Black History Month: 10 Black Lives Matter Books

Black History Month (BHM) 2022 is almost here, and as always, all honor goes to the “Father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson. It is because of Woodson’s determination and love for people of African descent that we celebrate the history, culture, achievements, and stories of Black people—not just in America—but throughout the Diaspora. Yes, Black History Month is in February, the shortest month of the year. But Negro History Week (the precursor to BHM) was started by Woodson in February to correspond with the birthday month of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Woodson believed that “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” And so this month—and everyday—we observe, remember, learn, and celebrate.

The first list of books for this BHM series features books with “Black Lives Matter” in the title. Some of the books delve into the history and mission of the Black Lives Matter movement. For instance, Veronica Chambers’ middle-grade, Call and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter, explores “the rise of Black Lives Matter and how it has been shaped by U.S. history. From the founders of the movement…to the watershed moments that challenged people to take action, this book tells the story of how a hashtag became a movement.” Other books, like Khodi Dill’s Little Black Lives Matter, due out in October 2022, focus more on the achievements of Black people, past and present.

Coming soon, Black History Month: Part 2: Picture Books about Family, Food, and Friends!

1. Little Black Lives Matter

2. What Is Black Lives Matter? (Who HQ Now)

3. When We Say Black Lives Matter

4. Call and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter

5. Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter

6. What Is the Black Lives Matter Movement? (Racial Justice in America)

7. Black Lives Matter: From Hashtag to the Streets (The Fight for Black Rights

8. What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book (Activity Book)

9. When They Call You a Terrorist (YA Ed.): A Story of Black Lives Matter and the Power to Change the World

10. Black Lives Matter (Protest Movements)

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