Black History Month was founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 to recognize the achievements and experiences of Black lives throughout America. The annual celebration occurs in February to include the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both of whom shaped Black freedom in the United States. Bellingham Public Library honors Black History Month with special displays of a wide variety of related books, films, and music for adults, teens and children. Library staff offer the following personal recommendations for inspiration.
Black History Nonfiction for Adults
So many incredible books have been written about Black experiences that it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s a great list of nonfiction titles to get you going on your journey of exploration and understanding.
Library Staff Recommend:
Black Widow by Leslie Gray Streeter
“Leslie Streeter’s husband dropped dead at her feet due to a massive heart attack. The horror was compounded by the fact they were adopting a child. This is a memoir of the aftermath. Her portrait of her imperfect husband is also a love letter, and she conveys shock, misery, and physical pain in a very real way. Amazingly, she’s also funny. A sad topic, but ultimately not a sad book.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
The Cooking Gene by Michael Twitty
“Twitty uses meticulous research and his own knowledge as a chef to connect to his enslaved Southern Black ancestors. It’s part memoir, cookbook, history book, and genealogical survey— his writing is lush and immersive.”
– Audrey, Library Assistant
Of Blood and Sweat: Black Lives and the Making of White Power and Wealth by Clyde Ford
“This is a great narrative history focused on the origins of American slavery. If you have a chance to see Clyde Ford (he’s local!), take it. He’s a great speaker. And also delightful in person.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
“Trevor Noah’s memoir about growing up in post Apartheid South Africa. Trevor was born to a white father and a Xhosa mother which was a punishable crime served by 5 years in prison. It follows his mother hiding him, through the end of white rule and them living freely. Highly recommend the audiobook as well as Trevor narrates, and he’s extremely charismatic.”
– Sean, Library Assistant
Black Writers of the Founding Era 1760-1800 edited by James G. Basker
“This incredible anthology spans well-known 18th century Black writers like Phyllis Wheatley to dozens of first-person narratives previously never published. Poems, letters, criminal confessions, court transcripts, private journals, petitions for freedom, dreams, and much more fill in the gaps of history that otherwise would have been lost completely.”
– Audrey, Library Assistant
Becoming Ella Fitzgerald by Judith Tick
“This biography is a 450 page, extensively documented labor of love. It’s surprisingly readable! If you haven’t listened to her, begin with ‘Ella: The Lost Berlin Tapes‘, a CD we have in our catalog. Start with ‘Mack the Knife’. It’s the version where she forgets the words – brilliant.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
Alive at the End of the World by Saeed Jones
“Jones’ deeply moving poems weave through fraying edges of grief, love, identity, and place. Visited by Black icons both personal and cultural, Jones turns a gaze on pandemic-era life in America that is both withering and tender.”
– Kate, Library Staff Development Coordinator
Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“A perceptive, poignant, and clever look at how to raise a daughter in a world that can be inhospitable.”
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Black History Fiction for Adults
Looking for a great story? Black history matters, and so does representation. Check out this list of recent fiction must-reads from Black authors.
Library Staff Recommend:
“Literally anything written by” N.K. Jemisin
“If you want weird and fantastical sci-fi and fantasy that still feels grounded, with well-rounded relatable characters, exciting plots that resonate, and intense, gorgeous writing–might I recommend literally anything written by N.K. Jemisin. ‘The Fifth Season’ is my personal favorite, but ‘The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms’, ‘How Long ’til Black Future Month?’, ‘Far Sector’ (which happens to be a graphic novel), and ‘The City We Became’, are also all absolutely amazing.”
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
Books by Octavia Butler
“A woman from modern times (the 1970s) is sent back through time to antebellum slavery times. She has a link to this little white boy and that link is very dangerous for her.”
“The world has descended into post apocalyptic madness. Our main character lives in one of the only “safe” neighborhoods left in Los Angeles. Our main character has hyperempathy, and can deeply feel the pain of others. Their compound is attacked and they are thrust out into the world trying to find safety.”
