10 African American History Books Every American Should Read

From Harlem to Washington, domestically and abroad, America's history is heavily defined by African American people and culture. The slave economy leading to the most lethal war in US history; the progress and subsequent regression of the reconstruction era leading to decades of radical political and social development: There isn't a period since America's conception that hasn't been impacted by Black men and women. It's nearly impossible to contextualize our modern culture and politics without first learning about just a few of these great leaders and vital moments. Discover something new or broaden your understandings with these African American history books.