Becoming Beloved Community Book Recommendations

Our committee thought we’d share some of our favorite books address topics of race, racism and/or racial healing.

Andrew’s Recommendations

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass

The finest autobiography I have ever read, by a mile. 

The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein

Chronicles the history of redlining

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

Outlines the “War on Drugs” and its disproportionate effect on people of color

Caitlin’s Recommendations

Victor Ray: On Critical Race Theory: Why It Matters and Why You Should Care (2022)

Critical Race Theory isn’t new… It wasn’t invented by a political party… It isn’t a set curriculum. So what IT IS?! If you are confused (who isn’t?!) this is a fantastic place to start! This short book is written in accessible language and will answer your questions. 

Tehama Lopez Bunyasi and Candis Watts Smith: Stay Woke: A People’s Guide to Making All Black Lives Matter. (2019)

Despite the fact that I don’t love this book’s title, the content is excellent! This text is designed to introduce folks to the history of the Black Lives Matter Movement, providing necessary context and key terms that you have heard many times in the media and in the press but that may not fully understand ( ex: intersectionality.) One of my favorite chapters is entitled “All the Words that People Throw Around.” A fun and sometimes downright funny reference book about very serious issues. Another plus: you don’t need to read front-to-back to reap its benefits. 

Antonia Hylton: Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum (2024). 

Hot off the press! If you enjoy American history and/or medicine, this is a great new book exploring the last segregated asylum, Crownsville Hospital in Maryland (formerly Maryland’s Hospital for the Negro Insane) which, by 1941, housed over 1,600 “feebleminded” blacks. This meticulously researched book traces the legacy of slavery to the treatment of minorities across multiple, interlocking institutions that discriminate based on race and class. A fascinating book that weaves religion and spirituality throughout the narratives of former “patients.” Shout out to Meg Ingles for the recommendation! 

Deanna’s Recommendations

Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison (Children)

Little Leaders:  Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison (Children)

The Antiracism Handbook by Thelma Bryant, PHD and Edith G.Arrington, PHD

Katie’S recommendations

Race Matters (also: Democracy Matters) by Cornel West

Racism 101 from one of the greats. Written in the 90s and still (sadly) just as relevant today.

I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown

Succinct perspective of a Black Christian woman. Includes a chapter addressing how not to do racial justice in churches.

How to Make a Slave and Other Essays by Jerald Walker

Award-winning collection of beautifully crafted essays and the author happens to live in Hingham. Yes, the story about Whole Foods happened at the one at Derby Street.

Merryn’S RECOMMENDATIONS

Crisis Contemplation, Healing the Wounded Village by theologian Barbara Holmes. 

As the subtitle indicates, this book focuses on communal contemplation for healing communal ills, from racism to climate change.

How Does It Feel to Be a Problem, Being Young and Arab in America by Moustafa Bayoumi. 

These portraits of several Arab-Americans deepened my understanding of American racism, Islamophobia, and other challenges of first and second generation Americans.

Skip’s Recommendations

Black and Episcopalian by Gayle Fisher-Stewart

Tears We Cannot Stop by Michael Eric Dyson