Anyone interested in forming or joining a discussion group will find a wealth of
information on this page.
Coming Soon! A list of book clubs, in the United States, that read books written for or about people of African descent. Visit: http://huria.org/bookclubs/
A list of active reading groups
(Source: Sandra West)
General Books
Women's' Interest Books
Children's Books
Classics
The History of African-American
Literary Societies
Source: Robert Fleming
Recommended, rewarding books for your reading group
More than ever before, African-Americans are sharing the joy of reading books by forming literary societies. The number of reading circles, now meeting in apartments and libraries across the country, has skyrocketed as publishers offer a wider variety of literature celebrating the African Diaspora. Black reading groups seem to be a trend wherever a handful of people can find a quiet spot to discuss their favorite books, reflecting on their common experience while taking a breather from life's demanding pace.
The history of African-American literary societies begins in the 1800s, when freed blacks organized the groups to plan action for the antislavery movement. Blacks living in slavery were punished if they were caught reading or carrying a book. Southern states prohibited socializing in even small numbers, but Northern societies enjoyed the much needed opportunities to socialize, to read the latest abolitionist tracts, and to exchange news of their oppressed brethren living below the Mason-Dixon line. They read the Bible, performed their own poetry or narratives, and laid the groundwork for community newspapers, clubs, and free schools.
Books and reading were essential ingredients in the fight to uplift the race. The African-American Female Intelligence Society was organized in Boston around 1830, for the diffusion of knowledge, the suppression of vice and immorality, and for cherishing such virtues as will render us happy and useful to society. Other reading groups were formed during the early 1830s to encourage reading and education as a tool to combat prejudice. Black women in New York started a Colored Ladies Literary Society. Black men in Pennsylvania founded the Young Men's Literary, Moral Reform Society and the Philadelphia Library Company of Colored Persons, which built libraries for their book-starved communities.
These societies reflected the political and artistic climate of the nation. In the postCivil War era, they hit membership peaks as many former slaves sought to capitalize on their newly won freedom. The groups hit a decline during the roller-coaster ride of the American economy in the first half of this century. With the resurgence of black pride and the Afrocentric movement of the 1960s and 1970s, African-Americans of all ages sought out books which strongly reinforced positive images of themselves and their communities. That momentum continued through the lean 1980s as reading groups grew and more books were published by African-American writers.
Today, a growing number of African-American women and men across the country gather once or twice a month in libraries, restaurants, homes, and apartments to discuss books. Over fifty black literary societies meet regularly, according to Sandra West, who recently wrote the first major study of these groups. Book lovers come from all walks of life: students, professionals, blue- collar types, and members of fraternities and sororities. Their common aim is to make the African-American community more aware of its treasured writers while expanding its tastes beyond the limits of the best-seller lists. Without a doubt, black literary societies are thriving and are here to stay.
SANDRA WEST, founder of the Frances E. W. Harper Literary Society, Newark, N.J.
Probably no one knows the rich tradition of African-American literary societies as well as Sandra West. West, who is currently working on a history of the societies, founded one of the country's most respected reading groups, in 1987 in Newark, New Jersey. She recently relocated to Savannah, Georgia, where she immediately organized a new group, the Paul Robeson Reading Group, using the model of her earlier success.
"I'm very aware of the tradition of the black literary societies," West said recently. "They served us well during our struggle with slavery. I think there are several reasons why there has been a resurgence of the groups. The new black middle class who went to college in the 60s and 70s loves to read. They are supporting black writers and buying books from black bookstores. We have wonderful writers currently on the scene. Every major literary award has been won by writers of color since the late 1980s."
A chronicler of black literary trends, West noted that she expected the renewed interest in African-American literature to continue. "There are so many good books out there," she added. "The number of black literary groups is growing rapidly. Most of these groups are affiliated with bookstores, so they are tapped right into the source. Some groups become multicultural and embrace the works of writers from Africa and South America. I don't agree with people who believe we should just read books by African-Americans. There are so many good worlds, so many good writers out there to be explored."
West dismissed the notion that only women are flocking to the bookstores and literary societies. "Men are reading just as much as women," she explained. "They are forming clubs and joining mixed groups all over the place. People are discovering the joy of reading. The 1990s are a time when people are very isolated and lonely, probably more than any other time. Reading can be good company on a quiet evening. These groups have become like a family for many members. Many singles are joining the groups instead of partying or going to bars. Its a great way to meet people."
LANA TURNER, founder of the New York Literary Society
Lana Turner started in 1982 with 15 people sitting in the living room of a friend's home. Turner has garnered much praise for the society, whose membership is now nearing 100. Activities include its annual Read-In during Black History Month in February and literary salons featuring prominent writers held in historic Harlem houses. The group meets monthly except during the summer months.
