To dig a little deeper, try out these resources provided to you by CCPL that were used in the creation of this post (and then some):

Black Inventors: Crafting Over 200 Years of Success by Keith C. Holmes

No description provided.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit of African American Inventors by Patricia Carter Sluby

This book not only documents the valuable contributions of African American thinkers, inventors, and entrepreneurs past and present, but also puts these achievements into context of the obstacles these innovators faced because of their race. After patenting over 40 innovations in the research chemistry field while working at the Glidden Company, Dr. Percy Lavon Julian decided to establish his own company, Julian Laboratories, Incorporated in Chicago during the turbulent, racist climate of the 1950s. Over his lifetime, Julian received more than 130 chemical patents. Julian is just one of many, mostly unknown, African American inventors and entrepreneurs.

Black Inventors by Sidney Wallace

This book not only documents the valuable contributions of African American thinkers, inventors, and entrepreneurs past and present, but also puts these achievements into context of the obstacles these innovators faced because of their race. After patenting over 40 innovations in the research chemistry field while working at the Glidden Company, Dr. Percy Lavon Julian decided to establish his own company, Julian Laboratories, Incorporated in Chicago during the turbulent, racist climate of the 1950s. Over his lifetime, Julian received more than 130 chemical patents. Julian is just one of many, mostly unknown, African American inventors and entrepreneurs.

African American Inventors by Otha Richard Sullivan

No description provided.

African American Women Scientists and Inventors by Otha Richard Sullivan

Author Otha Richard Sullivan once headed Detroit’s program to infuse African American history into the public school curriculum. Here he profiles 25 black American woman who have made significant contributions to science and technology, explaining that many, many more are utterly unknown because first of legal bans on granting patents to slaves and later because of social constraints on women. His message to black schoolgirls is that just because they have not heard of black women scientists does not mean that the profession is closed to them. Countless African American women have made important contributions to science that impact the way we live, work, and think today. Too often their accomplishments have gone unrecorded. African American Women Scientists and Inventors introduces you to some of these outstanding women and their achievements. Here are lively profiles of both unsung and legendary heroines spanning three hundred years of American history. For example, find out how Madame C.J. Walker emerged from a heritage of slavery to develop the “Walker System” of hair care that allowed her to employ thousands, fund foundations and scholarships to help young African Americans and become the first woman millionaire. Bessie Blount Griffin, a physical therapist, invented a device to help the disabled feed themselves. Angela D. Ferguson, M.D., discovered a way to detect sickle cell anemia in newborns. Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in physics, became a leader in her field. She was the first African American to become president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, where she teaches today. Meet African American women of science and invention from the early years to modern times.

African American Inventors by Stephen Currie

No description provided.

Gale: Diversity Studies Collection

African American Experience: the American Mosaic

African Americans In Science, Math, and Invention by Ray Spangenburg

Across the Tracks by Alverne Ball

Across the Tracks introduces the reader to the businesses and townsfolk who flourished in this unprecedented time of prosperity for Black Americans. We learn about Greenwood and why it is essential to remember the great achievements of the community as well as the tragedy which nearly erased it. 

The Black Panther Party: a Graphic Novel History by David Walker

Using dramatic comic-book-style retellings and illustrated profiles of key figures, The Black Panther Party captures the major events, people, and actions of the party, as well as their cultural and political influence and enduring legacy.

Showtime at the Apollo: the Epic Tale of Harlem’s Legendary Theater by Ted Fox

Since its inception as an African-American theater in 1934, the Apollo and the thousands of entertainers who performed there have led the way in the presentation of swing, bebop, rhythm and blues, jazz, gospel, soul, funk, and hip-hop―along with the latest in dance and comedy. The Apollo has nurtured and featured thousands of artists, many of whom have become legends. The beauty they have given the world―their art―transcends the hatred, ignorance, and intolerance that often made their lives difficult.

