African American Youth

One of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels “If one had to identify the single most influential shaping force in modern Black literary history, one would probably have to point to Wright and the publication of Native Son.” – Henry Louis Gates Jr. ""The most powerful American novel to...

Dream Boldly, Live Fully: Quotes, Reflections & Action Steps to Empower Black Teens: Find Your Voice, Embrace Your Strength, and Create Your Future Step into a world of inspiration with this empowering guide designed just for Black teens. Dream Boldly, Live Fully is more than a book—it's your roadmap to unlocking your greatness. Featuring timeless quotes from legendary Black icons like Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Frederick Douglass, this book connects their wisdom with your journey. Through relatable stories, thought-provoking reflections, and actionable exercises, you'll discover ...

The book is a troubling, yet cautiously optimistic examination of the history and impact of American education on the identity formation and development of Black young people. Its larger context is the systematic efforts over 300+ years to maintain America's race-based power dynamics through its institutional network, specifically focused on schools' reform efforts and hidden curriculum. The book offers thoughts and practical considerations for parents, administrations, teachers, and community groups working to develop and maximize the potential of Black young people as community-conscious ...

She wanted to build a business. What she started was a movement. Seventeen-year-old Jaida James is all about hustle, heart, and handmade merch—trying to turn her craft into a real business before graduation. But when her Black History Month sale flops, her best friend Halley goes viral selling Black-themed products without being Black, and her school shuts down her club idea before it even starts… Jaida starts questioning everything. Her identity. Her friendships. Her worth. As tensions rise in school and online, Jaida learns that running a business isn't just about making sales—...

Solo by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess is a New York Times bestseller! Kirkus Reviews said Solo is, “A contemporary hero’s journey, brilliantly told.” Through the story of a young Black man searching for answers about his life, Solo empowers, engages, and encourages teenagers to move...

In the tradition of The Other Wes Moore and Just Mercy, a searing memoir and clarion call to save our at-risk youth by a young black man who himself was a lost cause—until he landed in a rehabilitation program that saved his life and gave him purpose. Born into abject poverty in Haiti, young...

The Bright Side of the Block is a heartwarming, vividly told story about community, self-discovery, and the quiet power of believing in yourself. Set against the backdrop of a lively city block buzzing with summer heat, laughter, and neighborhood life, the story follows Jaylen, a thoughtful boy struggling to see his own worth in a world that celebrates louder talents. When the neighborhood basketball hoop—the heart of their block—is suddenly broken, Jaylen and his friends set out to fix it. What begins as a small problem becomes a beautiful mission that unites their entire community. ...

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the remarkable achievements of African American men and women who have left an indelible mark on America and the world? “TEAR DOWN THE WALLS" is not just a play; it's a captivating exploration of the profound contributions made by African Americans across a spectrum of fields. From science to politics, law to sports, and the arts to entertainment, this production shines a spotlight on their outstanding accomplishments. Prepare to be moved by the touching portrayal of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped African American history. From the...

Sondai Lester's latest publication examines the dueling identities that Black people contend with as a part of daily life—one debilitating and one powerful and creative. For those raising Black youth, the book offers strategies to enable the powerful and healthy identity endowed at birth to prevail and thrive. The author contemplates a contemporary application of W. E. B. Dubois’ 1903 idea of double consciousness. Black people wrestle with two minds, two identities, two self-perceptions. One wins, one loses. One has been forged and reinforced by 400 years of race-based oppression within...

The Youth Pastors By Dr. Monique Rodgers Alexis and Marcus Taylor, a young newlywed couple from the South, are stepping into their calling as co-youth pastors at Bright Light Baptist Church. Balancing their personal dreams, family dynamics, and the challenges of leading a diverse group of teens, the Taylors quickly learn that ministry isn’t as simple as they thought. From organizing a youth revival to helping struggling teens, their journey is filled with triumphs, trials, and plenty of life lessons. Along the way, their faith and love are tested, but their commitment to God and each ...

Dive into a compelling narrative that traverses the depths of adversity to the pinnacle of empowerment. In this captivating tale, unconditional love takes center stage, transcending the superficial boundaries of race, gender, religion, and social status. Through the lens of trauma and tolerance, witness the remarkable journey of resilience and growth as one individual defies the odds to embrace change and transformation. Picture this, the story unfolds in 1963, amidst the backdrop of racial strife and personal tragedy. Born into a tumultuous world, a young girl finds herself orphaned at a ...

An authoritative history of the overlooked youth activists that spearheaded the largest protests of the Civil Rights Movement and set the blueprint for future generations of activists to follow. Some of the most iconic images of the Civil Rights Movement are those of young people engaged in...

A fourteen-year-old slave. A supernatural event. A life filled with great purpose. Lula Darling is a fourteen-year-old slave growing up on a plantation in Natchez, Mississippi in 1854. After the untimely deaths of her father, and then brother, her perilous life could not seem to get any worse. Under the watchful eye of the slave owner and his father, an inventor, Lula, along with her mother, Ella Mae, are losing any and all hope of ever being free from the bondages and terrors of slavery. But one day, while hiding in fear in the slave owner's attic Lula makes a startling discovery that ...

Jeb wanted to be a professional hockey player. He spent all his youth playing hockey and neglected his school work. However the only reason he did not play in the NHL was because he was size. Now in his old age, he feels bitter and depressed as he spends all his time watering the outdoor hockey rink. A black boy on one of the local hockey teams is struggling because of his hockey skills. The boy also struggles in school. Old Jeb decides to give the boy some hockey lessons; and in doing so, old Jed finds redemption by helping the young boy to succeed.