African-American literature is bountiful in its unique and varied genres ranging from slave narratives, to the artistry of the Harlem Renaissance era, down to its perspectives on race, politics and culture.
Thousands of books have crossed through the hands of readers that are significant in impact, here are only 10 of them below.
The Souls of Black Folk, 1903
We kick off the list with W.E.B. Du Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk which is an American literary classic and an iconic piece in African-American literature.
The Weary Blues, 1925
The Harlem Renaissance is synonymous with poet Langston Hughes. Hughes incomparable career began with the release of his first book, a collection of poems, titled Weary Blues which would hold just one of the many timeless poems from the poet.
The Known World, 2003
The Edward P. Jones novel is a modern-day gem in African-American literature. The book chronicles slave ownership in the south by both black and white owners. It earned a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2004. It was also a finalist in 2003 for a National Book Award.
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, 1969
Maya Angelou’s autobiography is critically acclaimed and garnered the late author international success for the classical piece in American literature.
Native Son, 1940
Richard Wright’s controversial novel was a bestseller despite the backlash for its heavy topics and pro-communist overtone. It was also included on TIME’s list of the 100 best English-language novels published since 1923 back in 2005.
The Bluest Eye, 1970
It’s the first novel for Toni Morrison, and its a staple in many high school English curriculams. In 1993, Morrison was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Literature for her novels that are, “characterized by visionary force and poetic import, gives life to an essential aspect of American reality”.
Roots: The Saga of an American Family, 1976
Alex Haley’s novel depicting the life of fictional character Kunta Kinte led to the iconic television series Roots which was released in 1977.
Their Eyes Were Watching God, 1937
In 2005, TIME named Zora Neale Hurston’s novel one of the 100 best English-language novels publishes since 1923. It is also regarded as groundbreaking work in women’s and African-American Literature. In 2005, a TV movie was created starring Halle Berry and Michael Ealy.
Native Guard, 2006
The author of this collection of poetry is Natasha Trethewey, the United States Poet Laureate. The book also earned her a Pulitzer Prize in poetry back in 2007.
Dreams from My Father, 1995
Originally released in 1995, President Obama’s memoir Dreams from My Father was re-released in 2004 after his U.S. Senate Democratic primary victory. In 2011, it was listed on TIME’s 100 best English-language non-fiction books.
