Silenced Stories: Supporting Black Authors Facing Censorship
Books by Black authors are increasingly targeted in removal campaigns across American schools and libraries.
Works celebrating Black joy, identity, and historical truths are being systematically challenged and removed with minimal transparency or justification.
These books are more than stories—they’re cultural touchstones fostering empathy, representation, and understanding. For Black readers, seeing themselves reflected in literature is transformative; for all readers, these works provide essential perspectives.
Recent censorship efforts show a disturbing pattern of targeting literature exploring racial justice and authentic Black experiences. This trend has reached Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, where entire collections face ideological scrutiny under problematic criteria.
By supporting these banned books, we resist silencing Black voices and affirm literature’s vital role in democracy.
The collection below represents essential voices that deserve amplification, not suppression.
Stories That Inspire & Empower
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson – Official Website
- I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley – Personal Website
- Don’t Touch My Hair by Sharee Miller – Official Website
- Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed – Author Website
- Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin – Author Website
- Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison – Official Website
- Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow – Author Website
Bold & Thought-Provoking Reads
- Cece Loves Science by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes – Kimberly’s Website | Shelli’s Website
- The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander – Official Website
- Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes – Author Website
- New Kid by Jerry Craft – Official Website
- This Book Is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell – Author Website
Stories of Resilience & Resistance
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas – Official Website
- All American Boys by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely – Jason’s Website | Brendan’s Website
- Dear Martin by Nic Stone – Author Website
- Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson – Official Website
Unapologetic Literature & Non-Fiction
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates – Author Website
- Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon – Official Website
- Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall – Author Website
- Well-Read Black Girl by Glory Edim – Official Website
Take Action: From Reading to Resistance
Support Black Authors Directly
- Purchase books from Black-owned bookstores like Beaucoup Hoodoo, Sistah Scifi, and more.
- Follow authors on social media and amplify their work
- Attend virtual or in-person author events
Challenge Censorship Locally
- Attend school board meetings when book challenges are discussed
- Submit formal letters opposing book bans
- Join a local coalition against censorship
Let’s transform censorship into celebration—one book, one reader, one community at a time. 
by Tony O. Lawson
Advertise with us
The post Silenced Stories: Supporting Black Authors Facing Censorship appeared first on SHOPPE BLACK.
