Our recent suggestions of readings about the history and experiences of Communists in the labor movement were well-received and widely shared.
Given the new moment– weeks of large, multiracial street demonstrations across the country against police violence and systemic racism against Black Americans — we decided to try to put together a list of recommended readings on racism.
Many excellent books exist on the role of Communists in the struggle against racism, where they have played a leading role, though that role is seldom properly acknowledged.
We invite our readers to submit their own recommendations. Please continue to send any suggestions you have to: <editor@mltoday.com> The Editors
Suggestions for Readings on Racism
Henry Winston, Strategy for a Black Agenda. International Publishers, 1973.
Angela Davis, Women, Race & Class. Vintage Books, 1983.
Mark Solomon, The Cry Was Unity: Communist and African Americas, 1917-1936. University Press of Mississippi, 1998.
William L. Patterson, The Man Who Cried Genocide. International Publishers, 1971.
Keith Gilward, Louise Thompson Patterson: A Life of Struggle for Justice. Duke University Press, 2017
Philip S. Foner, Paul Robeson Speaks. Citadel Press Books, 1978.
Gerald Horne, Communist Front: The Civil Rights Congress, 1946-1956 . Associated University Press, 1988.
Herbert Aptheker, The Unfolding Drama: Studies in U.S. History. International Publishers, 1978.
Mark Naison, Communists in Harlem During the Depression. Grove Press, 1984.
Robin D. G. Kelly, Hammer and Hoe: Alabama Communist During the Great Depression. University of North Carolina Press, 1990.
Glenda Elizabeth Gilmore, Defying Dixie: The Radical Roots of Civil Rights. W. W. Norton, 1977.
