6 Books By Woke AF Black Women Authors You Need To Read

There are so many amazing books that come out every month –– especially by Black women authors.

This Women's History Month (and beyond), it is imperative to highlight the work of Black women who are writing to honor and acknowledge the historical and contemporary political contributions, stories, and achievements of Black women in the Diaspora.

In this current political climate, it is critical to read Black women's literature and get their perspectives on self-care, self-love, Black women's political history, and more. Whether it be nonfiction, fiction, poetry or prose, it is the resiliency, brilliance, originality and tenacity of Black women and Black women authors that should always be celebrated 365/24/7.

Check out these six books authored by Black women that need to be on your radar and on your bookshelves ASAP:

"This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America" by Morgan Jerkins

In her debut book, This Will Be My Undoing: Living At The Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America, writer and journalist Morgan Jerkins offers her perspectives on what it means to be black, a woman ––a black woman––and navigating the various societal oppressions and pressures that try to invisibilize and disregard Black women's worth, efforts, and work.

Named one of the Most Anticipated Books of 2018 by Esquire, Elle, Vogue, Nylon and more, she explores Black feminist thought, Black history, white feminism and more and challenges the institutional socio-economic and political injustices and misogynoir that attempt to thwart Black women's progress. An ode to Black women's resilience––and also, her resiliency––Jerkins' commentary offes liberatory insight for other Black women, who too are living at the intersection of "Black, female, and feminist in white America."

"Set the World On Fire: Black National Women and the Global Struggle for Freedom" by Keisha N. Blain

In a world that continually tries to diminish and overlook Black women's political activism and contributions, historian Keisha N. Blain is undoing this male-cishet-patriarchal trend/oppression in her pivotal book, Set The World On Fire: Black National Women and the Global Struggle for Freedom.

Highlighting the pioneering roles Black women played in domestic and global Black social movements from the early twentieth century to the 1960s, readers will be introduced to Afro-Diasporic Black women activists, including Mittie Maude Lena Gordon, Celia Jane Allen, and Amy Jacques Garvey. Dr. Blain's work provides revolutionary insight to the activism of Black women in nationalist and intersectionalist politics and ensures that their fight for racial, gender, and class equity will never again fall by the wayside.

"When They Call You A Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir" by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele

Thousands of people around the world know what #BlackLivesMatter is and means, but many do not know the stories of the founders of the global organization. When They Call You A Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir offers readers insight to the personal background, trials, tribulations, and successes of Patrisse Khan-Cullors, an artist, organizer, and co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter from Los Angeles, California.

Co-authored by award-winning author and journalist asha bandele, this engrossing and honest memoir showcases Cullors's resiliency in spite of state opposition and, moreover, details why her activism is so critical in ensuring equity and justice for all Black lives.

"Remaking Black Power: How Black Women Transformed an Era" by Ashley D. Farmer

You know about the Black Power movement, right? Stokely Carmichael? Huey P. Newton? Bobby Seale? Right? Well, think again. In Remaking Black Power: How Black Women Transformed an Era, Dr. Ashley D. Farmer shatters sexist stereotypes that placed Black women solely behind-the-scenes in Black Power organizations and instead, highlights Black women's political, social, and cultural leadership.

Showcasing how Black women activists utilized art, essays, and political cartoons to assert their agency and to challenge racism, sexism, classism and more, Farmer's compelling work offers a new look on the dynamism of Black women as social agents and pioneers of radical change.

"Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!" by Marley Dias

Thirteen-year old Marley Dias is a force to be reckoned with. The founder of the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, which she started to collect and donate children's books that represent and feature Black girls as lead protagonists, Dias now continues in her activism with her new book, Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!

Encouraging young people to use their voices, talents, and time to create positive change in their communities and the world, Dias also offers words of wisdom on social justice, literacy and inclusion. Providing tips on how to expand one's book selection, Dias is a perfect role model and example that no matter what age you are, you can truly make your dreams ultimate realities.

“Feel Free: Essays” by Zadie Smith

Renown British novelist and short-story writer Zadie Smith is back and better than ever with her latest novel FeelFree. In a series of smart, witty, and riveting essays, Smith discusses certain subjects including social media, pop culture, politics, journalism and more.

A brilliant, literary muse, Smith's work intertwines critique, collectivism, compassion and genuine concern about the trajectory of humanity in our current contentious politics.

What's on your reading list? Any notable black women writers? Let us know in the comments down below.