This Women’s History Month, Let’s Commit to Putting More Books by Black Women on School Bookshelves, Not Fewer

This past winter, I was saddened to read about the death of bell hooks, the trailblazing author and activist who pushed feminism to include the voices of Black and working-class women. At the time, I was familiar with her name, but I wanted to explore her work more deeply.

The more I read, the more I realized the extent of her extraordinary influence on feminists and movement leaders. Ideas around the relationships between sexism, racism, and class that animate conversations all over the country today were topics hooks was writing about decades ago. I was not taught about bell hooks, nor did my schools teach the works of many other Black women writers. Young people today should have the freedom to learn the widest range of scholars and literature, and we should trust in their ability to think critically when exposed to a range of views.

We have our work cut out for us. Lawmakers around the country have been attempting to stop progress in this regard and take us backward. In the last year, 41 states have passed bills or other regulations that in some way prohibit educators from discussing race, gender, and sexuality within the classroom. These bills have led to some states banning books or even firing teachers for reading essays from Black authors. Ultimately, these actions send kids and their families the message that some stories, backgrounds, and histories don’t matter as much as others.

Something hooks’ writing reminded me of is that the burden of fighting back against these bans is a collective responsibility. We cannot look to Black families, LGBTQ+ leaders, and people of color to fight alone. As a white woman, it’s on me to use my voice to make schools a place where students are encouraged to learn about our country’s complicated history with race, gender, and identity — and that’s true for all white women. We do a disservice to young people by stressing the values of honesty and integrity while hiding from them the reality of our history.

I raised three now-adult children and understand first-hand how critically important it is for young people to feel like they belong in school. That they are seen. And that their experiences, their families, and their histories matter. All students need the full picture of the America they will soon inherit and lead.

During this Women’s History Month, it is important to put a spotlight on Black women thinkers and leaders and acknowledge that we have a responsibility to take steps every day towards creating a society where all kinds of voices are elevated and celebrated. That starts in our homes and families. It also matters what happens in our schools. I’m inspired by the women-led activism pushing back on these reactionary laws to ensure that the next curious budding feminist will find bell hooks, among others, on the library’s shelves.