I picked up Black History In Its Own Words on a whim from the library because books are free at the library and I love books. I read the whole thing in one sitting over breakfast, but don't let the shortness fool you: Black History In Its Own Words packs a gut punch like no other.

This book isn't a collection of quotes from the black community in chronological order, 2015 to 2017. It's much better than that. Being black in America hasn't ever been safe: the last recorded lynching was of Michael McDonald in 1981, and that violence has been transferred over to police shootings of and brutality towards black men, women, and children. The quotes reflect this history and are from luminaries of every time period. They're a quixotic, charged mix of rage and hope, creativity and love, courage and triumph. They provide solace and inspiration. As a white person reading this, I noted down names and books so I can educate myself more. Reading this book felt like a gateway to better education, and I'm lucky to commune with this strength.

With so few pages, Black History In Its Own Words is a profound experience, with vivacious portraits to boot. I recommend it to everyone.