Black History Month & Beyond

Throughout U.S. history, Black women have nurtured families — often not their own — organized communities, led social movements, and reimagined fields like the sciences, arts, literature, entertainment, and music. During Black History Month, some of PPSNE's Black-identified staff shared a few resources — movies, books, podcasts, etc. — and why each is meanginful to them.

This is a living catalog. We're kicking off this list in February 2021, but we'll contine to provide staff "picks" that celebrate different Black identities, experiences, voices and perspectives.

Film: Pariah

Recommended by Tiara Mack, Youth Organizing Specialist

I am highlighting Black, queer films this Black History Month. Growing up in the convervative Christian south, I didn’t see many positive Black and queer represenation in TV and movies. When I first saw Pariah, I was 20 years old and cried because I could see myself in the main character. Having positive, funny, and heartbreakingly honest examples of Black queer women exploring their sexuality helped empower me to start more conversations around my queer identity.

Book: Woman, Race, and Class by Angela Davis

Recommended by Liana Cunningham, Senior Director of Education & Training

A book I've read several times that influenced my identity as a Black woman and reproductive justice advocate is Angela Davis' Women, Race, and Class. The book details the roles Black women have taken on throughout history in the fight for liberation and equality and discusses why our movements must be intersectional.

Podcast: The Read

Recommended by Brittany Fonteno, Chief External Affairs Officer

The Read is a weekly podcast that covers Black pop culture and current events, listener letters, and "reads" on problematic people, places, and things. The hosts are two queer Black millennials living and creating in New York City, and they aren't ever shy about sharing their opinions on various topics, including entertainment, politics, mental health, and Black culture. After listening to this podcast for 6+ years, I feel like the hosts are friends that will always tell you the truth, even when it's hard to hear, and will top it off with something to make you LOL (yes, even in public).

Book: The Other Side of Paradise by Staceyann Chin

Recommended by Shanique Reid, Program and Youth Development Specialist

For Black History Month, I'm highlighting Staceyann Chin's The Other Side of Paradise. I was gifted this book as a sophomore in high school, struggling to find space to fit my sexuality within my West Indian identity. It raised the issue of race and sexuality outside of an "American-centric" perspective and allowed me to find comfort in knowing that someone else could understand the emotions I went through. It's important when celebrating Black History Month that we uplift the voices and stories of Black people across the diaspora because these books create havens of familiarity and reassurance, especially in a country where you feel alone.

Music: Motown

Recommended by Brittany Fonteno, Chief External Affairs Officer

Motown holds a very special place in my heart and within Black culture. Even though I'm a millennial, Motown was still the soundtrack to my youth because my mom always had it playing in the car, in the house, everywhere! Motown was a cultural and political force that forever changed American music and society during a pivotal point in our history. Its legacy can still be seen, felt, and heard today. From the Temptations to the Supremes to Smokey Robinson–this sweet soul music showcases the incredible talent, creativity, and brilliance of Black people.