Welcome to Black History Month Book Series: Decolonize your bookshelf!

Black History Month is a time where we can recognize the history of systemic injustice, honour the lived experiences, and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black peoples and their communities.

Sometimes the best way to understand the world around us is to pick up a book.

During the month of February, the Black History Month Book Series will highlight and showcase an array of Black authors to honour the voices and lived experiences within the Black diaspora. These authors, novelists, and activists have helped capture the voice of generations. They have explored racism, abuses of power, violence as well as gratitude, solidarity and community. These pieces evoke a sense of humility where we can try to understand one and another through the power of storytelling.

While Black history should be celebrated all year long, adding Black literature onto your bookshelf is a great place to start and can help to diversify the voices that you choose to read. The blog will feature a piece of literature by a Black author and will include a synopsis and short review. 

This serves as a great way to #decolonizeyourbookshelf. If you want to get a head start on looking into the books that will be showcased they are listed below.

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta

The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole

Throughout the entire month of February, SAMRU has exciting programming and events to celebrate Black History Month! To kick the month off join the BIPOC Support Network this Friday, February 5, 2021 from 12-1 p.m. 

Connect: BIPOC Support Network

Friday, February 5, 2021 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Link 

The Black Indigenous and People of Color Support Network was formed with the goal of supporting the institution’s agenda to foster a sense of belonging on campus by providing a support network for faculty, staff and students who identify as Black Indigenous or People of Colour. Come connect!

To learn more about BHM programming, including exciting discussions, panels series and the third annual BHM Film Festival, visit the Black History Month programming page.

We can’t wait to celebrate BHM all February long and we hope to see you there!