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Black pain is profitable, without a doubt. Our deaths and pain turn into popular song lyrics, jewelry, social events, and T-shirts. While the Black experience varies and isn’t linear, where is the same support for authors who are writing stories that capture Black joy? There are some quality stories about Black joy, and definitely a lot more than what’s listed here. I’d like to see the same energy given to these titles and titles like them.
Are people comfortable reading books where Black people aren’t targeted or traumatized for being Black? Can non-Black people relate to books where the default is Black and they just exist?
I’m also thinking about young, Black readers. They need escapism, especially while we still remain in quarantine. They need corny love stories, adventure, and fantasy where they can see themselves as heroes and heroines without having it be about state-sanctioned violence as well. So while you are seeking to diversify your bookcase and fulfilling the 2021 Read Harder Challenge, please remember to include books where Black teens can be happy or solve problems without being inflicted with an unfair level of pain to explain their Black experience.
