From classic literature to contemporary cinema, the Library offers a number of ways to discover stories celebrating the African American experience. As we commemorate Black History Month, check out a selection of recommended books and browse the collection of films available through the Library's free streaming services. 
 

Black History Month Suggested Reads

Black History: Black Futures Month
We live at the crossroads of black history and black futures. Knowing the landscape of the past is the best catalyst for creating a productive future, explore this topic in this curated list of black documentaries, books and films.

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Afrofuturism
Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic, philosophy of science, and philosophy of history that explores the developing intersection of African Diaspora culture with technology. It was coined by Mark Dery in 1993 and explored in the late 1990s through conversations led by Alondra Nelson. Afrofuturism addresses themes and concerns of the African diaspora through technoculture and science fiction, encompassing a range of media and artists with a shared interest in envisioning black futures that stem from Afrodiasporic experiences.

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What it Means to be Young and Black in America
Explore YA books centered around the Black experience in America at different intersections of identity.

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Integrated in the Off-Season
The contributions of African Americans in sports are celebrated in this collection of books.

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Sci-Fi and Fantasy by Authors of Color
Explore an array of epic worldbuilding from black authors.

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Black History Reads
Browse a collection of books about African American characters and culture, titles written by black authors, and more.

View list in catalog

 


 

African American Films  and Documentaries

Watch documentaries, independent films, blockbusters, and cinematic stories about the African American experience, and check out movies made by black filmmakers. Watch online using the Library's digital services — all you need is your library card!

Browse the film collection in Kanopy |  About Kanopy >

Films on hoopla |  About hoopla >

Learn more about film streaming services available through the Library >