People who pursue personal development will find these self-help books written by Black authors provide important lessons about resilience and strategies for success. Our collection features inspirational books by Black authors that deliver essential perspectives on resilience and empowerment, regardless of whether you need motivation or financial wisdom.
These works cover multiple subjects, including mental health and well-being, personal development, and financial literacy. So dig in and let them help you on your self-growth journey.
Why Read Self-Help Books by Black Authors?
Black-authored self-help books deliver valuable insights to readers that mirror the cultural history and distinct experiences found within the Black community. These books provide essential resources for growth, whether your goals include healing, financial success or personal transformation.
Books that resonate with your personal path serve as effective tools to promote enduring change and establish lasting success habits.
Books on Mental Health and Well-Being by Black Authors
These self-help books by Black authors present essential self-care resources that promote healing and resilience for those searching for guidance on emotional wellness.
Self-improvement depends fundamentally on maintaining good mental health. The selected books explore personal challenges and self-care, with a focus on resilience in Black communities.
1. The Book of Juju: Africana Spirituality for Healing, Liberation, and Self-Discovery
By Juju Bae
Amazon Rating: 4.9 stars (75 ratings)
African American author and spiritual healer Juju Bae offers a comprehensive manual of Africana spirituality. The book examines ancestral ties and shows how African traditional customs can improve contemporary existence by providing real-life methods for weaving spiritual rituals into everyday life.
Through her work, she clarifies the complex elements of traditional African religions with historical insights and instructions for personal healing and spiritual freedom.
Buy this book on Amazon.
2. Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
By Nedra Glover Tawwab
Amazon Rating: 4.8 stars (10,881 ratings)
Set Boundaries, Find Peace guides readers through creating boundaries that support their well-being. Glover Tawwab offers practical approaches that enable people to recognize and communicate their personal needs, resulting in improved relationships and increased inner harmony. The author discusses how establishing boundaries is vital for stress reduction while helping prevent burnout and developing self-respect across all life aspects.
Buy this book on Amazon.
3. Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement
By Tarana Burke
Amazon Rating: 4.8 stars (1,542 ratings)
Through her own healing journey, Tarana Burke, the founder of the Me Too movement, now supports other survivors in their recovery from trauma. Her memoir illustrates resilience as a necessary component of healing while showing the critical impact of empathy and community support on personal recovery.
Through her narrative, Burke illustrates how determination and support can enable individuals to triumph over adversity.
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4. Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community
By Joy Harden Bradford
Amazon Rating: 4.8 stars (154 ratings)
Sisterhood Heals investigates how Black women utilize community connections to discover healing and resilience while serving as the foundation of Therapy for Black Girls. She offers actionable strategies to create supportive networks while underscoring the significance of sisterhood for mental health.
Those seeking to improve their emotional well-being should read this book, as it shows how community healing and personal growth work together. It’s an essential read for those interested in personal growth and spiritual health. The publication guides women to value softness and their personal health needs while actively breaking down damaging societal beliefs about strength.
Buy this book on Amazon.
5. The Strong Black Woman: How a Myth Endangers the Physical and Mental Health of Black Women
By Marita Golden
Amazon Rating: 4.7 stars (212 ratings)
Marita Golden debunks the “strong Black woman” myth and gives guidance on embracing vulnerability and prioritizing mental health. She investigates the impact of societal standards which produce emotional fatigue and health inequalities in Black women.
Golden combines personal stories with expert wisdom to guide readers toward self-care practices and emotional stability while helping them reclaim their wellness from social constraints.
Buy this book on Amazon.
6. And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self
By Common
Amazon Rating: 4.6 stars (124 ratings)
Common provides practical strategies for personal development through his self-care techniques and mindful practices. He shows how previous trauma healing leads to discovering inner peace and fulfillment.
Common uses his personal journey to motivate readers to self-reflect and take responsibility while advocating for holistic wellness as an essential component of living with purpose and balance.
Buy this book on Amazon.
Inspirational Memoirs by Black Authors
Personal narratives offer profound lessons and inspiration. These memoirs document the experiences of those who have conquered challenges to develop themselves more fully. These inspirational books by African American authors will help do the same for you.
