History is not just written by the victors — it’s often censored by them too.
At Unbanned Voices, we believe that the stories of Black struggle, brilliance, and resistance belong in every classroom, living room, and bookshelf. That’s why we created History Through Our Eyes — a curated collection of powerful books by and about Black voices that have been banned, challenged, or quietly pushed to the margins.
These are the books that connect the dots: from slavery to mass incarceration, from civil rights marches to Black Lives Matter protests, from redlining to generational wealth gaps. These works show America as it was and as it is — not to shame, but to spark understanding, justice, and real change.
🚫 Why These Books Were Banned
Many of the titles in this collection were banned for making people “uncomfortable.” They challenge sanitized versions of American history, confront racial inequality, and demand critical thinking. Some school boards labeled them “divisive.” Others cited vague concerns like “age appropriateness” or “political content.”
But let’s be honest:
Truth makes power nervous
Why These Books Matter
When we silence authors like James Baldwin, Isabel Wilkerson, Michelle Alexander, or Angela Davis, we don’t just erase words — we erase wisdom. These books remind us that history didn’t happen in black and white. It happened in struggle and sweat, in broken laws and broken chains, in protest songs and whispered prayers.
They also help students and readers of all backgrounds see the bigger picture — one that includes everyone, not just the powerful.
📚 What You’ll Find in the Collection
Foundational narratives like The Narrative of Frederick Douglass
Contemporary reckonings like The New Jim Crow and Heavy
Radical reflections like Sister Outsider and Black Marxism
Resistance and resilience in When They Call You a Terrorist, From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation, and more
Each book listing includes:
✅ Why it’s been challenged
✅ Who it’s recommended for
✅ A short, honest description
✅ Amazon links so you can support the authors and keep these voices aliveThese Titles Could Disappear
As sales drop and censorship increases, publishers may stop printing these titles. Some already have. That’s why it’s so important to read, share, and gift these books now. Buy one for a teen. Start a book club. Post a quote. Talk about it at your church, your job, or your kitchen table.
Let’s remind the world:
We don’t ban truth. We amplify it.
Join the Movement
Explore the History Through Our Eyes collection today.
Tag us @UnbannedVoices with your favorite reads.
Because when we own our history — we shape our future.As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. When you click through the links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep these powerful banned and Black-authored books visible and available.