As Black History Month nears an end for 2011, here a few books and DVDs worth checking out.
"The King Legacy: All Labor Has Dignity" by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: In partnership with the estate of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Beacon Press, this fourth release in the King Legacy series includes 15 King speeches and personal documents. The speeches were transcribed from original tape recordings as well as typed and handwritten notes from King's archives. The book also includes a CD of excepts from two King speeches – 1963's "The Unresolved Race Question," which marked the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation; and "All Labor Has Dignity," given during a meeting of striking sanitation workers in Memphis less than one month before King's death. ($26.95)
"Sit-in: How Four Friends Stood Up By Sitting Down" by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney: Last year, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers released this children's book in time to mark the 50th anniversary of the Woolworth lunch counter sit-in. David, Joseph, Franklin and Ezell show that young people can make a difference by taking a stand for what they believe in. ($16.99)
"Ninth Ward" by Jewell Parker Rhodes: As Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans, 12-year-old Lanesha, who has a special gift, has to remain brave to help her family during the deadly storm. This fictional story set in the Ninth Ward teaches lessons about family and love. (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $15.99)
"Inherently Unequal: The Betrayal of Equal Rights by the Supreme Court, 1865-1903" by Lawrence Goldstone: After the Civil War, three constitutional amendments (the 13th, abolishing slavery; the 14th, giving equal protection to all American citizens; and the 15th, allowing black males the right to vote) were enacted granting black Americans civil rights. "Inherently Unequal" explores the politics of constitutional law leading up to the Jim Crow era, and the role that the Supreme Court played. (Walker & Co., $26)
"The Color Purple": For the 25th anniversary of the Steven Spielberg film based on Georgia author Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Warner Bros. has released a collectible, remastered Blu-ray edition. The set includes behind-the-scenes galleries, features on the making of the film, and a 40-page book with cast biographies, rare photos and production notes. (Warner Home Video, $26.98)
"Marvel Knights Animation: Black Panther": Last month, Shout! Factory and Marvel Knights Animation released this DVD based on the 1966 superhero novel by Reginald Hudlin and John Romita. The story follows young King T'Challa, known as the Black Panther, as he governs the mysterious African nation of Wakanda. With guest appearances from the X-Men and Captain America, the DVD features voice-overs from actors Djimon Hounsou, Alfre Woodard, Kerry Washington and Jill Scott. ($14.99)
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