The Hate U Give is about 16-year-old Starr Carter who witnessed her childhood best friend, Khalil, got shot and killed by a police officer. Because the media portrayed misinformation surrounding his death, Starr realizes that she needs to find her voice through activism in order to bring justice for Khalil. Inspired by the #BlackLivesMatter movement, this book speaks volume about the issue with police brutality and systemic discrimination against black people. Everyone, regardless of skin color, race, sexuality, or age, would find this book to be both powerful and unforgettable. – Technology Editor and Advertising Editor Ryan Bada
The Help is a book about several black maids working in white households in Mississippi in the 1960’s. More importantly, it is about the mistreatment they faced during those years and their relationship with the children they tended to, their family, and their friendships. Because of this, The Help proves itself to be relevant in today’s day and age. Anyone who can sympathize with the plight of these ladies will enjoy reading this novel.- PAMA senior Mylee Etuale
In Why the Caged Bird Sings, writer Maya Angelou describes a story of her youth and stories that shape her as a black woman living in the south. Her memoirs and poetry entail even further about her life and creates a bridge of African American writing and history. From her stories of love, family, and life, she orchestrates a better understanding of herself and women everywhere. – AEE senior Nyanga Nyandemoh