Black Memoirs And Biographies To Add To Your Spring Reading List

Despite the threat of book bans and the disinvestment in marginalized stories, the bookshelves at your local bookstore will still be lined with Black stories this Spring. Dozens of Black authors are turning their struggles, triumphants and unique journies into Black memoirs that will inspire you all year long. From Hollywood matriarch Tina Knowles to civil rights activist Tamika Mallory, their personal diaries will become open books filled with triumph and tragedy.

Black Memoirs And Biographies Spring 2025

Memoirs can be messy tell-alls (and we love those too), or they can also be meaningful sources of inspiration. There’s no shortage of powerful memoirs available this season. Delve into the depths of what it takes to raise superstars, the road to building a beauty empire, and tales of self-love and championship that leap off the page. Here are seven Black books to add to your reading list this Spring.

Matriarch: A Memoir – Tina Knowles (April 22, 2025)

Ms. Tina Knowles is peeling back the veil on her life story in the upcoming memoir Matriarch. Between the binds, she’ll share how she built a family full of talented and tenacious daughters. Knowles has been a central figure in the entertainment industry for decades. But outside of the occasional classy clap back or cute corny joke time, we’ haven’t gotten to hear from her often’ve barely heard her story. Fans can expect wise lessons and legacy come to life in this memoir.

The Glory in Your Story – Monique Rodriguez (April 15, 2025)

Mielle Organics went from passion project to a major beauty industry player. Founder Michelle Rodriguez goes into detail about how she started the company and what led to its immense growth in this memoir. She also addresses the heavy burden Black businesses have to overcome as opposed to their counterparts.

I Lived to Tell the Story A Memoir of Love, Legacy, and Resilience – Tamika Mallory

Tamika Mallory takes readers inside her personal life, putting the woman behind the activism on display. Black women in the spotlight are often the target of unfair treatment and even threats to their safety. In this memoir, Mallory reveals how she built the courage to keep going.

Uncommon Favor – Dawn Staley (May 2025)

Dawn Staley is a basketball champion but off the court she’s never been much of a showboat. Now, the North Philly native is ready to give the world a look into how she developed a winning mentality.

Black. Fat. Femme: Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices in Media and Learning to Love Yourself (March 2025)

Jonathan P. Higgins, Ed.D is reinforcing the importance of representation in the media. Higgins is one of the voices behind the BFF: Black, Fat, Femme podcast, where they “call in” people to think about the experiences of others. Here, they offer their journey to self-love and strategies for others to achieve the same.

Madame Queen: The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair (June 2025)

While the majority of the crime bosses glorified in the media are missing melanin, Stephanie St. Clair is getting her shine. This complex biography digs into the past and uncovers one of Harlem’s most fabulous and notorious female gangsters.

Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson (May 20, 2025)

Immerse yourself in this biography about Marsha P. Johnson’s courage and how it led to the historic Stonewall Riots. Johnson is a revered pioneer who fought for her freedom while living in her truth. It’s one of several new titles from Phoebe Robinson’s imprint Tiny Reparations.

Happy reading!

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