1. The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times
By Michelle Obama
Amazon Rating: 4.8 stars (14,830 ratings)
Michelle Obama shares her life stories to teach readers how to face obstacles while building endurance and cultivating community bonds. She offers personal anecdotes and functional methods for handling unpredictability and confidently adopting change.
Her reflections serve as a guiding light that motivates readers to develop strength while discovering their purpose and building meaningful connections.
Buy this book on Amazon.
2. Ordinary Notes
By Christina Sharpe
Amazon Rating: 4.8 stars (73 ratings)
Ordinary Notes features 248 entries examining different facets of Black existence. Christina Sharpe uses reflective and poignant writing to provide readers with a deeply personal and intellectual exploration of history, memory and identity.
By examining complex Black experiences, this book pushes beyond traditional storytelling to promote deeper reader engagement and understanding of survival strength and cultural heritage.
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3. More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)
By Elaine Welteroth
Amazon Rating: 4.7 stars (2,627 ratings)
More Than Enough uses Elaine Welteroth’s personal lessons and life experiences to inspire readers on their path toward self-discovery. Her storytelling demonstrates why self-worth matters and how people can remain resilient while embracing their true identity despite external limitations.
The book guides readers who want to overcome social limitations to discover their inner strength and express their authentic identities.
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4. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person
By Shonda Rhimes
Amazon Rating: 4.6 stars (12,666 ratings)
In Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes reveals how taking on challenging opportunities changed her personal life and professional career as a famous TV producer. She openly discusses her previous fears that stopped her progress while demonstrating how agreeing to new experiences brought about personal growth and professional success.
Rhimes inspires readers with her truthful storytelling to leave their comfort zones behind and discover life’s endless possibilities by embracing change.
Buy this book on Amazon.
5. Master of Me
By Keke Palmer
Amazon Rating: 4.6 stars (292 ratings)
Actress Keke Palmer examines how her entrepreneurial spirit enabled her to develop self-confidence while advancing her personal growth and professional career. Keke Palmer provides guidance based on her experiences in the entertainment industry to help others overcome challenges and maintain authenticity.
The book delivers actionable strategies for overcoming barriers while encouraging genuine self-expression and proactive life management techniques that lead to success.
Buy this book on Amazon.
Personal Development Books by Black Authors
These books offer practical self-improvement strategies for readers seeking guidance. For more self-improvement stories and teachings from powerful Black women, browse our Women’s History Month must-reads.
1. The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love
By Sonya Renee Taylor
Amazon Rating: 4.7 stars (2,172 ratings)
Sonya Renee Taylor guides readers toward radical self-love by motivating them to reject social norms while embracing their true identities. Her message encourages individuals to break down destructive narratives about body image and self-worth.
The book provides actionable strategies for fighting internalized shame, building self-acceptance and developing kindness toward self and others.
Buy this book on Amazon.
2. Trust Your Truth: Heal Self-Doubt, Awaken to Your Soul’s Purpose, and Live Your Badass Life
By Shannon Algeo
Amazon Rating: 4.7 stars (74 ratings)
Shannon Algeo creates a guide for self-discovery by helping readers confront self-doubt and imposter syndrome while finding their true selves. Algeo uses his background as a wellness coach to teach practical exercises and meditative techniques that help people overcome fear and build self-awareness while unlocking their power.
The book supplies methods to overcome self-doubt while helping individuals connect with their life purposes.
Buy this book on Amazon.
3. Pretty: A Memoir
By KB Brookins
Amazon Rating: 4.4 stars (13 ratings)
In Pretty, KB Brookins uses poetry and prose to create a heartfelt and impactful narrative about Black Southern transmasculinity. The book analyzes how identity and gender expression intersect with self-acceptance challenges within a society that enforces strict norms.
Brookins uses an authentic narrative style and poetic language to guide readers on a truthful path to self-love and personal liberation.
Buy this book on Amazon.
Self-Help Books for Black Women
Books written by Black women offer empowering stories and practical advice through strategies that target Black women’s personal and professional development paths.
1. Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual
By Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Amazon Rating: 4.8 stars (1,623 ratings)
Through her book, Luvvie Ajayi Jones instructs readers on how to face their fears, enabling them to build courage throughout their everyday experiences. Using honesty and humor, she uncovers how fear is a barrier to people’s goals and provides practical methods to conquer hesitation.
This book is an essential tool for anyone who wishes to confidently pursue major risks, both professionally and personally.
