Power Read 25: Where Black Women Illuminate America’s Story

July 24, 2026

In response to the underrepresentation of Black women authors in the National Endowment for the Arts' "Big Read 250" initiative, Unerased | Black Women Speak has launched Power Read 25, a yearlong reading campaign featuring 25 biographies of Black women throughout American history. Announced in July and supported by the Park Foundation with The Washington Informer as media partner, the initiative aims to counter book banning trends and cultural erasure by highlighting the contributions of Black women from slavery through present day. The campaign includes well-known figures like Harriet Tubman and Zora Neale Hurston alongside lesser-known change agents, with companion titles for young readers.

Who is affected

Black women whose stories and contributions have been excluded from mainstream historical narratives
Readers of all ages seeking more comprehensive American history
Families, libraries, classrooms, literary groups, and book clubs participating in the initiative
Teachers and educators incorporating these biographies into curricula
Young readers targeted by companion literacy titles
College students and community members learning these stories for the first time

What action is being taken

Unerased | Black Women Speak is launching the Power Read 25 campaign
The organization is distributing a free Power Read 25 Activation Toolkit
The Washington Informer is serving as media partner for the initiative
Project Director Tracy Chiles McGhee is recruiting "activation partners" to expand the program
Participants are being encouraged to form literary gatherings in libraries, schools, and community spaces

Why it matters

This initiative matters because it addresses significant gaps in how American history is taught and understood, particularly during a period of increased book banning and cultural erasure. By centering Black women's contributions across more than two centuries—from enslaved resistance through the Harlem Renaissance, civil rights movement, and contemporary leadership—the campaign challenges incomplete historical narratives that exclude essential voices. The project demonstrates that Black women have been fundamental authors of American history not just through their writings but through their lived experiences, and understanding their stories is critical to comprehending the full truth of the nation's past and imagining a more equitable future.

What's next

Participants can visit the main page to access the full Power Read 25 list
People are encouraged to download the free Power Read 25 Activation Toolkit
The yearlong initiative will continue throughout the year with expanded participation across various communities and organizations
Activation partners are expected to organize literary gatherings, discussions, and events in neighborhoods, libraries, and educational settings

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer