BOOK TO READ ON AFRICAN & AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
As a columnist who has written thousands of articles on African and African American history over the past 46 years, I have had the privilege of exploring a vast array of books and articles on this important subject. Numerous works have informed my writing for the Eye On History column, and I have consistently encouraged readers to delve deeply into this history.
In today’s digital world, many rely on the internet for information. While I occasionally refer to online sources, I make it a point to verify the credibility of each source. However, my primary method of research remains the traditional approach— reading books. I frequently visit the Rare Book Room at the Central Library and the Buffalo History Museum Library on Elmwood for research. These resources, along with thorough investigation, play a vital role in my work.
Below, I have compiled a list of books that I believe are essential for understanding African and African American history. Please note that this is only a partial list. I encourage readers to create and share their own lists with family and friends, continuing the pursuit of knowledge.
A wealth of insightful books can deepen our understanding of African and African American history. Some notable works include World’s Great Men of Color, Volumes I, II, and III by J.A. Rogers, From the Browder File and Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization by Anthony T. Browder, and Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust by Dr. John Henrik Clarke. Eva M. Doyle’s contributions, such as Eye on History, African Symbols on the Dollar Bill: Hidden in Plain Sight, Warren Gamaliel Harding: One of America’s Black Presidents, and Secrets of the Dollar Bill: Hidden in Plain Sight, offer unique perspectives on historical narratives. Other foundational texts include Chancellor Williams’ The Destruction of Black Civilization, Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s The Miseducation of the Negro, and 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro with Complete Facts by J.A. Rogers. Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois’ The Gift of Black Folk, Auset Bakhufu’s The Six Black Presidents: Black Blood, White Masks, Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow, and James W. Loewen’s Lies My Teacher Told Me also provide critical insights. For cultural enrichment, readers can explore Message to the People by the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey, The People Could Fly: African American Folktales by Virginia Hamilton, Timelines of African American History: 500 Years of History by Tim Cowen and Jack McGuire, and Egypt Revisited by Ivan Van Sertima. These books are invaluable resources for anyone seeking to gain a comprehensive understanding of African and African American history.
This list is merely a starting point. Readers are encouraged to expand upon it and share with others.
My own books, which explore various aspects of African and African American history, are listed on my website, evamdoyle.com, and are also available on Amazon: Eye On History: The Golden Collection Lost History and Forgotten History My 45-Year Journey Teaching African and African American History in the Home, School, and Community These works make excellent gifts for all occasions. For more information, feel free to contact me at (716) 847-6010. Let us continue learning, teaching, and preserving this vital history.