United Way Celebrates Black History Month

Reading opens up new worlds and experiences. It gives us a peek into other's lives – both their joys and their struggles. To celebrate Black History Month, we asked a few teammates here at United Way of Central Indiana to share their favorite books by and about African Americans. 

I'm Angela Dabney, and my role at United Way is fundraising. My favorite reading recommendation to honor Black History Month is Becoming by Michelle Obama because her story from of becoming much more than was expected of an urban Black girl mirrors the story we want to create for so many other children in our community.

I’m Guy-Jo Gordon, and my role at United Way is Capacity Building Manager. My reading recommendation to honor Black History Month is Piecing me together by Renee Watson because it’s a powerful story that challenges stereotypes about girls with “coal skin and hula-hoop hips” who must contend with the realities of racial profiling and police brutality. *Fun fact: This book is being used to educate Starfish Initiative mentors during their orientations!  I'm Tanya Hand, and my role at United Way is Business Development and Area North Director. My favorite reading recommendation to honor Black History Month is Becoming by Michelle Obama because we are always evolving into our “best” self. (Not pictured) I'm Alesia King, and my role at United Way is Research Associate. My favorite reading recommendation to honor Black History Month is Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates because it poignantly demonstrates how the systematic subjugation of black people in the United States through racist institutions has always existed, still exists, and will continue to exist so long as those institutions that reinforce inequality are not dismantled. These are a few favorites from our team. If you're looking for further reading recommendations, have a look at PBS's list of books honoring the African American experience. What's on your reading list? Tag UWCI on social to share your picks!