Black History Month Reading List and Side Note

Usually, I don't really observe and follow months or observances. But, since I'm Black, and a writer, I decided that for this Black History Month, I will exclusively read Black authors.

I've read Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, and I've read the majority of the work by the amazing Toni Morrison. I've read Langston Hughes, and an essay by Audre Lourde.

But there are many, many, many authors that I haven't read. I remember reading a collection of poems called I am the Darker Brother. I remember reading it, and finding the work beautiful, and only recognizing two of the names in the book. Two names. I felt so stupid, so uninformed, so outside of the world that I considered myself. I still can't name many of them.

Starting off my chocolate author reading list is Frederick Douglass' groundbreaking autobiography My Bondage, My Freedom. Yes, it sounds like something that I would write or enjoy, but it's not that kind of bondage or freedom. I'm 20% through, and there have already been parts that made my cry.

After this, I'm not sure what I will read, because there's a book around my house by Ralph Ellison that in paper, and I want to try and work my way through it.

I'm thinking of expanding my Black History Month reading to include works about the Black experience and perceptions of Black people. My Dad got me another book (before the poetry) called Documents of American Prejudice. This book is amazing, and the ideas and pseudoscience being put forth about my people (I've only gotten as far in as the lengthy Black chapter). This counts as Black History in my book.

I will write my review of Frederick Douglass as soon as I'm done.

I almost forgot to mention: I finished my PG short story. It is currently in the very capable and well moisturized hands of my beta, and being looked at. I know it's rougher than sand paper, but it will be properly put online in due time.

Am I Feeding Sterotypes?

I've recently been reading about different stereotypes that are present with black people in literature.

The more I read about these stereotypes, the more that I'm afraid that I might have written my characters into said stereotypes.

Are the characters in my play noble savages? Is my female love interest a "magic negro"? Have I allowed myself to fall into the same pitfalls? Would an outside reader, or a critic see me as merely recycling things that have already been seen?

I know the worst thing I can do for my writing, is think about the cares of others, but I can't help it. I try not to, but it happens. I don't want it to happen, but it does.

But the deeper I look in to it, the more I can see so many of my characters can be viewed as some sort of stereotype. But... if I make my characters do everything possible to not be a stereotype, does that make them another stereotype in return?

I will have to look at my other stories, to see if these themes are permeating all of my work, or just some.

Fuck... I really shouldn't be criticizing my own work, especially if there will be hundreds of people doing that for me.