It’s also another chance to reflect on the efforts of our talented ancestors, and those who study and tell their stories, to channel that work to create change.
Malcolm X, whose centennial birthday would’ve been this year, challenged us to empower and have pride in ourselves. Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison calmly used words delivered through her voice and pen to tell authentic stories about Black life and the human condition. Both authors and activists in their own ways, their work inspired the careers of other prominent Black writers and storytellers following in their footsteps.
Here are four books UATL recommends for June, themed around music, literature, activism and community building.
Credit: HarperCollins Publishers
“Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer’s Legendary Editorship” by Dana A. Williams
“Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer’s Legendary Editorship” chronicles how novelist Toni Morrison helped Black writers build careers, and how she innovated and disrupted mainstream book publishing while creating her own works, like 1973’s “Sula” and 1977’s “Song of Solomon.”
Written by Howard University professor Dana A. Williams, the book traces Morrison’s evolution from editing textbooks for L.W. Singer to becoming the first Black female senior editor at Random House. Williams combines biography and excerpts from letters written to and by Morrison, revealing her attention to detail, criteria for manuscripts, mentorship and willingness to challenge racism and sexism.
Morrison used her meticulous eye, negotiating skills and marketing savvy to develop the careers of writers Toni Cade Bambara, Lucille Clifton, Leon Forest, Henry Dumas and June Jordan. The novelist, who titled the book and handpicked Williams as the book’s author, even encouraged Black public figures like Muhammad Ali, Angela Davis and Huey P. Newton to make their debut as writers.
“Toni at Random” showcases how Morrison, who left Random House in 1984 to concentrate on her own books, was an anomaly who championed Black storytelling and creativity. The book publishes June 17.
Credit: BookLaunchers.com
“The Quiet Storm: A Historical and Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion and Pain of R&B Groups” by Amani Roberts
“The Quiet Storm: A Historical and Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion and Pain of R&B Groups” is a vibrant, honest examination of the rise and decline of R&B groups and bands in popular music.
Released in February, writer and DJ Amani Roberts organizes the book as a love letter, peppered with music and history lessons, and general observations of the music business.
The book borrows its title from a 1975 Smokey Robinson ballad and late-night radio programming format created by media mogul Cathy Hughes to highlight Black love songs. It includes archival photographs, Billboard chart data and passionately explains how changes in technology, music and economics endangered R&B music.
It’s a trip down memory lane that reminds music lovers why Black music is timeless.
Credit: Trisha Previte
“Malcolm Lives! The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers” by Ibram X. Kendi
“Malcolm Lives!” is the latest book reintroducing the civil rights leader to a new generation by Ibram X. Kendi, author of “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America,” “How to Be an Antiracist” and “Antiracist Baby.” Kendi, who was awarded a MacArthur Genius Fellowship in 2021, tells the legendary orator’s story through quick chapters, formatted to resemble his speech cadence and walk. It includes never-before-seen stock photographs, typed letters, flyers and handwritten notes gathered from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
The book, released in May to celebrate Malcolm X’s 100th birthday, examines his encounters with racism growing up in foster care, isolation from his family, incarceration, police violence and his time with the Nation of Islam. The book also incorporates excerpts from X’s speeches and how they spawned future leaders like Stokely Carmichael, despite criticism from activists like Bayard Rustin.
“Malcolm Lives!” allows young people to see how their experiences are no different from the iconic leader’s life.
Credit: Jonathan Sainsbury
“Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floyd” by Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo with Jennifer Amie
On May 25, 2020, the world watched cellphone footage of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin killing George Floyd. The day reminded Minneapolis police Chief Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo why he chose a career in law enforcement.
“Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floyd,” co-written by Jennifer Amie, is Arradondo’s detailed account of the event. It reflects on his lifelong mission to protect, serve and collaborate, with officers and the general public, to make the community safer. He takes readers on rides, introduces them to his colleagues and local residents.
Arradondo, who retired as Minneapolis police chief after 32 years with the police department, writes with transparency about what it’s like to work in law enforcement and the events that led up to Floyd’s death. He offers strategies and solutions on working with local governments and community organizers, and leveraging technology to restore and maintain faith with public servants.
It is a timely read emphasizing the importance of accountability in building and stabilizing communities.
About the Author
Christopher A. Daniel is a Black Culture reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is an Atlanta-based, award-winning journalist, cultural critic and ethnomusicologist. He previously taught courses at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University and Georgia State University.