– Sean, Library Assistant
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“In this work of fantastical historical fiction, Ta-Nehisi Coates transported me to the past and lifted me through all of the harsh and heavy realities with surprising plot twists, intriguing characters, and tantalizing glimpses of magical undercurrents. Coates masterfully creates and elevates heroes of emancipation and the underground railroad and dismantles systems of oppression and the people who uphold them. This book will pull you under and when you emerge, you’ll find yourself dazzled and pensive, if not refreshed.”
– Katrina, Head of Public Services
“The story of Huck Finn told from Big Jim’s point of view. It was Barnes and Noble’s book of the year for 2024, and they did not miss with their choice. With a 4.53 rating on Goodreads out of over 160k ratings, you can’t go wrong with this on your list.”
– Sean, Library Assistant
The Good Lord Bird by James McBride
“McBride is a time traveler, and this book proves it! Be transported to the bad old days of the Civil War era and ride along with an eyewitness to one of the most storied abolitionists of the time. Recently made into a great movie, this book is funny, poignant, and an insight into our national history.”
– Miranda, Library Events Coordinator
Black History Books for Teens
Visit the Library’s Teen Section to find great reads – both fiction and nonfiction! The staff at the Help Desk are also happy to help you find titles related to Black History Month and more.
Library Staff Recommend:
“A perfectly creepy thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Is there a mundane answer to the mystery? Or is something genuinely paranormal going on?”
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
“What if vengeance could be called upon and enacted by powerful supernatural beings? How could a disenfranchised people bring about a new age?”
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Black History Books for Children
Bellingham Public Library Children’s staff have curated two great lists for Black History Month and they’re filled with fantastic books for kids of all ages. Take a look!
Library Staff Recommend:
Hello, Beautiful You! by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Homemade Love by bell hooks, with pictures by Shane W. Evans
My Hair Is Like the Sun by St. Clair Detrick-Jules, illustrations by Tabitha Brown
“Do you have a little one in your life? These board books are a wonderful way to celebrate Black joy and beauty.” Children’s Board Books. Recommended for ages birth to five
– Ali, Children’s Services Librarian
Brown Girl, Brown Girl by Leslé Honoré
“From the author’s note: I wanted it to be a poem that validates the pain of not seeing representations of yourself in the world, and the joy and promise you are filled with when you do.” Children’s Picturebook. Recommended for ages 4 – 9
– Mandee, Children’s Programming Specialist
My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera
“Summary: A young girl’s opinion of her hair transforms from ‘difficult’ to ‘delightful’ when her neighbor shares her journey in taking care of her own textured hair.” Children’s Picturebook. Recommended for ages 4+
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
“Jacqueline Woodson tells the moving story of her childhood, sharing what it was like to grow up in the 1960s and 1970s with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each verse is both accessible and emotionally charged; a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her place in the world.” Children’s Fiction. Recommended for grades 4 – adult.
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford
“Over 100 years ago, a thriving, tight-knit black community flourishing in educational opportunities, commerce and recreation was burned to the ground. One accusation opened the destructive gateway of racism and hate. This is the heartbreaking story of May 31, 1921, one that I’d never even heard about until reading this book. A dark moment of United States history, ending with a call for hope and change.” Children’s Nonfiction. Recommended for grades 3 – 6
– Bethany, Library Deputy Director
“Marlene HATES getting her hair straightened at the saloon every week, but it is a tradition her mother insists upon in order to look ‘presentable’. When Marlene gets the opportunity to spend more time with her Tia Ruby, she is initiated into the world of natural textured haircare. This is a heartwarming and humorous demystification of the belief in ‘good’ and ‘bad’ black hair.” Children’s Graphic Novel. Recommended for ages 7+
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Black History in Film and Music
You can find a wide selection of DVDs featuring Black stories on the Library’s shelves, however, there are even more films available to stream for free on Kanopy. Log in with your library card and take a look at the fantastic films they’re featuring in February for Black History Month.
