About this episode

The episode discusses the significance of Black literature in shaping identity and the implications of modern book bans.

There was a time in the U.S. when Black people could be punished for learning to read. Today, books by Black authors are among the most challenged in schools. In this episode, we talk about Black literature , how it shapes identity, and why access to our stories has always mattered. In this episode we discuss: Anti-literacy laws during slavery and why literacy was seen as “dangerous” Frederick Douglass (1845) and Harriet Jacobs (1861) as examples of early Black narrative documentation The Harlem Renaissance (Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston) Why representation in books matters for identity development Modern book bans and what it means when access to stories is restricted Keisha’s recommendations across genres, plus why “listening is still reading” Listener question: What’s the first Black book that made you feel seen? Guest: Keisha Green Instagram: @plantedbookedrooted 📚 Keisha’s Recommendations: - Fast by Millie Belizaire https://a.co/d/032SKqAK - Gravity by AshleyNicole https://a.co/d/00tISPDN - Dominion by Addie E Citchens https://a.co/d/02W15LfX - Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward https://a.co/d/0h2K27c8 - Last Stop From Innocence by Takerra Allen…

People in this episode

Hosts: Shannon Chatmon, Talisa Hale, Karen Roberts

Guest: Keisha Green

Topics covered

• Black literature
• identity
• book bans
• representation
• access to stories
• historical context

Keywords

• Black authors
• literacy
• Harlem Renaissance
• book recommendations
• identity development
• access to literature

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Fast, Gravity, Dominion, Sing, Unburied, Sing, Last Stop From Innocence, Secret World of Maggie Grey, Losin' Control, Razorblade Tears, Savvy Summers

More episodes of Blacktivities

• Why Black Women Are Still Dying in Childbirth — The Truth About Black Maternal Health · April 20, 2026 · 1h 6m
• From Minstrel Shows to Memes: The History of Blackface in America · April 13, 2026 · 41 min
• Black Men’s Mental Health: Why So Many Suffer in Silence · April 6, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Breaking Down Black Stereotypes: History, Truth, and Misconceptions · March 30, 2026 · 52 min
• What the Black Family Survived — And Why It Still Stands · March 16, 2026 · 47 min
• Black Joy Is Resistance · February 23, 2026 · 44 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Blacktivities podcast page.