Yes, we’re aware that February is still several months away. But we also love to celebrate Black history whenever we can, especially when we can see it happen in real time. You may have heard of Taylor Cassidy or seen one of the many videos from her Fast Black History TikTok series. Today, she’s just released her debut nonfiction book, Black History is Your History!
This book highlights twelve Black historical figures who have all left a major impact on American history, figures who deserve more than a few bullet points on a slideshow presentation. We at THP are so in love with the concept and messaging behind this book. Here are just three things we love about Taylor Cassidy’s debut and why it’s a must-read for everyone!
Book Overview: Black History Is Your History
Summary: Meet Taylor Cassidy, Black history enthusiast and creator of the viral TikTok series Fast Black History. In her debut book, Taylor takes readers on a journey through the Black history she wishes she was taught in school. With sparkling wit and humor—and lots of fun pop culture references—she paints a vibrant picture of twelve figures from Black history whose groundbreaking contributions shaped America as we know it today. Introducing icons from activists to literary giants, movie stars to Olympic gold medalists, fashion designers to astronauts, and more, this one-of-a-kind collection makes Black history relatable, relevant, and utterly irresistible.
Using Black history as inspiration, Taylor weaves together research and personal anecdotes that illuminate each trailblazer’s impact on her own life—as well as sharing plenty of triumphant, funny, and embarrassing moments from her past. From navigating friend breakups and unrequited crushes to setting boundaries and fighting self-doubt, Taylor’s been there…and she’s learned some valuable life lessons along the way.
This book is a joyful celebration of Black history makers, and you’re invited to the party. Come on in and let these twelve true stories inspire you to make history of your own!
The Author’s Voice
One of our absolute favorite things about Black History is Your History is the author Taylor’s voice. She personalizes this book by sharing snippets from her own life and her history (or should we say, “her-story”). Taylor explains the impact of each historical figure with a personal anecdote or a life lesson that she carries with her. Her narration is so relatable and charming. And it makes us feel like we’re sitting with her and having a chat over coffee and lunch. We finished this book in a blink of an eye, and we’d do it all over again if she wanted to add more installments down the line.
Much-Needed Diversity
We can’t talk about Black History is Your History without shouting out the diverse representation, not just in the historical figures but also in the wide range of stories. From almanac author Benjamin Banneker in the 18th century to actress Cicely Tyson in the 20th century, there is something inspirational for everyone. Not to mention the intersectionality of identities in prominent figures like gay liberation activist Marsha P. Johnson as well as astronaut and engineer Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space.
Educational And Enjoyable
Though we recognized many names in this book, we loved reading the extra background that we would’ve missed in regular history lessons. We also get commentary from the author in sections she dubbed as “Taystory.” One of the stories that most stood out to us was about Tommie Smith, former track-and-field athlete. After winning gold in the 1968 Olympics, he and his teammate John Carlos (who’d won the bronze medal) raised their black-gloved fists on the victory podium in protest of racism and discrimination. While we’d heard of this event briefly before, reading about it again gave us chills.
From the creator of Fast Black History videos comes an educational debut book we finished in the blink of an eye. Taylor Cassidy’s Black History is Your History is utterly witty and inspirational.
Black History is Your History by Taylor Cassidy comes out October 14th, and you can order a copy of it here!
What do you think of Taylor Cassidy’s debut book? Have you been following her Fast Black History series on TikTok? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TAYLOR CASSIDY:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE
