A shared list of inspirational books and magazines, by Laika: episode 1
Photo by freddie marriage on Unsplash
Respect: Changing the narrative
Creativity and learning opportunities come in many shapes and forms. Every person has their favorite format, whether it’s books, magazines, or others, the key is to find happy moments and inspiration. We think books are a fantastic resource. As Communications professionals, we too are in an ongoing learning process, always seeking curious words and creative texts to improve and grow as writers, storytellers, and last but not least, as humans. As we read and trade books among colleagues, we realized: wouldn't it be great if we could share our books, our sources of insights with our blog audience? That’s why we developed a series of themed articles, one for all the spring months to come. So, from now on each month we will select 10 exciting books and magazines that can help to inspire you every day. And where better to start than at the core values of Laika which are respect, curiosity, commitment, and humor.
Springtime stands for new beginnings and can be a great time to gain a deeper understanding of the topics that make our hearts beat faster.
This month we intertwined our shared book list with our first value: respect. As a Communications agency, telling stories and amplifying voices is at the center of our daily work. For us, “respect” is about listening, daring to open up our minds to stories of all people. That is why we created this list, to try and change the narrative. Our written world can be too white and too masculine, so why not give the floor to other, more diverse authors? We decided to focus on voices that can be overlooked, thus discovering literature’s multiculturalism and different life experiences.
Finally, the real question is going to be: which book to pick up first? But don’t worry, no matter the month or the season, these books will still thrill, educate, and move readers.
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America - Ibram X. Kendi
This book is an extensive research on the roots and the presence of racism, focusing on black culture. This book should be read by anyone who wants to better understand the roots of racial hatred and how this has influenced the world. Very important work.
The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America - Tamara Winfrey Harris
In this striking book, Tamara Winfrey Harris challenges long-held stereotypes about Black women.
She exposes anti-black–women propaganda and delves into marriage, motherhood, health, sexuality, beauty, and more. The Sisters Are Alright is a real incentive for black women to be their true selves regardless of the acceptance of today’s society. “What’s wrong with Black Women? Simple Answer: Not a Da**ed thing”.
Hidden Figures - Margot Lee Shetterly
This timely and eye-opening book by Margot Lee Shetterly addresses NASA's overlooked black women mathematicians and engineers. The book perfectly describes the previously unpraised work of these black women, who helped NASA put people into orbit and on the moon. It is a reminder that Neil Armstrong didn’t make it into space and safely back home by himself.
renk. Magazin
Renk means color in Turkish, and this magazine is the first to have different experiences and perspectives from and for people of color. This non-profit magazine has a special focus on German-Turkish communities and tackles diversity, racism, LGBTQI+, art, and culture. So diverse and insightful!
Desintegriert Euch - Max Czollek
An absolute must-read. Max Czollek is maybe one of the strongest voices in Germany right now on the integration, anti-Semitism, and racism discussion. Focusing on Germany’s past and present history, the author explores what it means to be from a minority in Germany today.
Women, Girl, Other - Bernadine Evaristo
A dynamic and refreshing book, an ode to modern Britain and black womanhood. Such an important book that raises timeless questions about feminism and race. The book is a treasure and Bernadine Evaristo brilliantly succeeds in telling a story that both educates and moves you.
The light of truth - Ida B. Wells
Over 70 years before Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus, the journalist Ida Wells was similarly arrested for refusing to give her seat up on a train to a white person.
Wells was inspired by this experience to embark on an impressive career as an eloquent advocate on behalf of African-American civil rights. In a professional and objective journalist tone, Ida recounts case after case in which a rush to judgment led to a miscarriage of justice. This book is a truly inspiring and educational writing about the early civil and women's rights pioneer.
The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women - Elaine Meryl Brown Marsha Haygood, Rhonda Joy McLean
Discover in this book how these three highly successful African American executives made it to the top!
In this inspiring book, the authors want to touch and transform the lives of women who want to get ahead in their careers, change careers, find a new job, or start a new business. A book full of experiences, advice, and honest opinions.
The power of her pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne - Lesa Cline Renson
This book is actually a children’s book, but we couldn’t leave it out of our inspirational list of books: it’s a fantastic resource for both kids and adults. Lesa Cline Renson draws a heart-warming portrait of Ethel Lois Paine (1911- 1991), the "First Lady of the Black Press". Not only breaking the glass ceiling, Ethel Lois Paine became also the first female African-American radio and television commentator on a national network. A truly inspiring, and important story for all the kids, parents, young people… looking for their voice, searching for inspirational women to look up to.
Sharon Dodua Otoo - Ada's Room
This literary adventure shows what it means to be a woman. In her novel, the Bachmann Prize winner skilfully interweaves different time periods, all of which reflect the suffering, but also the pride, the fighter nature, the tenderness as well as the dreams and happiness of being a woman. Ada is many women, she lives many lives. The novel leaves you speechless and with questions in your head that will occupy you for a long time.
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming episodes, released every month. And because reading is an activity that tends to be solitary: feel free to share this list with some friends!