August is National Black Business Month, and although today is the last day of August, supporting Black businesses is something we should aspire to do all year long. The Black business community can thank John William Templeton and Frederick E. Jordan Sr. for founding the month in 2004. Their purpose, besides to uplift, was to focus on the policies that guide the more than 2 million Black-led businesses throughout the United States. The books on this list include fiction and nonfiction titles about for-profit and nonprofit founders, several are by young entrepreneurs. There are also inspirational stories about businesses that were started during slavery, Jim Crow, and the civil rights eras. Pick up a book or two for fun fiction reading or to learn about some great business leaders. Also, writing is a business, so support Black authors!
If you would like to give to our nonprofit today and throughout the year, donate here. Happy Reading!
1. Planting Peace: The Story of Wangari Maathai
Gwendolyn Hooks | Margaux Carpentier | Crocodile Books | 2021 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
2. Opening the Road: Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book
Keila V. Dawson | Alleanna Harris | Beaming Books | 2021 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
3. Praline Lady
Kirstie Myvett | Kameko Madere | Pelican | 2020 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
4. Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood
Tony Hillery | Jessie Hartland | Simon & Schuster/Wiseman | 2020 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
5. Tiara’s Hat Parade
Kelly Starling Lyons | Nicole Tadgell | Albert Whitman | 2020 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
6. Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon
Kelly Starling Lyons | Laura Freeman | Lee & Low | 2020 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
7. Hammering for Freedom
Rita Lorraine Hubbard | John Holyfield | Lee & Low | 2018 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
8. No Small Potatoes: Junius G. Groves and His Kingdom in Kansas
Tonya Bolden | Don Tate | Knopf BYR | 2018 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
9. Mr. Okra Sells Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Lashon Daley | Emile Henriquez | Pelican | 2016 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
10. The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson | R. Gregory Christie | Carolrhoda | 2015 | PB | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
11. J.D. and the Family Business (J.D. the Kid Barber, Bk. 2)
J. Dillard | Akeem S. Roberts | Kokila | 2021 | ChpBk | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
12. All about Madam C. J. Walker
Lelia Bundles | Kirsten Halvorsen | Blue River Press | 2020 | MG | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
13. Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid
Mikaila Ulmer | G.P. Putnam’s Sons BYR | MG | 2020 | Amazon | Bookshop | Indiebound
14. Notes from a Young Black Chef (Adapted for Young Adults)
Kwame Onwuachi | Joshua David Stein | Delacorte | 2021 | YA | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
15. Mo’s Bows: A Young Person’s Guide to Startup Success: Measure, Cut, Stitch Your Way to a Great Business
Moziah Bridges | Tramica Morris | Running Press Kids | YA | 2019 | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
16. You Got This!: Unleash Your Awesomeness, Find Your Path, and Change Your World
Maya S. Penn | Gallery Books | YA | 2016 | Amazon | IndieBound
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