Diverse literature is more essential than ever in the current climate. The books are some of the best tools for the development of tolerance and empathy, and few books are as rich and nuanced as those written by Black women. From the memories to the epics essentials of sociological research, we’ve rounded up over 100 of the most important works written by Black women authors during the past century, which stretches from Africa to the Caribbean, of America and of the pre-Civil War era to the distant future. If you are looking to diversify your reading list this year, here are books by Black women that we consider essential reading.
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— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano, Haley Lyndes, and Tembe Denton-Hurst