Strange Fruit by Joel Christian Gill

A collection of stories from African American history that exemplifies success in the face of great adversity. This unique graphic anthology offers historical and cultural commentary on nine uncelebrated heroes whose stories are not often found in history books. Among the stories included are Henry ‘Box’ Brown, who escaped from slavery by mailing himself to Philadelphia; Alexander Crummel and the Noyes Academy, the first integrated school in America, established in the 1830s; Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor, a.k.a. the Black Cyclone, the first Black champion in any sport; and Bass Reeves, the most successful lawman in the Old West. Written and illustrated by Joel Christian Gill, the diverse art beautifully captures the spirit of each remarkable individual and opens a window into an important part of American history.

Messenger: the Legend of Muhammad Ali by Marc Bernardin

This graphic biography brings readers through major moments of Muhammad Ali’s life: his first meeting with civil rights leader Malcolm X, his interview with sports broadcaster Howard Cosell about his reasons for opposing the Vietnam War, and his titanic bout with then-undefeated heavyweight champion George Foreman, among others.

James Brown: Black and Proud by Xavier Fauthoux

Born in the South during the height of segregation, James Brown went on to become a global sensation, using his immeasurable talent to grasp what he believed was the American Dream. Join the charismatic, hard-working, and sometimes tyrannical bandleader on a journey down the roads of America with a group of talented musicians spreading the sound of funk and soul throughout the country. Told against the backdrop of a changing America during the Civil Rights era of the 1960s, this is the story of a man and his band that would go on to revolutionize the world of pop music.

Ms Davis: a Graphic Biography by Sybille Titeux de la Croix

In 1971, the FBI put Angela Davis on their 10 Most Wanted List because they alleged that she orchestrated a politically motivated Marin County courtroom gunfight. She went to prison despite her protestations of innocence. Soon, the entire world would know her story and demand her freedom. In 1972, she was found not guilty by an all-white jury. Ms Davis is the story of her dedication to the fight for justice.

The Life of Frederick Douglass: a Graphic Narrative of a Slave’s Journey from Bondage to Freedom by David Walker

Taking you from Douglass’s life as a young slave through his forbidden education to his escape and growing prominence as a speaker, abolitionist, and influential cultural figure during the Civil War and beyond, The Life of Frederick Douglass presents a complete illustrated portrait of the man who stood up and spoke out for freedom and equality. Along the way, special features provide additional background on the history of slavery in the United States, the development of photography (which would play a key role in the spread of Douglass’s image and influence), and the Civil War. Told from Douglass’s point of view and based on his own writings, The Life of Frederick Douglass provides an up-close-and-personal look at a history-making American who was larger than life.

Change the Game by Colin Kaepernick

High school star athlete Colin Kaepernick is at a crossroads in life. Heavily scouted by colleges and MLB as a baseball pitcher, he has a bright future ahead of him as a highly touted prospect. Everyone from his parents to his teachers and coaches is in agreement on his future. Colin feels differently. Colin isn’t excited about baseball. In the words of five-time all-star MLB player Adam Jones, “Baseball is a white man’s game.” Colin looks up to athletes like Allen Iverson: talented, hyper-competitive, unapologetically Black, and dominating their sports while staying true to themselves. College football looks a lot more fun than sleeping on hotel room floors in the minor leagues of baseball. But Colin doesn’t have a single offer to play football. Yet. This touching graphic novel explores the story of how a young change-maker learned to find himself and never compromise. How the right decision is very rarely the easy one, but taking the road less traveled can make all the difference in the world.

Seen. Edmonia Lewis by Jasmine Walls

Meet Edmonia Lewis, the woman who changed America during the Civil War by becoming the first sculptor of African-American and Native-American heritage to earn international acclaim. Jasmine Walls & Bex Glendining present the true story of courage, determination, and perseverance through one of America’s most violent eras to create true beauty that still reverberates today. It’s about being seen. Both for who you are and who you hope you can become. 

March by John Lewis

This graphic novel series won the National Book Award! Discover the inside story of the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of one of its most iconic figures, Congressman John Lewis. March is the award-winning, #1 bestselling graphic novel trilogy recounting his life in the movement, co-written with Andrew Aydin and drawn by Nate Powell. It is then followed up by the Run series. 

