I have been working on various Diversity and Inclusion tasks at my day job. I'm really excited that they are letting me/us/the committee do this work. Some of the things I've written or been involved with are serious and others are just fun. I like and appreciate both. Last week I made a couple lists to post about Women's History Month and the month before I created a list of books for Black History Month. I thought I'd share them here, because who doesn't want recommendations of great books, movies and television shows featuring under-represented groups.
For Black History Month, myself and other team members shared a variety of recommended books. I've read all the books except for the new releases.
1. How to Be an Anti-Racist – By Ibram X. Kendi
Part memoir, part instruction manual, this book really makes you think about behaviour, while tugging at your heartstrings.
2. Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston
Classic, poignant, a definite favourite. A strong African-American woman living her life the way she wants during a time where it was almost impossible to do so.
Inspired by his own life, Go Tell It on the Mountain, tells the story of a young black man struggling with his identity.
4. The Color People, by Alice Walker
Probably on a lot of Black History Month book lists, but if you haven’t read The Color Purple, you really should. A powerful novel.
5. The Complete Collection of Poetry, by Maya Angelou
When people mention Maya Angelou and recommend her work, they talk about Why the Caged Bird Sings, but today, we’re recommending her poetry. It is poetry that paints a picture of her life and experiences.
6. Children of Blood and Bone, by Tomi Adeyemi
For all the fantasy lovers all there, this story takes place in a fantasy version of Africa. It is filled with adventure and strong characters.
7. Kindred, by Octavia E. Butler
Classified as “science-fiction”, Kindred crosses literary boundaries. Tense and Heartrending, a modern classic.
Now for a few new releases…
8. Concrete Rose, by Angie Thomas
The latest book by Angie Thomas, the author is ready to make another statement about the life of a black teen in America.
9. You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey – By Lacey Lamar and Amber Ruffin
Watching Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar talk about the book makes it a must read. A book that will make you laugh and cry.
10. A Promised Land, by Barack Obama
Another new release and one that this list couldn’t be without.
List #2 - Women's History Month TV and Movie recommendations. It was a less detailed list.
1. Hidden Figures
2. Mulan
3. Girlfriends
4. WandaVision
5. Captain Marvel
6. Wonder Woman
7. Mean Girls
8. A League of Their Own
9. Clueless
10. Alien
Another less detailed list. Books to honour/celebrate Women's History Month. Also put together by myself and a couple coworkers. The books are varied. Fiction, non-fiction. General fiction, graphic novels, mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, even poetry.
1. Hidden Figures, by Margot Lee Shetterly (it was a book before it was a movie)
2. I am Malala, by Malala Yousafzai
3. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley (Where would monster stories be without her?)
4. Milk and Honey, by Rupi Kaur
5. Lumberjanes (graphic novel series), by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, etc.
6. Kindred, by Octavia E. Butler (I think I recommend this one a lot)
7. Captain Marvel: Higher, Further, Faster, More, by Kelly Sue DeConnick (The whole series is good.)
8. Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi
9. Becoming, by Michelle Obama
10. Naked in Death, by J.D. Robb
11. The Scorpio Races, by Maggie Stiefvater
12. The Temperance Brennan Series (Bones), by Kathy Reichs
13. Little Women, by Lousia May Alcott
14. Cat’s Eye & The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood.
15. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë
I hope that the people we created these lists for (coworkers) took in some of the titles and watched or read the recommendations. The ones I haven't read/watched were contributed by others who had.
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