By Angela Haigler
“Black Roses: Odes Celebrating Powerful Black Women”
by Harold Green III, Illustrated by Melissa Koby
Black women are making history every day. Harold Green, III believes the time for celebrating them is now. Green gained fame by writing love letters in verse for the visionary women who are making a difference in this age. Now in this remarkable collection, Green brings together many of these popular odes with never-before-seen works featuring full-color illustrations by Melissa Koby. “Black Roses” is divided into five sections — advocates, curators, innovators, luminaries, trailblazers — reflecting the diversity of Black women’s achievements and the depth of their reach.
“Gathering Blossoms Under Fire: The Journals of Alice Walker”
by Alice Walker and Valerie Boyd (editor)
What happens when a literary legend and a literary great join forces? A literary masterpiece is born! The amazing collaboration is between Valerie Boyd, the author of Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston and critically acclaimed author Alice Walker. Boyd brings forth her talents to edit Walker’s most intimate thoughts and revelations. Through the journals of Walker, readers will have unprecedented access to the development of one of the country’s most prolific writers. As an activist and writer, Walker marched during the Civil Rights Movement, experienced the Women’s Movement, traveled to Africa and had many other life experiences that will be devoured by fans of both writers in this rare compilation.
“The Last Suspicious Holdout: Stories”
by Ladee Hubbard
How have the lives of everyday African American families changed from late 1980 to the eve of former President Barack Obama’s inauguration? Ladee Hubbard explores just that in this short story collection. After the success of The Rib King, Hubbard has returned with another deep dive into the lives of Black people. Taking place in an unnamed “sliver of Southern suburbia,” each of these exceptional works of short fiction explores how the criminal justice system, education, healthcare and the war on drugs impacts Black lives in myriad of ways.
“Trailblazers, Black Women Who Helped Make America Great: American Firsts/American Icons, Volume 3” Edited by Gabrielle David
Multi-talented artist and publisher Gabrielle Davis presents Volume 3 of her groundbreaking series that showcases the contributions of women from the fields of literature, business, military, film, music and television production. These women are true trailblazers, having contributed firsts that have paved the way for generations. Gabrielle successfully examines narratives that portray the unique perspective of Black women, whose voices are often silenced or ignored. Readers interested in further study will find ample resources presented in simplicity.