'African Americans and the Arts'

Since 1976, the annual Black History Month has had a theme, and this year it is "African Americans and the Arts." In honor of the innumerable contributions of Black authors, poets, publishers, artists, activists, philosophers, scholars, and dreamers, we've chosen some books and resources to spotlight, and encourage you to dig in.

The University of Arizona Press book recommendation: 'When Language Broke Open'

Edited by Alan Pelaez Lopez, this anthology contains the creative offerings of 45 queer and trans Black writers of Latin American descent who use poetry, prose, and visual art to illustrate Blackness as a geopolitical experience that is always changing. 

Telling stories of Black Latinidades, the anthology centers the multifaceted realities of the LGBTQ community. By exploring themes of memory, care, and futurity, these contributions expand understandings of Blackness in Latin America, the Caribbean, and their U.S.-based diasporas.

The University of Arizona Press is the premier publisher of academic, regional, and literary works in the state of Arizona. 

Books That Matter: African American book spotlight: 'Hood Feminism'

Today's feminist movement has a glaring blind spot, and paradoxically, it is women. Mainstream feminists rarely talk about meeting basic needs as a feminist issue, argues Mikki Kendall, but food insecurity, access to quality education, safe neighborhoods, a living wage, and medical care are all feminist issues.

Books That Matter is a print collection of more than 100 titles which support our commitment to social justice and antiracism, and the topics are: 

• African American
• Asia
• Borderlands
• Environmental Awareness
• Indigenous Peoples
• Latinx
• LGBTQ+
• Social Issues and Policies

Resources

Special Collections Graduate Assistant Zöe Harrison created the Black History in the Borderlands LibGuide – a tool libraries use to share information with users – that highlights an often-overlooked history and raise awareness about the many contributions Black individuals have made in the Borderlands region, from Baja, California, to Tamaulipas, Mexico. This LibGuide also includes many external resources that offer valuable information about Black history and community in the Borderlands and beyond. 

You'll find information about archival materials held at both Special Collections and the Arizona Historical Society and materials from University Libraries research databases. The LibGuide also includes many external resources that offer valuable information about Black history and community in the Borderlands and beyond.  

Historical photos

Throughout February, we'll share historical photos from our archives, curated by Special Collections student employees, on our Facebook, Instagram and X accounts. Connect with us! (@uazlibraries)