What to Read and Watch During Black History Month
As Georgia Tech celebrates Black History Month, faculty and staff are sharing their reading and viewing recommendations with the community. Their selections highlight the struggles of a prominent civil rights leader, explore a dystopian future in a work of fiction, and reflect Black experiences in America.
By La June Montgomery Tabron
How We Heal is a book that addresses complex social issues and offers practical methods for individuals to work toward healing and reconciliation through meaningful conversations and personal connections. The book highlights how building trust, developing empathy, and gaining understanding is a path toward transformation and progress in repairing or improving racial relations. The book is a peace offering and guide for reconciliation that leads toward a more just and empathetic society.
- Karen Manning, Georgia Tech Library
By Robert A. Hill and Barbara Blair
A comprehensive collection of Garvey’s speeches and writings, this book explores the life of the Jamaican-born leader who advocated for Black self-determination, Pan-Africanism, and economic independence. It sheds light on his vision and the global impact of his ideas.
Documentary, Youtube
This documentary highlights the life and activism of Marcus Garvey, focusing on his role in the Pan-African movement and his quest to establish a global Black nation. It also delves into his time in the U.S. and his eventual deportation.
- Aisha Johnson, Georgia Tech Library
By Arline T. Geronimus
In this powerful book, Arline T. Geronimus highlights the profound health disparities in the U.S., where Black, brown, working-class, and poor communities experience higher rates of chronic illness and premature death compared to more privileged populations. Her research, encapsulated in the concept of "weathering," reveals how societal inequities, such as racism and classism, take a devastating physical toll on the body. Through decades of study, Geronimus demonstrates that health outcomes are shaped more by societal treatment than individual care and offers solutions to address these inequities.
- Raheem Beyah, College of Engineering
Television Series, Hulu
This surreal dramedy follows Earn and his cousin, Alfred, as they navigate the Atlanta rap scene, tackling social issues with sharp humor and unconventional storytelling. This show is the best example of Afro-surrealism, and Donald Glover's brilliance shines as he blends humor, social commentary, and the surreal to create something truly unique. It’s a masterclass in storytelling and cultural critique.
Television Series, Disney+
This Marvel series follows Sam Wilson as he grapples with becoming the new Captain America, confronting racial and political themes. Sam Wilson is the people’s Captain America, dealing with the weight of the shield while still being a broke Avenger who can’t even get a loan. It’s real, relatable, and refreshingly honest about the complexities of heroism and race.
By N.K. Jemisin
In this speculative fiction novel, New York City’s boroughs come to life as avatars battling an otherworldly threat. The novel blends a love of fantasy with a more urban take, bringing cities to life in ways that feel both magical and real.
- Meligha Garfield, Student Engagement and Well-Being, and Julain Oliver, Student Engagement and Well-Being