Robert Smalls: Tales of the Talented Tenth by Joel Christian Gill

This book tells the true story of Robert Smalls, an enslaved African who pulled off one of the most daring and largest heists of the Civil War. Come along for the adventure as Robert earns a job working for the CSS planter, escapes to freedom, and goes on to become a first-generation Black politician. 

Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice by Tommie Smith

On October 16, 1968, during the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics, Tommie Smith, the gold medal winner in the 200-meter sprint, and John Carlos, the bronze medal winner, stood on the podium in black socks and raised their black-gloved fists to protest racial injustice inflicted upon African Americans. Both men were forced to leave the Olympics, received death threats, and faced ostracism and continuing economic hardships. In his first-ever memoir for young readers, Tommie Smith looks back on his childhood growing up in rural Texas through to his stellar athletic career, culminating in his historic victory and Olympic podium protest.

Bessie Stringfield: Tales of the Talented Tenth by Joel Christian Gill

Imagine a five-foot-two-inch-tall woman riding a Harley eight times across the continental United States. Now imagine she is black and is journeying across the country in the pre-Civil Rights era of the 1930s and ’40s. That is the amazing true story of Bessie Stringfield, the woman known today as The Motorcycle Queen of Miami and the first black woman to be inducted into the American Motorcyclist Association Hall of Fame and the Harley Davidson Hall of Fame. Stringfield was a pioneer in motorcycling during her lifetime; she rode as a civilian courier for the US military and founded the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club in Miami, all while confronting and overcoming Jim Crow in every ride.

Here are some books and media about Black history that may interest, educate, and INSPIRE you!

Rise: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou  by Bethany Hegedus; foreword by Colin A. Johnson; illustrations by Tonya Engel

“A biography of African American writer, performer, and activist Maya Angelou, who turned a childhood of trauma and emotional pain to become one of the most inspiring voices of our lifetime. Includes afterword, author’s note, and sources.”

-Provided by Publisher

28 Days: Moments In Black History That Changed The World by Charles R. Smith; read by a multi-cast

The 28 days of Black History Month are commemorated with descriptions of the men, women, and events that have been vital in defining the understanding of African-American history. The entries move chronologically from 1770 to the present, and encompass all walks of life. A final 29th day challenges listeners to make their own historical contributions.

Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales Of Black Girl Magic Edited By Lilly Workneh; Foreword By Cashawn Thompson

The 28 days of Black History Month are commemorated with descriptions of the men, women, and events that have been vital in defining the understanding of African-American history. The entries move chronologically from 1770 to the present, and encompass all walks of life. A final 29th day challenges listeners to make their own historical contributions.

Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman’s Dreams Took Flight by Karyn Parsons; Illustrated By R. Gregory Christie

“The story of Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn her pilot’s license.”

-Provided by Publisher

Timelines From Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies  by Writer And Consultant, Mireille Harper

“Amazing visual timelines take readers through the people and the issues that have shaped Black history. Erased. Ignored. Hidden. Lost. Under appreciated. No longer. Delve into the unique, inspiring, and world-changing history of Black people. From Frederick Douglass to Oprah Winfrey, and the achievements of ancient African kingdoms to those of the US Civil Rights Movement, Timelines From Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies takes kids on an exceptional journey from prehistory to modern times. This DK children’s book boasts more than 30 visual timelines, which explore the biographies of the famous and the not-so-famous – from royalty to activists, and writers to scientists, and much, much more. Stunning thematic timelines also explain the development of Black history – from the experiences of black people in the US, to the story of postcolonial Africa. Did you know that the richest person ever to have lived was a West African? Or that the technology that made the light bulb possible was developed by African American inventor, and not Thomas Edison? How about the fact that Ethiopia was the only African country to avoid colonization, thanks to the leadership of a brave queen? Stacked with facts and visually vibrant, Timelines From Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies is an unforgettable and accessible hive of information on the people and the issues that have shaped Black history.”

-Provided by publisher

Young, Gifted And Black Too by Jamia Wilson; Illustrations Andrea Pippins

“Meet 52 more Black icons from past and present.”

