Twenty-five biographies.
Twenty-five legacies.
Power Read 25 is a public reading initiative presented by Unerased | Black Women Speak that invites communities to discover, discuss, and celebrate biographies of Black women whose lives have shaped our nation and our world.
Twenty-five biographies.
Twenty-five legacies.
Power Read 25 is a public reading initiative presented by Unerased | Black Women Speak that invites communities to discover, discuss, and celebrate biographies of Black women whose lives have shaped our nation and our world.
What is
Power Read 25
?
Born from the belief that Black women’s stories deserve to be read, shared, discussed, and celebrated, the inaugural Power Read 25 features twenty-five exceptional biographies spanning more than two centuries of American history. Together, these works illuminate the lives of freedom fighters, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, scientists, writers, activists, and visionaries whose contributions have shaped our nation.
Curated through community recommendations, guidance from a distinguished advisory committee, and editorial review, Power Read 25 is an invitation to build community through reading. Read a biography. Share it with a friend. Start a book club. Host a discussion. Organize a library or classroom program. Spark conversations across generations. How ever you participate, join us in celebrating the extraordinary Black women whose lives and contributions are central to the American story.
Power Read 25 Books
Barbara
Ransby
Noliwe
Rooks
Angela
Jackson
Susana M.
Morris
Tara T.
Green
Nikki
Taylor
Keisha N.
Blain
Soyica
Diggs Colbert
Mary Frances
Berry
Valerie
Boyd
Alexis Pauline
Gumbs
Dana A.
Williams
Ashley D.
Farmer
Margena A.
Christian
Rosita
Stevens-Holsey
Karen
Chilton
Erica
Armstrong Dunbar
A'Lelia
Bundles
Maryemma
Graham
Paula J.
Giddings
Imaobong D.
Umoren
Farah Jasmine
Griffin
Cheryl
Willis Hudson
Joy-Ann
Reid
Margot Lee
Shetterly
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Shop HereWhy
Biography
?
Brings History to Life
It turns moments into meaningful, human stories.
Ignites Inspiration
It fuels our belief in what’s possible for ourselves and our communities.
Builds Connection
It helps us see our shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs.
Preserves Legacy
It ensures Black women’s contributions are remembered and celebrated.
Shapes the Future
It gives future generations the stories they need to lead boldly.
Power Read 25 Advisory Committee
Guided by wisdom.
Grounded in purpose.
Committed to legacy.
I stood at the border, stood at the edge and claimed it as central. I claimed it, and let the rest of the world move over to where I was.
~Toni Morrison
Activation Partners
Become a Power Read 25 Activation Partner and join a growing national network of individuals and organizations committed to ensuring Black women’s stories and legacies are read, shared, discussed, and celebrated.
Sign up to receive the free Power Read 25 Activation Toolkit, featuring ready-to-use resources designed for:
- Individuals
- Libraries
- Book Clubs
- Schools
- Universities
- Faith-based Communities
- Community Organizations
Whether you’re planning a book discussion, classroom activity, community event, library display, or social media campaign, the toolkit will help you bring Power Read 25 to life where you live, learn, work, and gather.
Join the movement. Activate your community.
Proud Media Partner
“As the publisher of The Washington Informer—a newspaper founded by my father and proudly led today by a Black woman—I understand the power of stories to preserve our history, shape our future, and inspire change. That is why The Washington Informer is especially proud to partner with Unerased | Black Women Speak in launching the inaugural Power Read 25… We hope this list encourages readers of all ages to discover these extraordinary works and to celebrate the enduring impact of Black women on literature and our collective story.”
— Denise Rolark Barnes, Publisher, The Washington Informer