New York Black leaders share impactful books
A community organizer. Health and fitness advocates. Artists. A student. A public servant.
Each of these people grew up Black in New York and relied on legacies their ancestors left to shape their understanding of their identities. Some of those essential lessons appeared in songs, poems and books.
In honor of Black History Month this February, we asked Black leaders to share literary works that helped shape their understanding of Black history.
From a compilation of prayers for Black transgender people to a modern best seller and classics from Toni Morrison and Ralph Ellison, these works highlight various aspects of their Black experience.
Elle Hearns
Artist and community organizer Elle Hearns founded and serves as executive director for the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to defending the rights of Black transgender people through advocacy, policy and action. She is also a co-founder as well as former interim organizing director and strategic partner of the Black Lives Matter Global Network. In that role, Hearns led campaigns including the #SayHerName Day of Action.
Hearns organized the inaugural National Day of Action for Black Trans Women in 2015 in response to several consecutive murders of Black trans women, according to her bio on her website. Previously, Hearns transformed GetEQUAL, an LGBTQ organization where she previously worked, to focus its efforts on the liberation of LGBTQ people.
The organizer has received several awards for the advocacy work, including Black Feminist Human Rights Defender award from Black Women’s Blueprint and Young Women’s Achievement Award for Advocacy and Organizing by the Women’s Information Network.
‘The Black Trans Prayer Book,’ co-edited by J Mase III and Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi
“The Black Trans Prayer Book is a necessary theological work by two of the greatest artists alive. This book’s contributions to the Black Trans Renaissance, encourages all to believe that healing is available to the Black community that’s been denied so much.”
‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X,’ by Malcolm X and Alex Haley
“Malcolm X was fighting to not have to compromise. He was fighting so that Black people wouldn’t have to struggle, having a glimpse into his thoughts, some of the most important historical texts about a man who predicted not only his demise but the demise of the United States.”
‘Sula,’ by Toni Morrison
“One of the greatest Black feminist statements ever written. We could still go to heaven despite living through hell. She was writing about our history, for a fictional perspective. I love her work.”
C. Virginia Fields
C. Virginia Fields leads the National Black Leadership Commission on Health — formerly called the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS — the oldest nonprofit that advances policy and action to address health disparities impacting Black Americans.
Field’s work drawing attention to health disparities caught national leader’s attention — she was appointed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Region II Health Equity Council. She also sat on a task force and advisory council to address AIDS in New York state.
Her legacy includes time as a social worker and activist, both of which earned her several awards. At one time Fields ended up in jail after she marched, along with The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Birmingham, Alabama. Fields represented two districts on the New York City Council in the 1990s, and became the second African American woman to be named Manhattan Borough president. In 2006, she ran for New York City mayor, the first African American woman to do so.
‘Unbought and Unbossed,’ by Shirley Chisholm
“The Honorable Shirley Chisholm’s story is one of convictions, courage and determination in making a difference against what many considered insurmountable odds. From becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress; and first Black woman to seek the Democratic nomination for President of the U.S., she was my inspiration to running for public office including the Mayor of New York City. Moreover, in speaking out on ‘her life and on the American political system,’ her story provides valuable lessons in understanding what we have witnessed — ‘government that does not respond to needs of voters’ — and on changing systems. Through organizing and broad-based coalitions, we can change the system as evidenced in the recent presidential election; and the election of two new U.S. Senators in the State of Georgia. Building on the work and legacy of Honorable Shirley Chisholm made possible the election of Vice President Kamala Harris, first Black/Asian and woman!”
‘Why We Can’t Wait,’ by The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Growing up in the segregated south of Birmingham, Alabama, I was greatly inspired by the teachings and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In his book, he writes about the social and psychological conditions, having existed far too long, that silent waiting…
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