Graphic Novels to Read During Black History Month

As you all know, February is Black History Month. Black History Month was proposed by Black professors and the Black United Students group at Kent State University in 1969, and was first celebrated a year later from January 2nd to February 28th. Not until 1976, was it finally celebrated nationwide. 

One way to celebrate and honor Black history is by reading graphic novels. As many of us librarians and library workers know, graphic novels are becoming increasingly popular. Graphic novels can also be a helpful tool for struggling readers of all ages, and can improve one’s visual literacy.

Below you’ll find a list of five graphic novels that commemorate crucial figures and periods in African-American history.

The Life of Frederick Douglass: A Graphic Narrative of a Slave's Journey from Bondage to Freedom by David F. Walker is told from Douglass’s point of view and ranges from his life as a young slave, to his escape and later, to his work as a speaker, writer and abolitionist. 

Fire!!: the Zora Neale Hurston Story by Peter Bagge captures the life of the legendary folklorist and writer who wrote the classic novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God. 

Kindred : a graphic novel adaptation by Damian Duffy and John Jennings is a stunning adaption of Octavia E. Butler’s notable feminist science-fiction novel, Kindred. First published in 1979, the novel is a first-person account of Dana, a twenty-something African American woman writer who shifts between living in Los Angeles in 1976, and on a plantation in pre-Civil War Maryland.  which was first published in 1979. Duffy also recently released an adaptation to another famous novel she wrote, Parable of the Sower. 

March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell is the first in a trilogy that provides readers with a first-hand account of Congressman John Lewis’ (GA-5) life as a civil and human rights activist. Book One focuses on his youth, meeting Martin Luther King Jr. and his early activism during the Civil Rights Movement. March is also a great pick for young adult readers.

Black History in Its Own Words by Ron Wimberly is only 88 pages long, but it leaves a lasting impression. In it are portraits, inspiring quotes and illustrations of famous black individuals of the past and present, such as James Baldwin, Marsha P. Johnson, Angela Davis, and Muhammad Ali. 

In addition to these titles, place a hold now on Blair Imani’s new book, Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration and the Black American Dream.

---

Jess Gafkowitz is the YA Librarian at the McKinley Park Library. In their spare time, they love listening to podcasts, baking and of course, reading – especially graphic memoirs and historical fiction.