Cover

Abc Black History And Me: An Inspirational Journey Through Black History, From A To Z  by Queenbe Monyei

From A is for Advocate to Z is for Zest, each letter of the alphabet is paired with inspirational historical concepts in this 9×9-inch board book. Along with the upbeat, rhyming text covering both well-known and more obscure topics, are colorful illustrations that promote an excitement and curiosity about Black American history. Covering trailblazers from A to Z but also chronologically, this book features a visual timeline with additional information for more in-depth learning on the people, places, and events discussed. From Harriet Tubman and Fanny Jackson Coppin to Amanda Gorman and Ketanji Brown Jackson, ABC Black History and Me covers more than 170 years in a short board book appropriate for the little ones. This book is not only perfect for getting toddlers comfortable with their ABCs, but also for reflecting on how we are all affected by this history and how even the youngest of children will affect the future.

Little Legends: Exceptional Men In Black History by Vashti Harrison With Kwesi Johnson

Among these biographies, listeners will find aviators and artists, politicians, and pop culture icons. The men featured include writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, photographer Gordon Parks, diplomat Kofi Annan, comic book author Dwayne McDuffie, and musician Prince.

For this month, let’s highlight a few African Americans who made their mark on the world by expressing themselves and creating beautiful, timeless art.

Jean Michel-Basquiat (1960-1988)

Jean Michel-Basquiat (1960-1988) was a Black American artist known for his amazingly peculiar neo-Expressionist drawings and paintings. His art was an extension of him, conveying strong Caribbean and African-American characteristics. African and even Aztec imagery and iconography. He was featured on the cover of The New York Times in 1985 with the title “The Marketing of an American Artist.” He is often placed right in line with many other great artists of the 80s, like Andy Warhol, who was his mentor, and Keith Haring. His works are displayed in museums all over the nation. You may even see some of his works on clothing like hoodies, backpacks, and shoes! He is considered one of the most famous artists of the 20th century.

Kehinde Wiley (born 1977)

Kehinde Wiley (born 1977) is a classical artist who combines realism, cultural representation, and historical references into his amazing portraits. His eye for detail and expression is evident in the meticulous and meaningful way he is able to bring these portraits alive. His focus on Black identity and culture captivates anyone who has experienced his artwork and has been groundbreaking in the world of art. His most known work is the portrait of the 44th President Barack Obama in 2018, which he created for the National Portrait Gallery.

Misty Copeland (born 1982)

Misty Copeland (born 1982) is an American ballet dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, one of three of the leading classical ballet cohorts in the world. She shattered the glass ceiling of what a ballerina has always looked like and cemented her place in ballet and dance as a powerhouse. She started ballet at the age of 13, which some would consider “late” in the ballet world. She was living in a motel room with her five siblings. Even with all of these adversities, she overcame these struggles and focused on her love and dream of dancing. Two years after her first dance class, she won first place in the Music Center Spotlight Awards. She went on to study ballet at the San Francisco Ballet School, studied at ABT in their summer intensive, and, in 2001, became a member of the ballet corps at American Ballet Theatre. In 2007, she made history by becoming the company’s second African American female Soloist and the first in two decades. In June 2015, Misty was promoted to principal dancer, making her the first African American woman ever to be promoted to the position in the company’s 75-year history. She fights for diversity in the arts and is revered not only in dance but in Black culture as well.

Jason Reynolds (born 1983)

Jason Reynolds (born 1983) is a bestselling author of many award-winning books, including the Marvel Comics novel Miles Morales: Spiderman in 2017. He was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Oxon Hill, Maryland (about 30 minutes from here!) He started writing poetry when he was younger, using his inspiration from rap and hip-hop. He focused on poetry for years until trying his hand at fiction novels, which led to him publishing his first book, When I Was The Greatest, in 2014. Fun fact: He read his first cover-to-cover novel at the age of 17 and was still able to come out on top and create beautiful art within the stories that he wrote. He has won many awards for his writing, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work for Youth and Teens in 2017. “Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse,” a film adapted for his Miles Morales character, was released in theaters in 2018 and grossed $384.3 million worldwide against a $90 million budget. “Across the Spiderverse” is the second film surrounding Miles Morales, released in 2023,  and both films have received so much praise and acclaim.

