Black Prophetic Fire
Provides insights into nineteenth and twentieth century African American leaders and their accomplishments.
Women of Color Who Have Made an Impact in Our Lives
Most of us have heard of Coretta Scott King and Rosa Parks, both of whom have made a significant impact on the world. But there are many amazing women of color whose names are not taught in school or celebrated frequently.
Women such as Diane Nash, included in the book “Lighting the Fires of Freedom,” who was one of the first African Americans to serve lunch at a previously all-white lunch counter.
Or Ella Baker, who was a civil rights activist who founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a prominent organization in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement that united its young leaders.
Grace Lee Boggs, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, was a writer and activist who worked closely with Black Marxist and Black Power leaders like Malcolm X and her husband James Boggs during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. In her book, “The Next American Revolution,” she writes about sustainable activism.
There are so many women of color from the past and in our present making a difference in the world around us! To learn more about these and other awesome women, check out these books from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
You can sign up for a free library card here. If you are new to our eResources, check out these tutorial videos on how to get started.
Looking for a good book, album, movie or TV show? We’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Personalized Recommendations form to send us some information about what you like and we’ll curate a list just for you.
If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You can also call us at 412.622.3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.
A Black Women's History of the United States
The authors illuminate the lives of real women to trace the experiences of Black women throughout American history. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby or as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby.
The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience
Stories about a diverse collection of women, from writers and scientists to athletes and activists. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby or as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby.
Bygone Badass Broads: 52 Forgotten Women Who Changed the World
An extension of Lee’s weekly Twitter series, this is an engaging look at women through the ages. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby or as eBook on Hoopla.
In Praise of Difficult Women
Explores the legacies of 29 iconic women including Frida Kahlo, Laverne Cox, Josephine Baker and Shonda Rhimes, among others. You can also check out this title as eBook on Hoopla or as eAudio on Hoopla.
Lighting the Fires of Freedom: African American Women in the Civil Rights Movement
Bell explores the lives and work of several lesser-known African America women whose achievements have often been forgotten or overlooked. You can also check out this title as eBook on Hoopla.
The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century
This collection of essays and speeches by long-time activist Boggs offers an overview of current issues and advice about how to create change.
Sweet Taste of Liberty: A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America
The story of two–time slave Henrietta Wood, who sued the Kentucky deputy sheriff who abducted and sold her after she had been freed. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby or as eAudio on Hoopla.
This Is What America Looks Like: My Journey From Refugee to Congresswoman
A memoir by the first African refugee, Somali–American and one of the first Muslim women to be elected to congress. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby, as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby or as eAudio on Hoopla.