Love and life: UATL’s March book recommendations by Black women authors
Throughout history, Black women are superheroes and foot soldiers instrumental in securing civil, human rights and saving our democracy.
But their efforts to survive, have safety and get recognized for their contributions in our lives can go unnoticed and affect their mental health.
Black women authors and storytellers continue to stand on the forefront and share stories that inspire other women to know their worth.
So, celebrating Women’s History Month, here are five book recommendations from Black women writers for March that address love, relationships, business, literacy, the arts and health.
“The Way Love Goes: A Guide to Building a ‘Beaurtiful’ and Everlasting Relationship” by Da Brat and Judy Harris-Dupart
Rapper Shawntae “Da Brat” Harris-Dupart and wife, Judy, give readers the inside scoop of their romance in “The Way Love Goes.”
Published in February, the love story of the Atlanta-based wives and reality TV stars is written like a screenplay (complete with their regional accents) featuring Harris, a Chicago native who became the first female solo rapper to sell a million records with her 1994 debut, “Funkdafied,” and Harris-Dupart, a hair and beauty maven from New Orleans behind Kaleidoscope Hair Products.
Their story balances a funny memoir with tips on parenthood, building trust, communication and maintaining a successful (same-gender-loving) relationship.
“The Soul Instinct” by Beatrice Dixon
At a time when Black women face staggering unemployment, Beatrice Dixon keeps aspiring entrepreneurs and women (in general) encouraged with “The Soul Instinct.”
Co-founder and CEO of Atlanta-based feminine care product brand The Honey Pot Company, Dixon published this memoir in January that offers an encouraging story behind what it took to build her plant-based wellness dynasty. Readers come to understand her unconventional journey — surviving a premature birth, working odd jobs, creating her products, pitching her brand to male investors and landing her products in major retailers.
“The Soul Instinct” is filled with self-help tips on overcoming shame, risk taking, building community and leading by faith to achieve great things.
“Sit With Me: A No-BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation” by Oneika Mays
The political and social climate is causing some to feel exhausted, depressed and stressed out.
In “Sit With Me,” author Oneika Mays suggest those affected by mental health challenges experiment with meditation and loving-kindness, a Buddhist practice that helps eliminate negative emotions.
Mays, who spent time as a pioneering mindfulness coach at Rikers Island correctional institution, invites us into her world of meeting and inspiring female inmates to rely on loving-kindness as a form of spirituality to learn forgiveness, find self-worth, survive trauma and strengthen communication. “Sit With Me” is a guide that helps women reconnect and find the energy to evolve and stabilize their emotional health.
“Shut Up and Read: A Memoir from Harriet’s Bookshop” by Jeannine A. Cook
Sometimes, remembering the ancestors’ struggles can help Black women define their purpose in life.
“Shut Up and Read” tells the story of entrepreneur Jeannine A. Cook opening her Philadelphia-based independent bookstore that celebrates women authors, activists and creatives in 2020. Publishing March 10, the book reaches to readers with memories of being raised by a blind librarian, burning out from working numerous jobs, writing journal entries to her muse, Harriet Tubman, and how Cook felt inspired to turn her hero’s illiteracy into a purpose-driven business.
The author survives COVID-19 and book bans to open additional locations in New Jersey and Paris. “Shut Up and Read” indicates staying focused on your goals despite challenges can manifest into bigger things.
“Just Like Tina: Inspired by the Life of Tina Turner” by Ebony Lynn Mudd
Late superstar Tina Turner spent more than six decades combining rock, soul and electrifying live performances in a career that continues to inspire generations of female performers.
“Just Like Tina,” a children’s hardcover picture book written by Ebony Lynn Mudd, tells the heartwarming story of a young superfan who’s preparing to take the stage for a celebration honoring the Grammy-winning performer. But she questions if she’s more passionate and dedicated to the performance than her peers. Mudd’s storytelling incorporates part of Turner’s life story, pairs with vibrant illustrations by Maruga Koops and includes a foreword by Turner’s widower Erwin Bach.
“Just Like Tina” is a family-friendly read that exposes young people to a legendary talent while encouraging all ages to find inspiration from our heroes to blaze new trails.
About the Author
Christopher A. Daniel is a Black Culture reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is an Atlanta-based, award-winning journalist, cultural critic and ethnomusicologist. He previously taught courses at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University and Georgia State University.