6 Books written by independent Black poets
One of my goals as a writer is to publish my own body of work!
Surprise, surprise.
As a Black woman who has moved to a predominantly white country where the poetry scene is predominantly white- I found myself wondering if my work would gain any traction.
However, as time went by and I developed the idea for my first book, I looked to my bookshelf which held not a single poetry book by a Black author- I was horrified. I want to support the very community I wished to enter!
Luckily, with things like Kindle, it’s easy to purchase soft-copies of books and as an independent author- it easier to sell them!
As time went on, I began to follow more independent Black poets on Instagram and buy their books!
This is a list of all the ones I have bought and read so far.
Most of these are the kindle person of the books as at the time I didn’t have a lot of disposable income, so I tred to give baack by sharing their work on my social media and I ended up having such great interactions with the authors themselves!
As I buy more books I shall be updating this blog post!
1.”Paper Heart” by Boomie Bol
This book was the first book by a Black poet I’ve ever bought. Her words are sweet and honest and it holds your heart in its hands. The mother of my books. I was drawn to her because she is Nigerian like me but living in the US. I felt like I could connect to her lived experiences of learning to love herself again through this book. I bought the Kindle Version of her book.
Boomie’s Instagram: @boomiebol
2. “I Found my Heart” by Stacie Ann GreenTaylor
As a strong believer in self/reflection and growth. This book is so beautiful constructed reflecting many trials we set up and have to overcome for ourselves. Discovering not just who we are but our unlimited self worth.
I bought the Kindle Version
Stacie’s Instagram: @stacieanapoetry
3. “Queen. Poet. Lioness.” by Alana M. Abernethy
Just as the title suggests this is a powerful book. Full of metaphors about royalty and strength but also vulnerability.
Sourced from alanamabernethy.com
Even though Black women are called Queens, there is so much that we bear from society.🤎
I bought the Kindle version
Alana’s Instagram: @alanamaberethy
4. “Lessons on Umunthu” By Frances MapembaBurke
I was drawn to this book from the word “Umunthu” a Chichewa word that basically describes a philosophy about what it means to be human and the importance of community. African culture is very different to the individualism practiced in most Western countries. This book is full of gratefulness and strength found in community. I loved it 🤎
I bought the Kindle Version
Frances’s Instagram: @lostandfran
5. “Love Handles- Tiny tales from my twenties” by Puno Selesho
I only had good things to say about Puno Selesho. She was one of the first spoken word artists I saw perform just before I left my home in South Africa and I was immediately drawn into her cadence, her words, her honesty.
When I saw she was promoting her book I knew I had to have it and I was not disappointed. I responded so much to her tiny tales of life in her twenties from beautiful moments to body image and more. Learning to love myself was something I was going through at the time and it felt like Puno was on that journey with me.
This book made me feel seen and I recommend it to anyone!
You can order the Paperback or Kindle Version
You can order from her website if you’re in South Africa
6. “Love Isn’t by Levi Washington
The funniest story about Levi Washington is that we performed together once for an event and literally forgot about eachother’s existence. fast forward 4-ish years and we met again an a poetry event I had created the marketing for and we reconnected. We spoke for about 10mins cracking jokes about snack food before realizing who the other was! It took us forever to remember- we caught up and he told me he had published a book! I was so inspired! So of course I had to buy a copy!
I am not exaggerating when I say I love this book! The delicate intricacies on the the subject of love have been told since language was first uttered and this book ever so delicately captures up and downs of loving. discovering for ourselves what love is and isn’t. This is a book about growing and healing.
This book only comes in Soft Cover
Levi’s Instagram: @leviwashington
More Blog Posts
My first Academic publication is out and I couldn’t be happier! With these kinds of milestones, I couldn’t help but feel a little reflective on the mixed feelings I was experiencing.