.png)
Boldly embracing the power of words, culture, and community—we celebrate Black History Month at THEI, also understanding that to honor the legacy, resilience, and creative spirit of Black communities across America means celebrating these works and achievements year round. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to disrupting systems of harm through education, support, and advocacy with and for justice-impacted people, specifically within a criminal legal system that disproportionately targets marginalized communities. At THEI, we see this injustice as both a call to action and an opportunity to uplift these communities.
This February, we are celebrating the contributions of Black scholars and authors by sharing a special feature from some of our staff: seven personal book recommendations that have inspired us, enriched our understanding, and have helped shape our work.
Overseeing THEI’s Educational Programs team and our academic portfolio within six Tennessee prisons, Adrienne is passionate about literature that values and nurtures community. She recommends Teaching Community by bell hooks—a book that challenges traditional notions of education, creating spaces where every voice is heard and where community engagement transforms learning into a collective and inclusive experience. Also influential for Adrienne is Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. This novel follows a powerful journey of self-discovery alongside a struggle for independence in a society that inordinately marginalizes Black women.
Kristin manages THEI’s student resources project team, which is focused on developing college resources tailored specifically for incarcerated students. Her favorite read, This Will Be My Undoing by Morgan Jenkins, is a collection of poignant essays exploring the intersections of race, gender, and identity. Kristin is moved by Jenkins’ candid storytelling and the way the essays provoke deep reflection and introspection.
In his role as Alumni Success Coordinator with THEI's Transitional Programs team, Edward Jones works to support alumni in reclaiming their autonomy and building brighter futures. He finds inspiration in Kellie Carter Jackson's We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance. He describes the book as a powerful testament that speaks to those who have needed to fight for their dignity and freedom—a reminder that standing up against oppression is not just about survival, but about reclaiming one's agency. For Edward, this narrative of resistance resonates with his own experiences and reinforces his commitment to championing the voices of those who have faced systemic injustice.
Leading THEI’s Transitional Programs team, Shon finds inspiration in the rich cultural history of the Black church, a cornerstone of the community that shaped his life. His recommended read, The Black Church by Henry Louis Gates Jr., takes readers on a journey from African spirituality to modern expressions of Black religiosity. For Shon, understanding this legacy reinforces his commitment to providing support for our students through THEI’s Housing Network, providing reentry resources, and creating space for alumni to build community, ensuring that they feel empowered and dignified every step of the way.
Matthew currently serves as a Research Fellow with THEI’s Transitional Programs team, completing his degree with the University of Maine while incarcerated at Maine State Penitentiary His choice, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, captivated him with its vivid characters and the exploration of tension and solidarity between African American and Jewish communities. Matthew reflects that the book’s emphasis on human connection, rather than division, mirrors his own experiences and aspirations. His work with THEI contributes to a broader understanding of reentry that emphasizes compassion and community support.
Cara is moved by the imaginative storytelling found in Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah.The book’s blend of brutal realism and complex characters sets the stage narratives that illustrate the harsh realities of racism, capitalism, and classism in America. This perspective fuels her work at THEI, where she manages THEI’s communications and marketing efforts while striving to share authentic stories, ensuring that the voices of justice-impacted individuals are heard and celebrated.
These book recommendations reflect the diverse yet unified perspectives of THEI’s staff. They demonstrate that literature and education are not just academic pursuits, but vital instruments for understanding our past, confronting our present, and inspiring a future built on equity and inclusion. In celebrating Black History Month, THEI reaffirms its commitment to disrupting systems of harm through a deep respect for the cultural narratives that shape our society.
We invite you to join us in our ongoing efforts and browse through your own library for influential works written by Black authors.
