Lots of Great Picture Books for Grandparents Day
August 27, 2021
What’s Your Story?: DeAnna Lynn: SOAR!
August 31, 2021
Show all

16 Books for National Black Business Month

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


Amazon/Bookshop/IndieBound Disclosure: BCBA is a participant in the Amazon, Bookshop, and IndieBound Affiliate Programs. The affiliate programs offer participants the opportunity to earn fees by linking to Amazon, Bookshop, and IndieBound websites. Clicking on the book links will direct you away from this site. Thanks for your support!

Comments are closed.