September is Black Reading Month, a Detroit tradition with a growing Michigan reach

September is Black Reading Month, a time when people are asked to read books by Black authors, support Black-owned bookstores, and celebrate Black stories.

Malik Yakini explained the meaning on PBS’s “American Black Journal” “Black reading is crucial for Black survival,” Yakini said. He said reading helps people connect with history and culture while also building strong habits for the future.

The tradition began in Detroit in 1980, when activists including Nkiruka Yakini, Osei Nxele, Malik Yakini, Helen Ray, and David Rambeau started the Black Reading Month Committee. They promoted the celebration with book fairs, forums, and other events. 

In 1985, Njia Kai created the “Turn Off the TV” campaign, which became a key part of the movement.

Michigan events this month

This year marks the 45th anniversary of Black Reading Month. Across Michigan, schools, libraries, and bookstores are joining in.

• Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (Detroit): Continuing its Wright Conversations series this fall, with talks from authors and artists on Black history.
• Detroit Book City (Southfield): A Black-owned bookstore hosting “Read-In” events and showing new books by Black writers.
• Local Libraries: Libraries in Lansing, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Flint are sharing reading lists and book displays.
• Black Reading Month Bookfair (Detroit): Scheduled for Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, from 5–9 p.m. at Mama Imani Humphrey Hall in the Detroit Food Commons, 8324 Woodward Avenue.
• Families and schools are also creating their own observances, from reading challenges to book club meetings.

Why it matters

“Black Reading Month is more than just reading,” Yakini posted on his Facebook page on Monday. “It is about learning, pride, and giving power to voices that are not always heard. Picking up a book by a Black author can help readers see the past more clearly, understand today’s world, and imagine new futures. Detroit started Black Reading Month, but now it is all over Michigan. 

Yakini said people can participate by first turning off the TV, and then by reading a book by a Black author, or going to an event. 

“It is a way to keep the tradition alive,” Yakini said.