Black Don’t Crack… Book Spines

Reading List Join on Zoom

Schedule

The book club meets at 2 PM EST on the last Sunday of each month, unless that date falls on a holiday or holiday weekend.

2026 Meeting Dates (2 PM EST)

• January 25, 2026
• February 22, 2026
• March 29, 2026
• April 26, 2026
• May 31, 2026
• June 28, 2026
• July 26, 2026
• August 30, 2026
• September 27, 2026
• October 25, 2026
• November 22, 2026
• December 20, 2026

Mission Statement

Our mission is to celebrate, elevate, and explore Black stories that reflect our truths, challenge our perspectives, and inspire growth. Through intentional reading and open conversation, we create a space where literature becomes a mirror of our lived experiences—a place to see ourselves, tell our stories, and learn from one another. Whether it’s fiction that feels familiar or nonfiction that fuels change, we read in community to connect, reflect, and rise together.

Book Club Rules & Conduct

1. Respect is non-negotiable. Every member’s voice matters. Disrespect, insults, or dismissive behavior toward others won’t be tolerated.
2. One mic, one voice. Let’s avoid talking over one another. Everyone deserves space to share their thoughts without interruption.
3. Keep it concise. Limit responses to about two minutes so everyone has time to contribute and the conversation keeps flowing.
4. No demeaning or alienating language. This is a space for uplift. Avoid comments that could make anyone feel unseen or unwelcome.
5. Focus on the good of the group. We’re here to build community, not competition. Keep your energy positive, encouraging, and rooted in connection.
6. Communicate with care. Disagreements are natural—how we handle them matters. Listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and stay respectful.
7. Navigate differences with grace. If tensions arise, pause, breathe, and seek understanding over being right. We can disagree without being disagreeable.
8. Honor personal truths. Our stories are sacred. When someone shares, listen with compassion and without judgment.
9. Confidentiality matters. What’s shared in this space stays here. Protecting each other’s vulnerability builds trust.
10. Come as you are—but come engaged. Whether you’ve read every page or just part of it, bring your authentic self and contribute to the conversation.
11. Show your face, share your vibe. To build connection, members are asked to keep cameras on for the first three meetings. After that, it’s your choice—but connection starts with presence.
12. No promoting or spamming. Meetings are a no-sell, no-promo zone. Please don’t promote products, services, or outside events unless pre-approved by the organizers.
13. Have fun and feed your soul. Above all, this is a community of joy, learning, and shared love for Black storytelling. Let’s keep it light, loving, and literary.

Book Club Timeline

AALBC.com’s original online book club, The Coffee Will Make You Black, ran from 1998 to 2006, moderated by Thumper. The club briefly returned in 2010, selecting both fiction and nonfiction titles, but was discontinued the same year.

In October 2018, novelist, educator, and advocate for Black literature Tony Lindsay revived The Coffee Will Make You Black online book club after an eight-year hiatus.

In 2026, AALBC relaunched the club with a new name—Black Don’t Crack… Book Spines—and a new moderator, Eryka Parker, continuing our legacy of celebrating Black voices and building literary community.

View the Reading List  |  Join the Next Meeting on Zoom