For Us, By Us: Book Clubs for Black Girls
Representation matters.
There are multiple examples why. When people see media that show someone of their racial/ethnic background accomplishing something, it widens their perspective on which paths are accessible to them. Kids who see Halle Berry winning an Oscar or Kamala Harris running for president know that they too can be a professional actor or presidential candidate
By 2019, Black women have taken the reins of their own representation in a number of ways. Through Black professional groups and clubs, and Black-owned blogs (like the one you’re reading now!), there are multiple spaces where Black women can come together and celebrate our own beauty and power.
Reading Books by Black Women
Reading books is an easy way to learn about the lives of Black women all over the world. And it’s immensely popular; Black women read more than all other groups. However, a quick look at those present in the publishing and writing industries reveals that Black women are not. iOften, beyond the authors who write the books themselves, Black women feel unrepresented and undervalued by a publishing industry which is 79% white, and who chose mostly white-centered books to publish.
Over the past few years social media has brought about a renaissance of book clubs for Black women. They are spaces where we can meet and discuss incredible works of art and bond in mutual experience. The best book clubs are about more than the books; they’re safe havens and places of friendship.
Two popular book clubs have become national empowerment networks created for Black women, by Black women.
Well-Read Black Girl
1,547 Likes, 0 Comments - Well-Read Black Girl (@wellreadblackgirl) on Instagram: "About last night ✨ Thank you to everyone who came out to pay tribute to Toni Morrison at..."
Well-Read Black Girl is a phenomenon that’s grown from an Instagram account in 2015 to a national network of book clubs, an annual festival, and a book of essays. Its founder, Glory Edim, got the idea after receiving a shirt with the phrase as a gift and having conversations about books pop up when she wore it around town. She wanted to continue the conversation, so she started an Instagram and a newsletter and sought out members.
Now there are chapters in over 20 states and a thriving community online. For members who can’t make it to a meeting in person, Edim hosts Q&As with authors on WRBG’s Twitter so everyone can get a chance to discuss the book. Now working full-time on the club, Edim makes sure that being a well-read black girl is a fun and empowering experience.
Noname’s Book Club
Recently, Chicago rapper Noname has founded Noname’s Book Club. It all started from a tweet from her own account asking if anyone would be interested in her starting a book club. It quickly got over 5,000 retweets, and Noname’s Book Club was born. It’s only in its second month of life, but the book club Twitter already has 41,000 followers, and the genres of the selected books have included memoir, poetry, and humor.
Noname also highlights the importance of buying from local bookstores. It comes from a personal connection; her mom was the first Black woman to own a bookstore in Chicago. So far the book club has partnered with local bookstores in seven cities to sell its selections, and it has held the first meet-up in Los Angeles with the promise of more to come.
2,391 Likes, 322 Comments - Noname's Book Club (@nonamereads) on Instagram: "ALL THE BOOKSTORES WE'RE CURRENTLY PARTNERED WITH (what city should we come to next?)"