Halle Bailey (born 2000)

Halle Bailey (born 2000) is a talented American singer and actor. She started singing with her sister Chloe when they were young. They started by making YouTube videos of them singing, and that started their rise to fame as the duo Chloe x Halle. Their YouTube covers even got them noticed by Beyonce, who took them under her wing and helped them hone their vocal talent and skill. Chloe x Halle has released two albums, performed on tour with Beyonce, gone on tour themselves as the headliners, and received several Grammy nominations. Both sisters also have acting experience as well. They both have played in the TV show “Grownish” for many seasons as well as small roles in other shows. Halle Bailey, however, truly made her mark in the acting industry when she played the first Disney live-action “Little Mermaid” in 2023. Although the idea of a Black mermaid did not sit so well with everyone, Halle showed her true dedication, talent, and skill, wowed audiences, and broke barriers for Black girls everywhere.

The word “history” makes things seem so far away, doesn’t it? When we think of the word history, we think about the 1800s, or before that…or maybe even the 1900s. We think of a time with no cars, no smartphones, and black-and-white movies. These times are when history has been made – that’s true – but this isn’t all that history is or has the potential to be. History is made every day. It is very important to acknowledge not only what history has been made before you but also the impact YOU have already made and will continue to make in your homes, schools, communities – and even the WORLD! We need your art, your words, your speeches, your imagination, your songs, your dances, your sculptures, your voices! Black history is made every day. Maybe today’s Black history can start with you.

If you want to learn more about Black history, art, and how both have influenced our world, here are some books we have that you can check out today!

Black Artists Shaping The World by Sharna Jackson; consultant Dr Zoé Whitley

Dedicated to the work of contemporary Black artists from around the world, this book is an introduction to artists from Africa and of African descent for young readers.

Brave, Black, First : 50+ African American Women Who Changed The World by Cheryl Willis Hudson; illustrations by Erin K. Robinson

An illustrated biographical compilation of over fifty African American women from the 1700s through to the present day.

Amazing Artists by J.P. Miller and Chellie Carroll

Dedicated to the work of contemporary Black artists from around the world, this book is an introduction to artists from Africa and of African descent for young readers.

Jean-Michel Basquiat by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara; illustrated by Luciano Lozano

Jean–Michel Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Puerto Rican mother and Haitian father. When he was eight and recovering from a car accident, his mother gave him a copy of Gray’s Anatomy, which sparked his interest in the human form. This biography of the world’s most famous street artist features a facts and photos section at the back.

Miles Morales: Suspended: A Spider-man novel by Jason Reynolds; illustrated by Zeke Peña

Miles Morales is still just your average teenager. He has unexpectedly become totally obsessed with poetry and can never seem to do much more than babble around his crush. Nothing too weird. Oh! Except, just yesterday, he used his spidey superpowers to save the world (no biggie) from an evil mastermind called The Warden. And the grand prize Miles gets for that is…Suspension. But what begins as a long boring day of in-school suspension is interrupted by a little bzzz in his mind. His spidey-sense is telling him there’s something not quite right here, and soon he finds himself in a fierce battle with an insidious…termite?! His unexpected foe is hiding a secret, one that could lead to the destruction of the world’s history—especially Black and Brown history—and only Miles can stop him. Yeah, just a typical day in the life of your friendly neighborhood Spider–Man.

Black ballerinas: my journey to our legacy by Misty Copeland; illustrated by Salena Barnes

From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland comes a nonfiction picture book celebrating dancers of color who have influenced her on and off the stage. As a young girl living in a motel with her mother and her five siblings, Misty Copeland didn’t have a lot of exposure to ballet or prominent dancers. She was sixteen when she saw a Black ballerina on a magazine cover for the first time. The experience emboldened Misty and told her that she wasn’t alone–and her dream wasn’t impossible. In the years since, Misty has only learned more about the trailblazing women who made her own success possible by pushing back against repression and racism with their talent and tenacity. Misty brings these women’s stories to a new generation of readers and gives them the recognition they deserve. With an introduction from Misty about the legacy these women have had on dance and on her career itself, this book delves into the lives and careers of women of color who fundamentally changed the landscape of American ballet from the early twentieth century to today.