Back in 1926, Carter G. Woodson, the ‘father of Black history,” set out to establish a week dedicated to promoting and educating society about Black history and culture. Acceptance of the weeklong celebration grew over time and, in the late 1960s, unofficially evolved into Black History Month. President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized the month in 1976 during the US’s bicentennial.
Speaking about Black History Month, Barack Obama said, “It’s about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America.”
To celebrate the month, some of Taboola’s Black ERG group members have put together a list of recommendations that highlight Black voices and experiences. Read, listen and watch your way through this list to expand your horizons and gain a little more knowledge and understanding.
Catherine Veloz, Associate Advertising Account Manager
Read: Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life by Cleo Wade
In this book, Wade, a poet, artist, and speaker, shares 120+ bite-sized affirmations, poems, mantras, and life lessons that will uplift you, empower you and motivate you to thrive spiritually and emotionally.
Listen: The Secret to Success Podcast by Eric Thomas
Once homeless and a high school dropout, Eric Thomas overcame everything against him to earn his Ph.D. and become a successful entrepreneur and CEO. On his podcast, co-hosted by Carlas Quinney Jr, the two discuss how you can overcome personal and professional challenges to live the life you deserve.
Aba Omodele-Lucien, Advertising Sales Manager
Read: Weighing the Cost of Pin Making: Ulli Beier in Conversations by Remi Omodele
This insightful book is a compilation of Ulli Beier’s interviews which shed light on how colonialism and imported religion shaped modern-day Africa and how indigenous traditions have been lost.
Read: The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois
This collection of essays details the state of racism and Black culture at the start of the 20th century and draws on Du Bois’ own life experiences. In addition to being considered ‘a cornerstone of African-American literary history,’ it’s also regarded as an important piece of work in the field of sociology.
Read: I Can’t Make This Up by Kevin Hart
Although you may know Hart as a wildly successful comedian and actor, he is a great storyteller in all forms. In this memoir, Hart candidly discusses his difficult childhood and how he pushed through struggles and challenges to become the man he is today.
Darryle Brown, Advertising Sales Manager
Read: The Autobiography of Gucci Mane by Gucci Mane
The now prolific hip-hop artist shares his life story, which takes you on a journey from the impoverished streets to a life of what some would consider royalty. Gucci bares all to show what true growth and maturity look like when all intersects of life meet at the same time.
Nneka Okoli, Program Manager and Founder Taboola Black
Listen: The Read Podcast by Crissle and Kid Fury
Black and Queer hosts Crissle and Kid Fury discuss pop culture, celebrities, and current events from a Black and Queer lens. Nneka credits this hilarious podcast with “keeping her up to date on all the things going down in the shade room.”
Watch: Insecure by Issa Rae
Starring Issa Rae, also the creator and producer, this coming-of-age series looks at the lives of four friends (all Black women) living in LA and navigating friendships, romantic relationships, and careers while in their late 20s and early 30s.
Nedgie Paul, Advertising Account Manager
Watch: Harlem by Tracy Oliver
Tracy Oliver’s “Harlem,” an Amazon Prime Video series, follows a group of four ambitious Black female friends from Harlem as they chase their dreams after graduating from college together. This comedy offers insight into how these Black women navigate careers, relationships, and life as a whole.
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