GRAPHIC: Collage of books with the text "13 Black Stories" on top. Graphic by The Signal Online Editor Alyssa Shotwell and courtesy of respective publishers. — Much of Black history and Black stories are told from the the outside perspective. Here are some memoirs, autobiographies and biographies by African Americans about African Americans. Graphic by The Signal Online Editor Alyssa Shotwell and courtesy of respective publishers.

LIST: Biographies, autobiographies and memoirs about Black Americans to enhance your reading list

By Stephanie Perez Last updated Feb 12, 2021 277 1

Much of Black history and Black stories are told from an outside perspective. Below are some memoirs, autobiographies and biographies by Black Americans about Black Americans.

Eves of the Civil War and of the Civil Rights

These stories are about people who lived between the 1800s to 1950.

In “Black Boy,” Richard Wright details his early life. He begins with his experience growing up in the southern states of Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee and then touches on his move to Chicago where he began his literary career and became involved with the Communist Party.

“I Never Had It Made: An Autobiography of Jackie Robinson” by Alfred Duckett and Jackie Robinson

“I Never Had It Made: An Autobiography of Jackie Robinson” is about the life of Jackie Robinson from his early life to when he was signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers. Duckett and Robinson write about Robinson’s experience as the first Black man to play baseball in the major leagues.

“She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman” by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

The novel “She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman” by Erica Armstrong Dunbar is a modern take on the life of Harriet Tubman. The book includes a biography along with commentary, illustrations and pictures that detail Tubman’s life.

COVER: Tan background with scattered green, yellow and red rectangles. There is a red rectangle in the middle with the text "Black Boy" and a clear rectangle with the author's name in the middle. Book cover courtesy of Harper Collins Publishers. SOURCE: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/black-boy-richard-wright?variant=32207521382434 — "In “Black Boy,” Richard Wright details his early life." Book cover courtesy of Harper Collins Publishers.

1950s - 1990s

Civil Rights to Internet Age

The following stories cover the time between the Civil Rights to the 1990s.

“The Autobiography of Malcolm X” ghostwritten by Alex Hayley

“The Autobiography of Malcolm X” tells the life of human rights activist Malcolm X. Malcolm X and journalist Alex Hayley recall Malcolm X’s life from his childhood to his assassination. Hayley ends with an epilogue that includes a summary of Malcolm X’s last days.

“March: Trilogy” by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin. Illustrated and lettered by Nate Powell

“March: Trilogy” retells the civil rights movement through the eyes of former Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee organizer and U.S. Congressman John Lewis. The first graphic novel in the trilogy also touches on Lewis’ childhood and how he became involved in civil rights movements.

“Zami: A New Spelling of My Name” by Audre Lorde

In “Zami: A New Spelling of My Name,” Audre Lorde focuses on her childhood and early adulthood as a Black lesbian in New York City. Lorde uses biography, history and myth to convey her story.

“Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Stevenson

Bryan Stevenson describes his career as a lawyer for underprivileged clients in “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.” The book details his work trying to overturn the wrongful conviction of Walter McMillan and other cases he fought.

COVER: Tan background with a red sun and a cityscape in the background. There is a woman in the lower left corner looking to the right and a face floating on her right side looking to the left. The title, "Zami: A New Spelling of My Name" is at the top of the cover and the text "A Biomythography" and the author's name are at the bottom. Book cover courtesy of Penguin Random House. SOURCE: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/198090/zami-a-new-spelling-of-my-name-by-audre-geraldine-lorde/ — ZAMI" A New Spelling of My Name is a biomythography about Audre Lorde's. Book cover courtesy of Penguin Random House.

1990 - 2016

New millennium

From people to events, these stories cover the new millennium.

“Redefining Realness: My Path To Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More” by Janet Mock

“Redefining Realness: My Path To Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More” is a memoir by transgender activist Janet Mock. In the book, Mock describes her life as a transgender woman beginning from childhood until adulthood.

“Becoming” by Michelle Obama

“Becoming” is a memoir about former United States First Lady Michelle Obama. In the book, Obama touches on her childhood, her time in the White House and motherhood.

“Bad Feminist” by Roxane Gay

In “Bad Feminist,” Roxane Gay contemplates being a feminist while enjoying things that could differ from feminist ideals. The book is told through essays.

COVER: Woman with a pink dress standing in front of the city. The text "Redefining Realness" are above the woman with the author's name at the bottom. Book cover courtesy of janetmock.com. SOURCE: https://janetmock.com/books/ — "“Redefining Realness: My Path To Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More” is a memoir by transgender activist Janet Mock." Book cover courtesy of janetmock.com.

2016 - present

Contemporary

The following stories were published from 2016 to the present.

“This Is What America Looks Like: My Journey from Refugee to Congresswoman” by Ilhan Omar

In “This Is What America Looks Like: My Journey from Refugee to Congresswoman,” U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar mentions her childhood and what it was like growing up a refugee. She also touches on her determination to achieve the American dream and involvement in activism.

“All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson

“All Boys Aren’t Blue” is a young adult memoir where George M. Johnson explores his childhood and young adulthood as a queer Black man in New Jersey and Virginia. The memoir-manifesto is told through essays and explores different concepts like gender identity, family and consent.

“How We Fight for Our Lives: A Memoir” by Saeed Jones

“How We Fight for Our Lives: A Memoir” is a memoir about Saeed Jones’ childhood as a Black gay man from the South. The memoir is a narrative about how people fight in search of themselves.

COVERL Black background with text "How We Fight For Our Lives: A Novel" along with the author's name down the whole cover. There is a red rectangle down the right side. Book cover courtesy of Simon & Schuster publishers. SOURCE: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/How-We-Fight-for-Our-Lives/Saeed-Jones/9781501132742#:~:text=Introduction-,Haunted%20and%20haunting%2C%20How%20We%20Fight%20for%20Our%20Lives%20is,hopes%2C%20desires%2C%20and%20fears. — "The memoir is a narrative about how people fight in search of themselves." Book cover courtesy of Simon & Schuster publishers.