Washington Area Women's Foundation

10 Powerful Audiobooks for Black History Month

This Black History Month, take a moment for yourself and listen to these audiobooks recommended by our team.  Whether you’re looking to reflect, relax, or learn something new, these stories will nourish your mind and soul.

Happy listening!


Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems and Meditations for Staying Human – Cole Arthur Riley

Cole Arthur Riley blends spiritual reflection with poetic prose in this collection of prayers and meditations designed to center the Black experience and the humanity within us all. This deeply moving work invites readers to engage with themes of faith, identity, justice, and belonging.

Finding Me – Viola Davis

In her powerful memoir, Viola Davis chronicles her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an iconic actress, sharing how she found her voice and strength along the way. This raw and inspiring story highlights resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of self-discovery.

Lovely One – Ketanji Brown Jackson

Through wisdom and reflection, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson offers insight into her extraordinary life, the values that shaped her, and the path she forged as a trailblazer. This inspiring narrative celebrates perseverance, justice, and the power of representation.

Master of Me – Keke Palmer

Actress, singer, and cultural icon Keke Palmer explores self-worth, ambition, and empowerment in this heartfelt and candid book. With humor and honesty, she shares how she’s taken control of her narrative and inspires others to do the same.

The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love – Sonya Renee Taylor

Sonya Renee Taylor challenges readers to embrace radical self-love by rejecting shame and dismantling the societal norms that perpetuate body oppression. This transformative book is a call to action for personal and collective liberation.

The Poet X – Elizabeth Acevedo

Elizabeth Acevedo’s award-winning novel-in-verse tells the story of Xiomara Batista, a Dominican teenager discovering her voice through slam poetry while navigating family expectations and her own identity. With lyrical brilliance, this coming-of-age story explores themes of self-expression, culture, and resilience.

The Weight of Blood – Tiffany D. Jackson

In this gripping reimagining of Stephen King’s Carrie, Tiffany D. Jackson explores themes of racism, bullying, and societal hypocrisy in a small Southern town. This horror-infused novel delivers a powerful commentary on injustice and the destructive consequences of prejudice.

Thicker Than Water – Kerry Washington

In this compelling memoir, actress Kerry Washington opens up about the personal and professional experiences that have shaped her life. Honest and reflective, her story explores identity, family, and the complexities of living authentically.

Walk Through Fire – Sheila Johnson

Sheila Johnson shares her journey from entrepreneur to philanthropist, revealing the challenges and triumphs that shaped her path. This inspiring memoir reflects on resilience, reinvention, and the power of purpose.

What It Takes to Heal: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience – Prentis Hemphill

Prentis Hemphill combines personal insight with practical guidance in this thought-provoking exploration of healing, resilience, and vulnerability within the Black experience. This book is a profound call to embrace authenticity and community as pathways to transformation.