February is #BlackHistoryMonth. This year’s theme—“Ours to Tell”—is a timely reminder of the importance of listening to stories shared by Black communities. This month, RLBC highlights stories about the histories, victories, and futures of Black Canadians, as well as #OwnVoices stories. Read on for a list of BC-published books that we think should be on your reading list this month (and beyond).
Making History: Visual Arts and Blackness in Canada edited by Julie Crooks, Dominique Fontaine and Silvia Forni (UBC Press)
Coming next week from UBC’s On Point Press, Making History is an unprecedented reflection on the positioning of Black history and art within the Canadian cultural landscape. The book includes poems, artist statements, art portfolios, and powerful essays on contemporary Black art in Canada.
HARROWINGS by Cecily Nicholson (Talonbooks)
A striking new collection of poems from Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize and the Governor General’s Literary Award winner Cecily Nicholson. Set in rural spaces, these poems connect with Black intellectual and art history in relation to agriculture.
Moving the Centre by Andrew Kushnir and Khari Wendell McClelland (Talonbooks)
A duo of plays by artists Andrew Kushnir and Khari Wendell McClelland. The first play, Small Axe, charts the quest of a queer white playwright, Andrew Kushnir, who begins investigating homophobia in Jamaica. The second, Freedom Singer, is a musical/verbatim theatre hybrid, documenting playwright Khari Wendell McClelland’s search for his ancestral grandmother Kizzy and the songs she may have sung during her escape through the Underground Railroad.
Postcards from Congo: A Graphic History by Edmund Trueman (Arsenal Pulp Press)
“Shining an important light on the ongoing harms of colonialism and with two incredible reference sections, this is a powerful entryway title to Congolese history.” — Booklist (STARRED REVIEW)
Dan Auta: An African Tale by José Ortega y Gasset, illustrated by Piet Grobler, translated by Elisa Amado (Greystone Kids Books)
From the publisher: “Kids 9 to 12 will laugh out loud while reading this adventurous graphic novel, which brings an African folk tale to life for a new audience.” Follow the mischievous and brave Dan Auta on his daring adventures in this new picture book.
Clara at the Door with a Revolver: The Scandalous Black Suspect, the Exemplary White Son, and the Murder That Shocked Toronto by Carolyn Whitzman (UBC Press)
Carolyn Whitzman, though not a Black author, offers an insightful look at a groundbreaking moment in Canada—the riveting true story of how a Black woman successfully defended herself in a sensational 1890s murder trial.
Looking for even more books and stories? BC’s indie bookstores are a great place to start. We’ve listed some of our favourites below, but don’t forget to check out your local bookseller to find out their recommendations.
- Munro’s Books is featuring books by BIPOC authors working across all genres on their home page.
- Read Mosaic Books’ list of Black Literature.
- For every purchase of the titles on this list in February, Bolen Books will donate 10% of the sale price to Black Lives Matter Vancouver.
- Visit Massy Books to learn about their Black History Month reading list.
- Browse a Black History Month list curated by Book Warehouse and Black Bond Books.
- View selected books by Black authors from Upstart & Crow.