A Piece of Cake: A Memoir by Cupcake Brown
Memoir
2005
The writing style may not be for everyone but Cupcake Brown's tale of addiction, the foster system and recovery is a heartbreaking and inspiring read.
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Memoirs by Black women writers
Autobiographies you need to read
In a reading rut? Feel like learning more about the people behind some of your favourite feminist novels, poems and stories? You can’t do any better than these memoirs, penned by some of the most influential Black women minds. Running the gamut from Lorde to Cupcake Brown, there’s sure to be a memoir here that fits your mood.
Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur
Memoir
1987
Harrowing tales of wrongful imprisonment and the flaws of the justice system are Interspersed with childhood events and political education in this incredible memoir.
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Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston
Memoir
1942
Despite some readers debating its accuracy, this memoir detailing how Hurston became an eminent thinker, novelist and activist is well worth a read.
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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings- Maya Angelou
Memoir
1969
In what may be the most well known of her memoirs, Angelou details the early years of her life and illustrates her resilience and strength as well as her powerful prose.
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Open Wide The Freedom Gates: A Memoir by Dorothy I. Height
Memoir
2003
Though sadly deceased in 2010, Dr. Height's story is immortalised in "Open Wide". Read to witness a remarkable life of activism and focus on women's issues and literacy .
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Redefining Realness by Janet Mock
Memoir
2014
In her moving memoir, Mock details her childhood, gender transition and romantic life. A must read for fans and those new to Mock alike.
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The Other Side of Paradise: A Memoir by Staceyann Chin
Memoir
2010
Chin details her difficult childhood in Jamaica, her realisation that she is a lesbian and her eventual career as a poet fearlessly in this assured debut.
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Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde
Memoir
1982
In this 'biomythography', Lorde chronicles her childhood in Harlem and racial segregation. Lorde beautifully explores how love shaped her in life and art.
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