Black History

Alice Walker is celebrated to this day as the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, which she was awarded for her novel, "The Color Purple," in 1982. (Credit: Steve Rhodes, Flickr) The purpose of Black History Month is to honor all Black Americans from every period of U.S. history, and to acknowledge the trauma they’ve gone through as a result of the dark legacy left behind by slavery. It is also a time to pay attention to their triumphs, and celebrate the contributions they’ve made — and are still making — to help us inch closer to a more just, empathetic world. Lots of contributions have been made through storytelling. By sharing stories of slavery, the Jim Crow South, political awakenings, violence, beauty standards, motherhood and more, the following authors have made significant strides in helping Americans to reflect on what the Black experience looks like in America, as well as painting a spirited, vibrant picture of what it can look like in the future. Join us in honoring Black History Month by checking out these 10 powerful novels written by Black women. Editor's Note: This post, originally published Feb. 3, 2023, has been updated for 2025.

Black History

10 Books to Help You Learn About Black History

The Story Exchange

Black History

10 Books to Help You Learn About Black History

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The Story Exchange

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