February Challenge: Stories of Black Americans

This month, we invite readers and viewers to explore narratives that highlight Black history, African American culture, resilience, achievement, and joy through books and films. Whether you choose historical nonfiction, contemporary fiction, memoir, biography, essays, or film, February’s challenge offers an opportunity to deepen understanding and celebrate powerful storytelling.

What Is the NLRPLS 2026 Challenge?

The NLRPLS 2026 Challenge is a year-long program encouraging the community to explore a new theme each month through books and movies. Inspired by this year’s overarching theme, Digging Up the Past, the challenge highlights stories that uncover history, illuminate lived experiences, and connect readers to meaningful narratives.

You can view the full list of 2026 challenge themes here:
👉 https://www.nlrlibrary.org/blogs/nlrpls-blog/2026-reading-challenge

Throughout the month, NLRPLS staff will share curated recommendations to help you find the perfect book or film.

February Theme: Stories of Black Americans

For February, choose a book or movie that explores:

• Black history in America

• African American leaders and changemakers

• Stories centered on Black families and communities

• Memoirs and biographies by Black authors

• Fiction highlighting culture, resilience, and joy

• Documentaries or films focused on Black American experiences

Books and films both count toward the challenge.

How to Participate

1. Read a book or watch a movie that fits the theme Stories of Black Americans.

2. Submit your entry form either in person at your favorite NLRPLS location or online at: https://www.cognitoforms.com/NLRlibrary1/ReadingChallenge

Participants may submit one entry per person, per month.

Monthly Prize and Grand Prize

Each month, one lucky participant will win a $50 gift card generously donated by Skinny J's in North Little Rock.

At the end of 2026, all monthly entries will be entered into a grand prize drawing to win an e-reader. The more months you participate, the more chances you have to win.

February Recommendations: Stories of Black Americans

Looking for a place to start? Here are staff-selected books exploring Black history, culture, identity, and resilience. You can also find additional themed displays and recommendations in person at Laman Library and Argenta Library throughout the month.

Letters to My Daughter by Maya Angelou

A collection of essays offering life lessons and reflections on identity, race, motherhood, and resilience from one of the most influential literary voices of the 20th century.
Available at Laman Library.

Thick: And Other Essays by Tressie McMillan Cottom

A sharp and insightful essay collection examining race, beauty standards, media, politics, and Black womanhood in America through personal narrative and cultural critique.
Available on Libby as an ebook and audiobook.

Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

A powerful memoir in which Jesmyn Ward reflects on the lives and deaths of five young Black men in her Mississippi community, exploring grief, systemic inequality, and survival.
Available on Libby as an ebook and audiobook.

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers

An epic multigenerational novel tracing a Black American family’s lineage from slavery to the present, blending history, scholarship, and deeply personal storytelling.
Available at Laman Library.

Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop by Danyel Smith

A vibrant cultural history celebrating the influence and artistry of Black women in popular music, told through journalism, memoir, and music criticism.
On display at Argenta Library.

Start Exploring

February’s challenge is an invitation to explore the richness and complexity of Black American stories through books and films available right here at the North Little Rock Public Library System.

Pick up a book, stream an audiobook, borrow a movie, and do not forget to submit your entry for a chance to win.

Happy reading and happy watching.