DoSomething Banned Books List: Black History

Banning books is nothing new. It’s been around for literal centuries, a hot topic issue of what people should–and should not–read. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a continuous uptick in the effort to ban books, especially books by LGBTQIA+ and authors of color, whose stories touch on life and perspectives beyond that of white, straight, middle-class individuals.

When books are banned or challenged in schools and communities (challenged books are those that people want to be removed but have yet to receive the official ban), students receive a sanitized version of history–and one that is not reflective of today's society.

In honor of Black History (all year), we’ve compiled a list of our top ten banned or challenged books by Black authors. Find one that piques your interest and check it out. Then be sure to share your reflections with us through our Uncensored program (you’ll even enter to earn a $1,000 scholarship)!

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents (2020) by Isabel Wilkerson

Caste systems can be confusing. And we get that. But it doesn’t mean we should stray away from learning about them and the inevitable impact they’ve had on our history. Isabel Wilkerson, a Pulitzer-Prize winning author, uses her book to examine the underlying ways the caste system has shaped America throughout history. While completely nonfiction, the book was pulled from shelves in Texas in 2022, causing an uproar among citizens who felt that city officials had censorship in violation of the First Amendment. The book was banned in tandem with a larger group, citing graphic content not suitable for young children.

Beloved (1987) by Toni Morrison

As much as it breaks our heart, Toni Morrison books are no strangers to bans or challenges. Beloved, a novel inspired by the true story of Margaret Garner, an enslaved woman who killed her own daughter to spare her from slavery, examines the destructive legacy of slavery on American culture. Another one of her works, The Bluest Eye, has appeared on the American Library Association’s (ALA’s) banned book list in 2006, 2013, 2014, and 2020. And back in the 1990s, Song of Solomon was continually challenged for “inappropriate” and “explicit” material. Beloved is specifically targeted for its inappropriate depiction of slavery and the way it addresses some of the darkest moments in American history.

Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot (2020) by Mikki Kendall

Hood Feminism is a modern critique on mainstream feminism and we love that Mikki Kendall writes what she is really thinking: mainstream feminism in the United States is anything but inclusive. We love Hood Feminism because it offers perspective on how feminism, a theme often celebrated, usually leaves behind people like Kendall, and those from other marginalized communities. Kendall writes that the movement is neglecting issues like food insecurity, quality education and public safety, all of which are feminist issues that primarily impact women of color.

The Hate U Give (2017) by Angie Thomas

In recent years, it was nearly impossible to miss conversations surrounding Angie Thomas’ undeniably popular novel, The Hate U Give. The book, written for and targeted to a young audience explores racial justice and police violence in a powerful and honest way–one that has proven to make many in positions of power weary of its intended impact. Not only did the book sit atop the New York Times YA Bestsellers list for over 100 weeks, but it debuted to rave reviews and a number of awards. The Hate U Give has been challenged for years since its release due to its depictions of violence, drug use, and perceived “anti-police” message.

All Boys Aren’t Blue (2020) by George M. Johnson

We love books that tell honest depictions of life stories, and that’s why we can’t get enough of George M. Johnson’s All Boys Aren’t Blue. A collection of personal essays, All Boys Aren’t Blue is the story of growing up Black and queer, and feeling like you haven’t found your place in the world. Over the past few years, at least 29 school districts have banned the book because of its LGBTQIA+ content and being sexually explicit. However, Johnson’s stories fuse together a beautiful narrative of the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys in America. The essays create space for students who may be struggling to find their own identity, comfort and familiarity with a story similar to their own.

The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story (2019) by Nikole Hannah-Jones

Nikole Hannah-Jones won the Pulitzer Prize for The 1619 Project, an ongoing initiative from The New York Times Magazine, which reframes American history and places slavery and its legacy at the center of our national narrative. The project has sparked conversation surrounding the importance–and accuracy–of how race is discussed and taught in schools. The project, and subsequent lesson plans, has faced bans and attempted bans in at least 14 states since its publication in 2019.

Assata: An Autobiography (1987) by Assata Shakur

While not banned from schools or curriculums, Assata Shakur personal biography is banned from a handful of prisons in the United States. The autobiography recounts Shakur’s experiences that led to her life of activism–and ultimate arrest and conviction in 1977. Many promote the work as a strong depiction of growing up Black in America and consider it a revolutionary book alongside works like The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Maya Angelou.

New Kid (2019) by Jerry Craft

New Kid–an engaging graphic novel about being Black and the “new kid” at a predominately white school–is a continuation of Craft’s work to help students see themselves in stories and give a voice to diverse perspectives and backgrounds. The book has been challenged in states like Texas and Pennsylvania, as part of efforts to stamp our critical race theory in schools. However, the book, which has received countless positive reviews and inspired by Craft’s own life, has invited students who may not be super into reading, to finish a book!

Tupac: Resurrection, 1971-1996 (2003) by Tupac Shakur

Another book banned in US prisons is Tupac: Resurrection, the companion book to the Oscar winning film. The book is a poetic telling of the life and work of Tupac Shakur, a cultural icon to many, and a disputed force in the music industry. The book has been banned after Tupac’s war with government officials and police, but many claim this book as the “autobiography he never got to write.”

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings (1969) by Maya Angelou

Did you know that Maya Angelou is the most banned author in the U.S? No. Seriously. Her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, has been frequently challenged and banned, ostensibly for vulgarity and sexually explicit material. The book covers many topics deemed inappropriate for young readers, including violence, racism, sexuality, sexual violence, and teen pregnancy. And yet, despite being banned in over thirty states, Maya Angelou and her work remain one of the most celebrated and decorated authors of our time!