Diving In Black History Through Captivating Memoirs by Diverse Authors

The excitement of summer has concluded, signaling the return to school and the arrival of fall—a time to embrace seriousness again. However, you can still savor the joy of reading exceptional history books.A noteworthy read is “The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers” by Cheryl McKissack Daniel with Nick Chiles (Black Privilege Publishing / Atria, $28.99). The narrative commences in West Africa, chronicling the life of Moses McKissack I, who was enslaved in North Carolina and evolved into a skilled craftsman, passing his legacy to his descendants. Their enterprise significantly influenced America’s architectural landscape.For those intrigued by similar themes, “Black Genius: Essays on an American Legacy” by Tre Johnson (Dutton, $30) celebrates the oft-overlooked achievements of Black leaders through deeply personal essays.“Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler” by Susana M. Morris (Amistad, $29.99) revitalizes Butler’s genius and underlines the timeless relevance of her narratives.Lastly, delve into “Tell Her Story: Eleanor Bumpurs & The Police Killing that Galvanized New York City” by LaShawn Harris (Beacon Press, $35), which recounts the life and tragic death of a beloved community figure.Explore these titles at your local bookstore or library, where staff are ready...