Paperback
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shares how the power of the Harlem Renaissance led him to become the man he is today—basketball superstar, jazz enthusiast, historian, and Black American icon.
On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey through the Harlem Renaissance|Paperback
Comprehensive biography of Michael Jordan that explores the legendary basketball player's life, on and off the court.
Michael Jordan: The Life | Paperback
Biography chronicling Derek Jeter's rise from a Michigan kid to a New York Yankees icon, exploring his career, struggles, and complexities.
The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter | Paperback
Book covers Shaq's rise from being cut from his high school team to becoming a four-time NBA champion, providing a behind-the-scenes look at his fame, personal life, and the discipline that shaped him.
Shaq Uncut: My Story | Paperback
Book chronicles the iconic rivalry between basketball legends Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, exploring how their competition transformed the NBA during the 1960s amidst significant racial and cultural shifts in America.
The Rivalry: Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and the Golden Age of Basketball | Paperback
Book details Reggie's life through his childhood to his baseball career, including his struggles with race and relationships.
Reggie Jackson: The Life and Thunderous Career of Baseball's Mr. October | Paperback
This audiobook is a 2013 memoir by baseball legend Reggie Jackson that details his tumultuous but ultimately triumphant years with the New York Yankees.
Becoming Mr. October: The Revealing Story of Reggie Jackson and the World Champion New York Yankees
Written especially for young readers, Becoming Kareem chronicles how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar become the icon and legend he is today, both on and off the court.
Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court | Paperback
The Greatest covers Ali's life up to the time of its publication, including the first and part of his second reign as World Heavyweight Champion.
The Greatest: My Own Story | Paperback
Maya's classic autobiography is a powerful coming-of-age story that explores the themes of racism, identity, and resilience. This significant piece of literature is known for its honest portrayal of hardship and triumph.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings | Paperback
Autobiography traces events from the late Shakur Shakur’s (formerly known as JoAnne Chesimard) early childhood in the United States to her years as a political refugee in Cuba.
Assata: An Autobiography | Paperback
A compelling collection of essays, speeches, and critiques exploring the life, ideology, and impact of Marcus Garvey's influential Black nationalist movement.
Marcus Garvey and the Vision of Africa
Book is a comprehensive biography of the first African American Supreme Court Justice.
Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary
Bestselling autobiography of American baseball and civil rights legend Jackie Robinson.
I Never Had It Made: An Autobiography of Jackie Robinson
African-American stories were overlooked by mainstream media until John H. Johnson (founder of Ebony and Jet magazines) showed the world the value of black life.
Empire: The House That John H. Johnson Built (The Life & Legacy of Pioneering Publishing Magnate)
Shirley Chisholm's account of her remarkable rise from young girl in Brooklyn to America's first African-American Congresswoman.
Unbought and Unbossed