The Sixties

The Sixties is considered by many to be the Second Black Renaissance. It was African- American's most significant decade in terms of self-consciousness, goals, and achievements. In contrast, the Harlem Renaissance was in part fostered by white patrons and declined when white's financial support declined after the Crash of 1929. But the 1960s was self-generating, self- determining, and self-sustaining. Many significant events occurred during the 1960s such as the March on Washington, countless civil right demonstrations. The Sixties also saw the assassination of two Black America's greatest leaders: Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. New cries of black nationalism, black separatism, and violent resistance were often heard in African-American communities. The authors during this time addressed such themes as black pride, self- actualization, black sexuality, justice, and race relations.

Hercules, Frank. "I want a Black Doll." Simon & Schuster, 1968.

This book is about an interracial marriage between a white woman and a black man during a time of social bitterness. This book shows the trails this couple went through when they moved to New York during a time of tension between blacks and whites. This book should be read because it shows how racism can affect love relationships.

Himes, Chester. "Cotton Comes to Harlem." Putnam, 1965.

This novel is about two characters, Grove Digger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson. They are two black detectives in Harlem. They are investigating a robbery scheme and the appearance of a mysterious bale of cotton, in which a shady pastor is involved. This book should be read because it a mystery novel in which the main characters are African-American detectives. The book is exciting and thrilling.

Hunter, Kristin. "The Soul Brothers and Sister Lou." Scribner, 1968.

This story is about a how lonely teenage girl, Louretta Hawkins, living in a Northern city learns to be proud of certain values of black life, like family, spirituality, and rich cultural heritage. She also learns to be proud of herself too. This book should be read because it shows how a black teenagers grows to love herself and her culture.

Jones, LeRoi. "Tales by LeRoi Jones." Putnam, 1967.

This books is composed of sixteen tales that resolve in two parts. The first nine stories are about young blacks experiences in white America. The last seven stories are about the changes in young black men, and awareness in new black America. This book should be read because it looks at a the mental, spiritual physical and emotional process black males go through while living in white America.

Malcolm X. "The Autobiography of Malcolm X." With the assistance of Alex Haley.  Grove, 1965.

This book gives the reader a inside and colorful look at one of the black communities' most powerful leader. From his childhood in Southern poverty to his speeches for the Nation of Islam, this book proves wrong the preconceived notion that Malcolm X was an advocator of violence and explains why his views are still controversial today.

Wideman, John E. "A Glance Away." HBJ, 1967.

This book is about two characters, one Black from a small city with a drug addiction, and the other White who is dealing with an alcohol and homosexuality problems. They both learn to deal with their problems and their lives are both entwined and have surprising results. This book should be read because it deals with issues such as substance abuse, family, racism and sexual orientation.

Wright, Charles. "The Messenger." Farar, 1963.

This is the story of Charles Stevenson, who works for a messenger service in New York City. He encounters many different people and lifestyles, from Wall Street to junkies and prostitutes. He compares his life to his childhood in Missouri. This book should be read because it looks at the complexities and diversities present in the world.

Wright, Sarah E. "This Child's Gonna Live." Delacorte, 1969.

This book is about a black family fighting for survival on the Eastern Shore of Maryland during the 1930's. The residents are destitute and powerless to alter their fate. The heroine is determined to escape with her family. She tells the story using Bible verses and obscenities intertwined. This book should be read because it shows what many black families had to go through trying to improve their situations.

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