The Bellingham Public Library also has a large music CD collection, but if you prefer to stream your tunes, check out Freegal. With your library card and PIN, you can access a music collection that includes hundreds of genres for free.
DVDs Library Staff Recommend:
Good Hair directed by Jeff Stilson
Adult DVD
“This movie was a staple when I was attending cosmetology school, and every one should watch it. Chris Rock has a bunch of funny and frank conversations about what it means to attain good hair in the black community.”
– Sean, Library Assistant
The Watermelon Woman directed by Cheryl Dunye
Available on DVD and Kanopy
“I love how real this movie feels. Cheryl Dunye directs and stars in this story about a Black lesbian filmmaker researching a Black actress from the 1930’s. It’s funny, genre-defying, and densely layered.”
– Audrey, Library Assistant
Atlanta created by Donald Glover
Adult DVD
“This clever comedy series about up-and-coming rapper Paper Boi and his cousin/manager Earn is hilarious at times, but also uncomfortable, surreal, and thought-provoking. Not your typical sitcom, ‘Atlanta’ creatively details the everyday racism, relationship challenges, and money concerns of being a young black man in America. Seasons one and two are currently available on DVD. Check it out!”
– Jennifer, Teen Services Librarian
Rafiki directed by Wanuri Kahiu
Adult DVD
“A vibrant and joyful look at young queer love in modern Nairobi.”
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Music CDs Library Staff Recommend:
A Seat At The Table by Solange
Music CD
“This experimental funk and R&B album is one of my favorites in the genre. Solange explores themes of despair, empowerment, and rage while referencing her family history.”
– Audrey, Library Assistant
Local Black History Month Activities in February
The Centers Community Lunches – Black History Month: Fabric of Our Community
February 5, 12:00pm
VU 735 (Multicultural Center Multipurpose Room)
More details to come!
Join the Office of Multicultural Student Services, LGBTQ+ Western, and the Disability Access Center every Wednesday at noon in the Multicultural Center on the 7th floor of the Viking Union. MCC lunches are focused on student development and community-building. All are welcome for food, conversation, and learning in community.
“This February for Black History Month, we’ll be celebrating the work of Spike Lee with a 3-film mini-series on Thursday evenings, starting February 13: Do the Right Thing (Feb. 13), Malcolm X (Feb. 20), and BlacKKKlansman (Feb. 27).
As Lee is one of the finest and most innovative American directors–with an unflinching voice and long and varied career, each of his films speaking to his bold, inimitable style–any miniseries cannot hope to do justice to his oeuvre. But we are highlighting three of his films that have been recognized as milestones of American cinema and that speak powerfully into our political and cultural moment in 2025.
We are also delighted to welcome back to the Pickford Spike Lee connoisseur and scholar Brandon David Wilson, who will be offering us virtual introductions to each of the films.” – Pickford Film Center
Film Screening: “Breaking Boundaries”
Saturday, February 15 at 7:00pm
Firehouse Arts and Events Center
Black Californian teenager, Nastasya Generalova, was raised by her single white Russian mother, Olga who enrolled Nastasya in rhythmic gymnastics when she was four years old as a way for her to connect to Olga’s homeland.
This film looks at Nastasya’s personal journey of expression as the only black girl in Team USA, as well as her relationship with her mother in the stressful lead up to Tokyo Olympics qualification. The audience is invited into Nastasya’s world to experience what it feels like to be the only black girl in the building.
CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is screening this 76-minute documentary directed by Dina Burlis in celebration of Black History Month.
This special screening made possible, in part, with a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Links for More Information
History Channel – Black History Month
AFRO: The Black Media Authority
Story Corps – Black History Month
Northwest African American Museum
Washington Trust for Historic Preservation — The Maritime Underground Railroad of Puget Sound
