Celebrating Black Music and Its Impact A Leatherby Libraries Book Display

In honor of Black History Month, the Leatherby Libraries is excited to introduce our newest reference desk display, dedicated to exploring the history of Black music. The books in this display examine Black musicians and genres to shed light on their international impact on culture and the music industry. 

The titles included in this display cover genres including musical theater, hip-hop, jazz, and more! A notable highlight is African-American Perspectives in Music Theatre by Eric M. Glover, which examines the enduring legacy of musicals created by Black artists. Glover explores how these plays have historically functioned as a medium for storytelling, resistance, and perseverance. The book reveals the complex ways music theater has provided a platform for Black voices, addressing social struggles through musical storytelling. 

Another book on display is Black Music in Britain in the 21st Century, edited by Monique Charles with Mary Gani, which explores the history of Black music genres created in Britain. From Afrobeats, Grime, and Afro Swing to UK Drill, Road Rap, Trap, and much more, this title documents the stories of how these genres came to be and the influence that they have had on society. This book is an ideal resource for those interested in learning about Black-British music through an interdisciplinary lens that draws from sociology, musicology, and the emerging digital humanities fields.

These books and many others featured in the display explore how Black musicians have shaped musical traditions and used music as a tool for social change. Whether through jazz’s innovation, the political power of hip-hop, or the empowering anthems of Black women in funk and disco, the legacy of Black music is vast and profound.

We invite you to visit the display and celebrate the contributions of Black artists throughout history! The display is at the Reference Desk on the Library’s first floor and will remain up through the end of February.

This book display was curated by Leatherby Libraries Student Employees Isabella Piechota ’25, Arianna Tillman ’25, and Annikah Carpio ’26.

Discover the Black Book Nook to Learn More!

Located on the first floor, The Black Book Nook is a permanent collection dedicated to celebrating Black history, thought, literature, and culture. Featuring over 500 rotating titles, this space serves as a hub for education, inspiration, and community engagement. Whether exploring works by groundbreaking authors, learning about pivotal moments in history, or diving into the evolution of Black artistic expression, the Black Book Nook is a space to connect with powerful stories and ideas. Browse the collection in our library catalog and experience the depth of Black literary and cultural contributions firsthand.