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PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Feb. 9, 2026) – As Prairie View A&M University marks Black History Month 2026, the University’s librarians are inviting the campus community to pause, reflect, and engage through this year’s Black History Month reading list.
The national theme, announced by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” The theme recognizes 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched the first Negro History Week in 1926, an effort that laid the foundation for the way Black history is studied, preserved, and shared today.
PVAMU’s reading list honors that legacy by bringing together scholarship and storytelling across generations and genres.
Selected Titles from the 2026 Black History Month Reading List
The titles below offer just a snapshot of the works featured in this year’s reading list. Readers are encouraged to explore the full collection online for additional recommendations.
By Genre: Recent and Noteworthy Reads
- James by Percival Everett — A Pulitzer Prize-winning reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from Jim’s point of view.
- Black Shield Maiden by Willow Smith and Jess Hendel — A historical saga that places an African warrior at the center of a Viking-era narrative.
Books About HBCUs
- HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience, edited by Ayesha Rascoe — A tribute to the culture, pride, and impact of Black colleges and universities.
- The Power of Black Excellence: HBCUs and the Fight for American Democracy by Deondra Rose — An examination of HBCUs as drivers of civic engagement and democratic leadership.
Featuring PVAMU’s 2025–2026 Writer-in-Residence, Dr. Daniel Black
- Don’t Cry for Me by Daniel Black — A powerful father-and-son story that explores love, identity, and reconciliation.
- Isaac’s Song by Daniel Black — A coming-of-age novel centered on creativity, family, and inherited history.
Librarian Favorites
- Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler — A modern classic that blends speculative fiction with urgent social themes.
- The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw — An award-winning short story collection exploring faith, desire, and Black womanhood.
Join the Celebration
The full Black History Month Reading List is available online through the PVAMU Library’s LibGuides platform, where readers can explore all featured categories and submit their own recommendations. The University also invites the campus community to learn more about Black History Month events, readings, and stories at pvamu.edu/afam
Black History Month is observed as a historical, cultural, and educational initiative that is open and accessible to all members of the campus community. Participation is voluntary.
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