Black History Month - Literature, Arts, and Media
February 16, 2023
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month here at Liberty, we are sharing and learning about history, achievements, recognition, and personal perspectives.
Literature, arts, and media are all ways in which information and material can be communicated. Through literature, arts, and media, we are able to understand information and material from a personal perspective.
Reading books by Black writers is important in helping us better understand the world around us as well as what it means to be Black. We learn by understanding the richness of human experience and by exposing ourselves to new perspectives. Stories that help break down barriers of inequality, stereotypes, and bias. Black Authors are well known for historical depictions and commentary through the use of poems, prose, and to inform, educate and share aspects of Black culture.
Below are a few influential Black writers who have written and created a number of significant works that are worth exploring:
Toni Morrison - She is best known for her numerous novels, which include Beloved (Alfred A. Knopf, 1987), winner of the 1988 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, and Song of Solomon (Alfred A. Knopf 1977), winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award. In 1993, Morrison received the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Maya Angelou - One of the most influential women of our time. She published autobiographies, essays, and wrote many books of poetry. One of her most notable poems is Phenomenal Woman. This poem shows how even though someone is not beautiful on the outside compared to society's standards, there is an inner beauty that makes a woman even more beautiful.
Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee (b. 1957; years active 1977-present) - An American filmmaker and actor. Lee's work has continually explored race relations, issues within the black community, the role of media in contemporary life, urban crime and poverty, and other political issues.
Tyler Perry (b. 1969; years Active 1992-present) - An American filmmaker, actor, playwright, author, songwriter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is the creator and performer of the Madea character, a tough elderly woman. Perry's films vary in style from orthodox filmmaking techniques to filmed productions of live stage plays.
These are only a few of the many notable Black writers that we’d like to highlight. Be sure to use this month to read up on works from new perspectives, educate, and celebrate Black History.