"We cover all genres, all literature from Africans to our own authors," Turner said in a recent interview from her Harlem apartment. "We do not read Europeans. We're strictly Afrocentric in our reading. We want to support our authors who may not get the attention."
Members are different in personality, economic class, and educational achievement, but that does not hinder their discussions of the books. "Our members are as different as night and day," Turner explained. "It is through our literature that we can explore our similarities and differences. We think about things on a deeper level and discover new elements of ourselves. You often hear people saying: `I never knew I thought that."
A different person moderates each session, bringing a freshness and vitality to each meeting, and participation is encouraged by all.
"Each person brings their own personality to the discussion," Turner said. "Some people summarize and throw out ideas, while others set up the basic themes to get the ball rolling. It's all up to the moderator. Sometimes well get stuck on a question until the moderator keeps the flow going. Some groups come together as friends. They talk about children and families. That is not the case with our group. We're there to discuss the book. We save the socializing until we've dealt with the book. The meetings are held at a different home each month throughout the area. No one is against traveling as long as we get a chance to discuss good books."
At a recent Read-In, nearly 200 were turned away after the hall was filled to capacity. "There is a hunger now for good writing," Turner concluded. "Our people are just waiting to read words written about them by their own authors. They want to hear these words read. They want to talk about these words. It's affirmation and discovery. There is still a need to come together and talk about who you are. Its our history and we haven't forgotten it."
HOW TO ORGANIZE A READING GROUP
For many people this is the part that's the most fun.
Consider all of the issues which will become the glue for this collection of personalities. Here are some essentials:
- In choosing the composition of the group, consider the issues that may be discussed in
relation to the members' age, gender, education, religion, and political beliefs.
- Decide the location of the meetings. More than one site will give the gatherings
variety.
- Discuss ways to advertise the group, either through ads in the local publications or
public notices.
- You may want to limit the number of people to keep discussions manageable.
- Settle on a meeting format. Vary moderators to add spice and depth to the discussions.
- Decide whether a meal should be included at the meetings. Some prefer to omit this
element to maintain the focus of the group.
- If safety is a consideration, make arrangements to see that each and every member gets
home safely. Carpooling or traveling in groups is always good.
- Open up the book selections to cover all genres and a wide range of authors.
- Find out if a local bookstore or library will sponsor the group.
- The ability to articulate ideas and to participate in the analysis of many subjects is key to the success of a reading group. Members should be generous in spirit and able to listen to others. Rudeness should not be tolerated. Diversity among the group's members should be encouraged. And remember to have fun!
Reading to start with...
GENERAL BOOKS
The Return of Simple by Langston Hughes (ed. by Akiba
S. Harper)
Upon This Rock: The Miracles of a Black Church by Samuel Freedman
Race Matters by Cornel West
Colored People by Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Acts of Faith by Iyania Vanzant
Erotique Noire by DeCosta-Willis, Martin, and Bell
A History of African-American Artists: From 1792 to the Present by Bearden and
Henderson
Makes Me Wanna Holler by Nathan McCall
W.E.B. Du Bois by David Levering Lewis
Days of Grace by Arthur Ashe
WOMEN'S' INTEREST BOOKS
Daughters of Africa, ed. by Margaret Busby
.Life Notes: Personal Writings by Contemporary
Black Women, ed. by Patricia Bell-Scott
In the Spirit by Susan Taylor
Wild Women Don't Wear No Blues: Black Women Writers on Love, Men and Sex, ed. by
Marita Golden
Gal by Ruthie Bolton
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Cond�
Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat
Deals with the Devil by Pearl Cleage
Bulletproof Diva by Lisa Jones
Your Blues Ain't Like Mine by Bebe Moore Campbell
CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Soul Looks Back in Wonder by Tom Feelings (ages 9-12)
Meet Danitra Brown by Nikki Grimes (ages 5-9)
Duppy Talk: West Indian Tales of Mystery and Magic by Gerald Hausman (all ages)
My Black Me: A Beginning Book of Black Poetry, ed. by Arnold Adoff (all ages)
The Hunter Who Was King and Other African Tales, adapted by Bernette Ford (ages
9-12)
Where Do I Go From Here? by Valerie Wilson Wesley (all ages)
First Pink Light by Eloise Greenfield (ages 5-9)
Dinner at Aunt Connie's House by Faith Ringgold (ages 5-9)
Brown Angels: An Album of Pictures and Verses by Walter Dean Myers (all ages)
Not a Copper Penny in the House: Poems from the Caribbean by Monica Gunning (all
ages)
CLASSICS
Cane by Jean Toomer
Giant Talk, ed. by Quincey Troupe and Rainer Schultze
This Was Harlem by Jervis Anderson
Sex and Racism in America by Calvin Herndon
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Roots by Alex Haley
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Miles: An Autobiography by Miles Davis and Quincey Troupe
Price of the Ticket by James Baldwin
Kindred by Octavia Butler
South to a Very Old Place by Albert Murray
The Quality of Hurt by Chester Himes
When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in Black America by
Paula Giddings
WRITERS' READING LISTS
Valerie Wilson Wesley, author of the hot new mystery, When Death Comes Stealing, filed the following current reading list:
Brothers and Sisters by Bebe Moore Campbell
Your Blues Ain't Like Mine by Bebe Moore Campbell
Children of the Dream by Audrey Edwards
Black Betty by Walter Mosley
Bootlegger's Daughter by Margaret Maron
In the Spirit by Susan Taylor
Body and Soul by Linda Villarosa
Makes Me Wanna Holler by Nathan McCall
Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan
Bulletproof Diva by Lisa Jones
Walter Mosley, author of the mystery Black Betty, is on a book tour, but has packed some tomes for the hotel nights.
