March 3 is World Book Day. However, National Book Month (and National Women’s Month) is also this month. National Book Month 2022 in Detroit is significant being after Black History Month because of how we can connect what we’ve learned as we forge a future of more empowering black leaders.
Detroiters know the importance of spreading the true stories and talents of their community. Detroitsit rounded up a list for you to support Detroit authors, poets, and a notable author in the black community to celebrate National Book Month 2022 in Detroit and World Book Day.
THE FACTS:
Studies in Switzerland created a map that showcases which book genres are the most popular in each country by looking at the google search volume for each book genre in different countries, both in English and in their native language.
According to the study, classic books are the most popular book genre in English-speaking countries and are searched in every state of the U.S at about the same level.
Also, Romance, classic, and poetry books are at the top of the list in popularity among readers worldwide.
PHOTO THOUGHT CATALOG / UNSPLASH
CRYSTAL WILLIAMS
Looking for new Detroit books? Crystal Williams was raised in Detroit, Michigan, and in Madrid, Spain. She’s a poet and essayist with four collections of poems, most recently Detroit as Barn, a finalist for the National Poetry Series, Cleveland State Open Book Prize, and the Maine Book Award. Her first two books, Kin and Lunatic, were published by Michigan State University Press in 2000 and 2002. Crystal Williams transitioned from theater to performance and poetry in New York, where she became a regular at the Nuyorican Poets Café in the mid-90s. She then earned a spot on the 1995 Nuyorican Slam Team, which competed in the National Slam in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Click HERE to learn more about her work.
SHAKA SENGHOR
Detroit native and New York Times bestselling author, Shaka Senghorto encourages men and fathers in a healing and heartwarming biography + autobiography that casts light over negative stereotypes perpetually portrayed by the media. Senghor’s latest book, Letters To The Sons of Society is a personal acknowledgment that every man, especially black men deserves to be told how important their role of fatherhood is. It’s also a book to inspire his children to learn more about him, which ultimately reshapes how the future will view black men. This Black History Month in Detroit, we’re all for an impactful story from a local. Click HERE for more info and to purchase the book.
PHOTO JASON LEUNG / UNSPLASH
SHAWN BLANCHARD
Native Detroit Author, Shawn Blanchard’s local company called The Moguls Publishing & Design firm, published over 250 books by African American authors during the pandemic. Black authors have low publishing statistics, but their work has shown an increase in demand, particularly with digital distribution. In short, Shawn Blanchard with his team of experts takes strategic action to help others own their voice by giving it the power it deserves. Click HERE for more info.
TONI MORRISON
Detroit authors are embracing their voice as they learn from African-American authors who paved the way. All of them are still incredibly admirable today. Take time to appreciate the black community this national book month in Detroit. The seminal work from a legend of modern literature, Beloved chronicles the experiences of Sethe, an ex-slave living with her daughter in a house haunted by secrets. Sethe is held captive by the memories of her plantation; and when a fellow slave’s arrival heralds the mysterious coming of a woman who calls herself Beloved. Black History Month just passed. Continue on the knowledge with true depictions of slavery.
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