1. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
It would be nearly impossible to create a list of memoirs without mentioning the former First Lady Michelle Obama. “Becoming” was Mrs. Obama’s first memoir, released in 2018, and its coming-of-age stories and lessons are just as relevant today as they were six years ago. The book chronicles her life, starting from her childhood in Chicago through Barack’s historic presidential run, ending in 2016. Throughout the book, you understand Michelle’s story as an intersection of being black and female in America.
2. “Who’s That Girl?: The Memoir” by Eve
Eve released her memoir, “Who’s That Girl?: The Memoir,” in September 2024, which started some important conversations on social media. Born Eve Jihan Cooper, the rapper’s book mostly focuses on her story as a trailblazer for female artists in the ’90s and her journey all the way to the top. Now in her forties, the rapper reflects on issues ranging from working in a male-dominated industry to her struggles with infertility.
3. “The Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes is a mega-producer in Hollywood and the mastermind behind wildly successful shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” and “Bridgerton” on ABC and Netflix. However, Rhimes had difficulty saying “yes” to decisions or invitations that could bring uncertainty into her life. Her memoir details her conscious decision to change that about herself and how saying “yes” transformed her life.
4. “Lovely One: A Memoir” by Ketanji Brown-Jackson
Judge Ketanji Brown-Jackson was thrust into the spotlight in 2022 when she became the first black female appointed to the United States Supreme Court. The book’s name comes from the meaning of her name, Ketanji Onyika, which directly translates to “Lovely One.” Brown-Jackson touches on a number of topics deeply relevant to many people of color, including how to navigate a workplace where no one looks like you and how to balance a career, marriage, and motherhood with success.
5. “Around the Way Girl: A Memoir” by Taraji P. Henson
As an actress, Taraji P. Henson has earned big accolades — from an Academy Award nominee to a Golden Globe winner. She has also been very vocal about being a Black female actor in Hollywood and facing obstacles with compensation. Her story focuses on family, love, and her purpose of acting and following her dreams. She pulls back the curtain on Hollywood and invites readers into some of her most memorable roles.
6. “Just As I Am: A Memoir” by Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson was more than just an entertainer; she was an entertainment pioneer. Her career spanned seven incredible decades. Tyson was known for portraying strong black female characters in her work. She was awarded many times throughout her life, culminating in one of the most prestigious of all, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented to her by President Barack Obama in 2016.
Tyson passed on Jan. 28, 2021, just two days after the book was released. She had spent the final weeks of her life promoting her book. When Gayle King asked Tyson in a January 2021 interview how she wanted to be remembered, she responded, “I’ve done my best. That’s all.” What a humble summary of an icon’s life.
And there you have it, six celebrity memoirs worth reading from important Black female figures in America. Is there one you love that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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