Buy this book on Amazon.
2. You’ve Been Chosen: Thriving Through the Unexpected
By Cynt Marshall
Amazon Rating: 4.8 stars (364 ratings)
Cynt Marshall, former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, shares a powerful story about overcoming adversity as a business innovator. Her path from early adversity to business achievement provides powerful life lessons about determination and belief.
The narrative shows resilience and how to succeed in unexpected situations, demonstrating how success emerges through self-belief and strategic handling of setbacks.
Buy this book on Amazon.
Self-Help Books Rooted in Spirituality
1. Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind, and Spirit
By Queen Afua
Amazon Rating: 4.7 stars (24,426 ratings)
Queen Afua delivers a mighty manual that helps women achieve holistic healing and spiritual enlightenment. By integrating African-rooted customs alongside natural healing methods and sacred rituals, this book helps women restore their complete health through dedicated self-care practices in physical, emotional, and spiritual areas.
This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to tap into their divine feminine energy through holistic living. It introduces holistic well-being methods and self-care practices based on ancient African cultural traditions.
Buy this book on Amazon.
2. Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human
By Cole Arthur Riley
Amazon Rating: 4.6 stars (287 ratings)
Cole Arthur Riley presents prayers and meditations that provide Black individuals profound spiritual healing while offering affirmation and liberation. Through poetic wisdom, she interlaces themes of faith, justice, and Black identity to create an essential resource for individuals seeking personal and collective healing.
This book contains spiritual meditations and prayers designed to help people seeking healing and affirmation.
Buy this book on Amazon.
Finance and Business Books by Black Authors
Achieving long-term success requires a fundamental understanding of personal finance. Black authors provide detailed instructions for readers who understand budgeting and investment methods to achieve financial independence.
1. The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place
By Hill Harper
Amazon Rating: 4.7 stars (258 ratings)
Hill Harper presents a new viewpoint on wealth by clarifying that real financial success extends beyond merely collecting money. Through his narrative, he provides expert guidance on attaining financial stability while cultivating purpose and fulfillment.
The book is an ideal resource for anyone who wants to transform their financial relationship and establish a legacy focused on economic power. It investigates how wealth and well-being connect and motivates readers to develop a new understanding of success.
Buy this book on Amazon.
2. Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances
By Paco de Leon
Amazon Rating: 4.6 stars (181 ratings)
This book presents financial literacy through Paco de Leon’s simple yet captivating approach so readers can manage their finances effectively. De Leon provides readers with essential knowledge and mindset training to gain financial independence and eliminate financial anxiety through lessons on budgeting, debt reduction, investing and wealth building.
This book serves as a complete guide for mastering personal financial management.
Buy this book on Amazon.
Practical Tips for Self-Improvement From Black Authors
Self-improvement continues throughout life, and proper guidance makes the most significant impact. This collection features books that both present powerful personal narratives and provide practical methods for personal development. The self-help books by Black authors teach practical techniques that help you build resilience and establish boundaries to face life challenges while building self-confidence and success in various life aspects.
The following key takeaways from influential works offer practical applications for your journey:
- Develop a growth mindset: The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama provides guidance on building resilience during unstable periods.
- Prioritize mental health: Joy Harden Bradford’s Sisterhood Heals demonstrates how community connections support emotional health.
- Master financial literacy: Paco de Leon’s Finance for the People: Getting a Grip on Your Finances provides knowledge to help readers achieve financial independence with confidence.
- Cultivate self-love: The Body Is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor demonstrates that personal growth hinges upon accepting oneself.
- Step outside your comfort zone: Shonda Rhimes’ Year of Yes demonstrates the essential nature of accepting new opportunities.
- Establish boundaries for emotional wellness: Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab delivers essential strategies for maintaining personal peace.
Why Self-Help Books by Black Authors Matter
Self-improvement books by black authors deliver practical frameworks that help readers achieve success, promote healing and empowerment, and develop resilience and stress management techniques. Reading and supporting these authors enhances personal growth while boosting diverse voices throughout the self-help industry.
So grab a few of these titles and let us know in the comments which reading material you plan to include in your book list!
And if you’re looking for more resources, check out this list of motivational podcasts hosted by Black individuals.
This article was published in June 2020 and has been updated. Photo by Andrii Kobryn/Shutterstock