The Simple Series by Langston Hughes
The Big Sea by Langston Hughes
Black Looks: Race and Representation by bell hooks
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J. R.R. Tolkien
The Waterworks by E. L. Doctorow
Ralph Wiley saw his new collection of controversial essays, What Black People Should Do Now, stir debate in African-American communities across the nation. This is what he's reading now...
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Black Betty by Walter Mosley
Shadow and Act by Ralph Ellison
Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization by Anthony Browder
Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston
Here I Stand by Paul Robeson
Camille by Alexandre Dumas
Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
South to a Very Old Place by Albert Murray
The following list of current reading groups in American cities was furnished by Sandra West, who is writing a history of African- American literary societies and their political and cultural importance to the black community. Check the roster for one near you.
Imani-Nia Book Study Group
DENVER, COLORADO (303) 293-2665
Hue-Man Experience Bookstore
Reads all genres, monthly meetings.
African American Literary Group
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA (706) 868-0106
Willie Knox
Discusses fiction and non-fiction.
Paul Robeson Reading Group
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (912) 236-4671
Sandra West
Open membership for exchange on books by writers of the African diaspora.
Community Book Forum
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA (504) 356-0076
Kwaku O. Kushindana
Open to people of all ages.
Pyramid Book Club
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND (410) 727-7961
Cheryl Goodman
Discusses fiction and non-fiction.
Dark Room
Reading Series
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (617) 547-7162
Thomas Ellis or Sharon Strange
Meets to discuss established and new writers.
Women's Cultural Club
DETROIT, MICHIGAN (313) 273-3733
Nora Hudson
Membership open to men and women.
Bibliophiles
ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY (908) 464-9377
Sheila Thorne-Baynes
Open to women only.
Frances E. W. Harper Literary Society
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY (201) 482-7127
Dorothea Moore
Reads fiction and non-fiction.
Zora Neale Hurston Literary Society
PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY (908) 561-7566
Karen Torian
Open to women only.
New York Literary Society
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Lana Turner
270 Convent Ave.
New York, N.Y. 10031
Discusses all genres.
Second Sunday Black Women's Literary Club
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA
(919) 477-5805 after 7 p.m.
Zenobia Hatcher-Wilson
Discusses fiction and non-fiction.
Chapter One: A Literary Sisterhood
COLUMBUS, OHIO
(614) 252-4493
Linda Fleming-Willis
Reads all genres, stressing women authors.
Kuumba Nia
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
(615) 320-8008
Lula Brooks
Monthly meetings.
Ascension Poetry Reading Series
WASHINGTON, D.C.
(202) 806-7242
E. Ethelbert Miller
Reads the works of all authors of color.
Open Reading Group
WASHINGTON, D.C.
(301) 445-7616
Stafford Battle or Terence Cooper
Affiliated with the African Heritage Literature Society.
Let's Concentrate on Us
WASHINGTON, D.C.
(202) 842-2558
Linda Leaks
Open to women only.
The Book Seekers Club
The Hattiesburg Public Library
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
jsadler@ocean.usm.edu
Josye Sadler
books by and about African-Americans
Text and interviews by Robert Fleming.
| Check out
this very popular national reading group Go On Girl! Book Club, Inc. http://www.goongirl.org/  The Largest National Reading Group for Black Women whose mission statement
includes:
Expanding the members' personal literary
experience by reading quality works written by authors of African descent. Encouraging responsible writing
& publishing of literature written by people of African descent
Providing an open forum for the exchange of ideas & opinions
Exposing the African-American community at large to literature written by people of
African descent by: |
African American Sister-Brother Book
Club in Greenville, SC.
Reads fiction and non-fiction books, and meets every six weeks and are open to all
African-American men and women. The contacts are Taji
Richardson (864-271-2374) and Ernestine Brockman (864-458-7043). Although based
in Greenville, this reading group meets all over South Carolina, including Greenville,
Anderson, Columbia, Charleston, and even at the Ski Beech, NC ski resort.
