Student Voices

The Power of Black Authors: Shaping Education and Mental Health

Black authors have profoundly shaped the fields of education and mental health. They use their words to inspire change, foster resilience, and challenge systemic barriers. Their works provide valuable perspectives on identity, equity, and well-being. These established writers have helped and continue to help educators, students, and communities navigate the complexities of learning and mental health.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we take a moment to honor these voices, whose contributions continue to transform classrooms, counseling spaces, and beyond. In this post, we highlight influential Black authors and stories that have left a lasting impact on education and mental health.

1. Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde, a self-described “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” used her voice to challenge oppression and inspire others to speak their truths. Her work continues to shape discussions on race, gender, sexuality, and power, pushing students and educators to explore intersectionality. Lorde’s legacy reminds us that education is a tool for liberation and transformation.

Featured Books

1. Sister Outsider—Essential essays on race, sexuality, and feminism
2. The Black Unicorn Poetry—About identity and survival
3. Zami: A New Spelling of My Name—A biomythography (memoir + myth + history)

2. Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds has redefined youth literature, making reading more engaging and relatable for young students. As a former reluctant reader himself, he writes stories that reflect real-life experiences, ensuring kids feel seen and heard. His work challenges outdated views on what literature should be, proving that storytelling can be both powerful and relatable. Through school visits, Reynolds inspires students to embrace reading, writing, and their own unique voices.

Featured Books

1. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You  (**BANNED**)—A remix of Ibram Kendi’s book, Stamped from the Beginning, to make it more accessible for young readers.
2. Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks—A collection of interconnected stories about kids navigating life beyond the classroom.
3. Miles Morales: Spider-Man—A fresh take on the iconic Marvel hero, exploring identity, responsibility, and the power of choice as a young Black and Puerto Rican teen.

3. bell hooks

bell hooks was a visionary scholar and educator who saw education as a path to freedom. In Teaching to Transgress, she championed inclusive classrooms that empower marginalized voices. Her work redefined teaching, emphasizing critical thinking, love, and community as tools for social change. Her legacy continues to inspire learning as a force for liberation.

Featured Books

1. Teaching to Transgress—Education as a practice of freedom
2. Ain’t I a Woman?—Intersectionality of race, gender, and class
3. All About Love—Radical ideas on love as a force for change

4. Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates is a powerful voice on race, history, and social justice. Through his deeply personal and thought-provoking writing, he challenges readers to confront systemic racism and its lasting effects. A former writer for the Atlantic, he has also reshaped storytelling in literature and comics, bringing depth to Black narratives. His work continues to inspire critical thinking in classrooms and beyond.

Featured Books

1. Between the World and Me (**BANNED**)—A letter to his son about race and identity in America. 
2. Black Panther (2016-2021)—A groundbreaking run that explored Wakanda’s politics, legacy, and Afrofuturism.
3. The Water Dancer—A novel blending history and magic to tell a story of slavery and resistance.

5. Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson is a celebrated author known for her poetic storytelling and powerful explorations. Her work has made classrooms more inclusive by giving young readers stories that reflect diverse experiences. As a former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, she champions storytelling as a tool for learning, empathy, and self-expression. Her books help students explore history, identity, and social justice in meaningful ways.

Featured Books

1. Brown Girl Dreaming—A memoir that brings history and personal identity to life for young readers.
2. Harbor Me—A novel that encourages students to share their stories and build empathy.
3. The Day You Begin—A picture book that helps children embrace their uniqueness in school settings.