As we delve into Black History Month, we wanted to spotlight some of our faculty and staff members’ favorite pieces by Black artists. These recommendations not only help grow our understanding of Black culture and history, but also offer a glimpse into the diverse worlds of literature, music, art, and more.
Photograph of Octavia Butler.
Michael Frizell – Director of Student Learning Services
Octavia Butler is one of Michael’s favorite authors. With her numerous prestigious awards, such as the MacArthur “Genius” Grant, Nebula, and Hugo Awards, she opened the science fiction genre to many other Black and female writers. Her novels often feature complex characters navigating dystopian futures or encountering alien civilizations, offering insightful commentary on contemporary issues. Michael noted a quote from Octavia in Parable of the Talents, “Choose your leaders with wisdom and forethought. To be led by a coward is to be controlled by all that the coward fears…” (1998)
Photograph of Candacy Taylor and her novel, Overground Railroad.
Tracie Gieselman France – Archivist for Special Collections and Archives
“Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America” by Candacy Taylor is a must-read, according to Tracie. The novel sheds light on the historical significance of Black travel and the invaluable contribution of the Green Book. The Green Book was a historical guidebook published for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era in the United States. It provided information on safe places to eat, sleep, and travel, offering crucial assistance in ensuring safer journeys for Black travelers.
Alberta Ellis, who owned Alberta’s Hotel in Springfield, is mentioned in the novel. To learn more about Alberta, Special Collections and Archives have a collection that includes pictures of Alberta, the Hotel, and the guest registry. Among the Alberta collection, Special Collections and Archives also has two collections that contain images of the Black community in Springfield and surrounding areas (including baseball teams, the school system before desegregation, etc.).
Photograph of music group. Tribe Called Quest.
Derek Moser – Assistant Professor and Director of Resource Management and Discovery
Switching media into the music world, Derek’s recommendation comes from his love for jazz bass. His admiration for bassists’ can be seen through his favorites like Charles Mingus, Stanley Clarke, Ron Carter, and Victor Wooten. Additionally, he appreciates the groundbreaking work of Tribe Called Quest – especially anything involving the talent of Q-Tip. Kamaal Fareed, known as Q-Tip, is a pioneering rapper and producer. Renowned for his smooth flow, poetic lyrics, and innovative production, Q-Tip has left an indelible mark on the genre, as a solo artist and collaborator.
Photograph of Nicola Yoon and her novel, Everything Everything.
Rachel Kersey – Managing Editor-Writer
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon is one of Rachel’s favorite books. It follows the story of Madeline, a teenage girl with a rare illness that confines her to her home. When a new neighbor, Olly, moves in, their budding romance leads Madeline to question the boundaries of her existence and the true meaning of living.
Rachel finds inspiration in the musical works of artists such as Tracy Chapman, and Stevie Wonder. Give me one reason by Tracy Chapman and Ribbon in the sky by Stevie Wonder are among Rachel’s favorite songs. Her appreciation extends to visual arts with a nod to Jean-Michel Basquiat, who was a trailblazing artist known for his graffiti-inspired style and exploration of identity and society, rising from the streets of Brooklyn to international acclaim in the 1980s art scene.
Furthermore, Rachel respects the work of television producer, writer, and creator Shonda Rhimes. Rhimes is best known for her groundbreaking work on hit shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal.” Her compelling storytelling and diverse character portrayals have reshaped television narratives, earning her numerous awards while inspiring a new generation of storytellers.
As we honor Black History Month, the recommendations above are just a small insight into the richness and diversity of Black culture, encouraging us to engage more deeply with its expressions and contributions. We want to encourage the exploration, appreciation, and amplification of the voices and creations of Black artists. We have a large collection of literature, music, and art to check out. You can also use the links below for other resources that offer some opportunities to continue learning about Black culture.