The Black Bostonian Booklist

The Black Bostonian Booklist

Booklist

A curated selection of books by authors of color. Books  for New England winters and stories of East coast Summer

Summer on the Bluffs

by Sunny Hostin | Emmy Award winner, renowned lawyer and journalist, The View cohost, and New York Times bestselling author Sunny Hostin dazzles with this brilliant novel

 

Black Buck

by Mateo Askaripour| a satirical debut novel about a young man given a shot at stardom as the lone Black salesman at a mysterious, cult-like, and wildly successful startup where nothing is as it seems.

 

Transcendent Kingdom

by Yaa Gyasi |  stunning follow-up to Gyasi’s acclaimed novel Homegoing

 

Just Mercy

by Bryan Stevenson | a story of Justice and Redemption

 

Get Good With Money

by Tiffany Aliche |  A ten-step plan for finding peace, safety, and harmony with your money

 

World’s Apart

by Mai Le | Mai’s uninhibited voice delivers blunt honesty and new insights regarding the power of human resilience and love

 

Black Cake

by Charmaine Wilkerson |  A moving debut novel, two estranged siblings must set aside their differences to deal with their mother’s death and her hidden past

 

TOP JUNETEENTH EVENTS IN BOSTON

Juneteenth has widely been celebrated and observed for years by Black Americans through the nation. In new legislation passed by Congress, June 19th, will now be commemorated as Juneteenth National Independence Day with many companies recognizing the holiday as a day off from work.

In the reckoning of the pandemic surfaced protests of racial inequalities within police brutality, voting right protections, education and health disparities. The intent was to concede with the obvious challenges revealed by the pandemic. A moment to memorialize the unjust history of our nations past and learn with hopes to impact change. Black Americans have widely received the “holiday” as prime example of What I Asked for vs. What I Got.

While the world was in a stand still from work, sports, and day to day life. The ugly face of racism reared its head creating unrest with another case of police brutality as seen, heard, and recorded with George Floyd. This weekend we celebrate both Fathers Day and Juneteenth. In the words of Floyd’s daughter “Daddy Changed the World”.

Check out the Below for Juneteenth Events:

  1. Juneteenth Boston Celebration

2. JUNETEENTH MFA Community Celebration

Join us on site at the MFA for a day of activities and programs to celebrate Juneteenth and honor the contributions of Black artists, scholars, and creative voices to the City of Boston. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally observed commemoration of the ending of slavery in the US.

Throughout the day, make art inspired by “Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip-Hop Generation,” see a concert curated by BAMS Fest, and catch a screening of Summer of Soul, a documentary from legendary musician Questlove featuring unearthed footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.

All events and activities are free and take place in person on the MFA’s outdoor campus.

3. Juneteenth at Bow Market

4. One Night in Boston: A Celebration of Juneteenth

5. Raise a Glass with Dad to Juneteenth !

Blackowned, Chef and owner Douglass Williams of Mida in the South End has partnered with Uncle Nearest Distillery to create the blueberry whiskey smash in honor of Juneteenth! Toast and dine with your Dad this weekend.

The Black Bostonian dined here for restaurant week 2020 with high recommendations of the Bolognese.

6. The Morning Show

Boston’s Very Own: Budgetnista

Boston’s Very Own: Budgetnista

Rachelle hails from Boston, MA and leads a life of wealth with a knack of budgeting as founder of RaZin Standards. She is originally from Boston having attended both Elizabeth Seton Academy and Randolph High School.

In her college career she noticed, like many college students that she had to begin to wisely account for her dollars. The ability to travel and still live a lavish lifestyle caused Rachelle to jump into budgets early on.

Today she uses her knowledge of budgeting to maintain a quality lifestyle that allows for leisure while simultaneously saving! Rachelle’s platform RaZin Standards hosts a variety of tools to assist in 12 month budget plans and analysis of rent affordability. A highlight of her commitment to extreme budgeting boasts a challenge to eat .57 meals for an entire week!

Interested in leading 2021 into better financial habits? Check out the free resources for your 1st savings challenge, organizing your household budget and more, here– courtesy of your local Boston budgetnista RaZin Standards!

Boston’s Very Own

Boston’s Very Own

Highlighting talented and on the rise Urban Professionals in Boston.

Get connected!

Jawed hails from New York City and prides himself in being a Black Bostonian. After an undergraduate career at St. John’s University, Jawed’s cooking expertise landed him an opportunity as personal chef to some of your favorite Boston Champions, The Celtics.

What inspires you and lead you to become an entrepreneur?

Jawed’s heritage as Black and Pakistani exposed him to a variety of dishes at an early age. He specifically recalls trips down south to Memphis and home made feasts prepared by family. Smoked bbq and hearty meals were all a same day process. Quickly, he established the importance of healthy meals and the traditional quality of farm to table dinners.

An ability to pursue his passion as an entrepreneur is a feat that Jawed takes great pride in. While in New York, networking had also allowed Halepota to curate meals for the Knicks as well. In establishing a lane for black chefs to propel themselves into the pro sports industry he places great emphasis on “I don’t take clients just because they are athlete’s” but that he selects clients that are in tune with larger social initiatives and enjoy’s working with good people.

In closing we probed at our treasured topic. What is your favorite place to brunch?

Without hesitation Jawed stated Brassica Kitchen + Cafe. The name Brassica denoting from the natural flower that grows on broccoli. Jawed noted “The chicken and waffles are great!”

Follow along his journey here: @Jawedhalepota

Terra

Terra

A refreshing Saturday spent at Terra. An extension of Eataly Boston, Terra is located on the third floor in a discrete entry way in the Prudential Center.

Terra brings rustic Italy with a fresh twist to downtown Boston. The greenery and charm of the sun drenched rooftop make Terra even more inviting.

The menu consists of many plates that can be shared or entrees for one. An array of wines are also available to pair with a cheese board or a perfectly al dente plated pasta.

 

Lolita

Lolita

With locations in the Fort Point area and Back Bay , Lolita proves to be perfect for after work meet-ups and date night. The sultry atmosphere attracts an international crowd that is hip and exciting. Lolita works for their clienteles affection with details from the start of your dining experience!

The Fort Point location creates awe with the initial introduction of a smoky tequila slush for tasting. Every meal is complete with complimentary cotton candy after tasty Mexican inspired entrees and tapas. Lolita’s aesthetic is a conversation starter for awkward first dates and serves delicious drinks for get togethers. Did we forget to mention the beautiful patio Lolita’s Fort Point location offers for outside dining ? The Black Bostonian’s top pick for a perfect Cinco de Drinko.

Cotton Candy