Must-read books about the struggle for racial justice and equality

This powerful and influential autobiography chronicles the life of civil rights activist Malcolm X, shedding light on his personal journey, political beliefs, and his unwavering commitment to the fight for racial justice and equality.

Written as a letter to his teenage son, Coates' award-winning book is a profound reflection on the experience of being Black in America, exploring the history of racial oppression and the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.

In this groundbreaking work, civil rights advocate and legal scholar Michelle Alexander examines the racial disparities in the American criminal justice system and argues that mass incarceration functions as a system of racial control, akin to the Jim Crow laws of the past.

This insightful and accessible book offers guidance on how to engage in meaningful conversations about race and racism, providing practical tools and advice to help readers navigate the complex and often contentious issues surrounding racial justice and equality.

In this thought-provoking book, anti-racist educator Robin DiAngelo examines the defensive reactions that many white people have when confronted with discussions about race and racism, exploring the concept of "white fragility" and its implications for meaningful dialogue and progress on racial justice issues.

This compelling and transformative book by historian and scholar Ibram X. Kendi combines personal narrative, history, and social commentary to explore the concept of antiracism and offers practical guidance on how to actively dismantle racism in our everyday lives.

This classic work by James Baldwin is a collection of two essays that explore race, religion, and identity in America, offering a powerful and deeply personal perspective on the struggle for racial justice during the civil rights era.

In this comprehensive and meticulously researched book, Kendi traces the history of racist ideas in America, from their origins in the colonial era to the present day, revealing the complex interplay between racist thought and the institutions that perpetuate racial inequality.

Based on the viral Instagram challenge, this workbook-style book guides readers through a process of self-examination and reflection to confront their own complicity in white supremacy and take concrete steps towards dismantling racist systems and beliefs.

This powerful and poignant autobiography by Maya Angelou chronicles her early life, exploring themes of race, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity, and offering a deeply personal account of the experiences that shaped her as a writer and activist.