10 Personal Development Books by Black Authors to Inspire Your Growth
I’m a voracious reader. One of my Top 5 Strengths is Input – I love collecting information.
And the books I’m drawn to most often are self-help and personal development books. I’ve read countless books on personal finance, spirituality, personal growth, and success. And I’ve realized something.
The personal development field has a lot of people who look the same. When I look at my bookshelves or my Audible library, there are a lot of white, male faces.
And that’s not always the perspective I want to hear.
It’s important to be intentional about who we learn from, whose perspectives we listen to, and whose lessons enrich our lives.
I’ve made it my personal mission to seek out perspectives different from my own, and that has been such an important part of my personal growth journey.
And for Black women, it’s important to find perspectives from people like you. To know that there’s someone who’s shared your struggles and can relate to your experiences.
For the purposes of this article, I’ll be writing from my personal perspective as a white woman seeking out voices from Black authors.
And in my experience reading these books, I learned that when you open yourself to new ideas, experiences and insights, you open yourself to limitless possibility.
You may see things more clearly. You may realize a new option. You may take on a new perspective. And you may learn something new about yourself.
And isn’t that the whole point of personal development?
So in honor of Black History Month and my ongoing commitment to antiracism, I’m sharing ten of my favorite books by Black authors to help you incorporate diverse ideas into your personal growth journey.
Here are 10 personal development books by Black authors to inspire your growth:
1. Do Better: Spiritual Activism for Fighting and Healing from White Supremacy by Rachel Ricketts
I’ve been following Rachel Ricketts for a while and have participated in her Spiritual Activism workshops, so when she announced her new book, I pre-ordered immediately. Actually, I bought two copies!
This is such an important book, and it’s coming at the perfect time. The world needs healing now more than ever, and that healing starts within. Rachel writes this book from the beautiful intersection of love and anger, sharing that white supremacy harms us all. No matter which part of the work you’re doing (learning, fighting, healing), emotions and grief are part of that process. This is not a comfortable journey, but it’s up to each of us to Do Better.
What I love most about the book are the integration exercises at the end of each chapter. Rachel provides Spiritual Soulcare Offerings in the form of reflective journal prompts, meditations, embodiment exercises, and calls to action. This is where the real work happens, and Rachel so thoughtfully included these practices to help readers heal through the work so we can keep going. It’s not easy for anyone, and she reminds us that we need to take care of ourselves if we’re going to continue to fight oppression.
Radical racial justice starts from the inside out. It involves daily, intentional work to learn, grow, and change. Do Better provides the spiritual tools and solutions we need to get unstuck, mitigate harm, and heal our hearts.
2. Abundance Now: Amplify Your Life & Achieve Prosperity Today by Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols is one of the most notable personal development authors and speakers, known as America’s #1 Breakthrough Coach. She was featured in the movie The Secret, and has appeared as a featured coach on the Steve Harvey Show.
She is the first person I think of when I want to learn to shift to an abundance mindset. In Abundance Now, Lisa shares her story of being a single mom, relying on public assistance and jumping from one dead-end job to another. Until one day when she resolved to break the habits of negative thoughts, scarcity mindset and defeatist behavior keeping her stuck. When she shifted to an abundance mindset, her entire life changed.
In Abundance Now, Lisa shares her tips, secrets and strategies to help you shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. She shares that abundance is available to everyone. It’s about bounty, plenty, and more than enough to go around. Lisa teaches us how to cultivate abundance in all areas of our life using her 4E’s method: Enrichment, Enchantment, Engagement, and Endowment. She provides real stories, action plans, and important lessons to help us all shift into an abundant life.
3. The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life, Freedom, and Justice by Anthony Ray Hinton
I first learned about this book when I watched an Oprah Conversations episode where she interviewed Anthony Ray Hinton. It was early March 2020, when we all started quarantining due to the Coronavirus. The future was uncertain – would we have to stay inside for a few weeks, months, or years?
Ray was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1985, sentenced to the death penalty, and served thirty years on death row, an innocent man. This book is an account of his time on death row and his quest to prove his innocence, alongside civil rights attorney, Bryan Stevenson.
Oprah asked Ray to relate his time living in isolation on Death Row to living in isolation during the pandemic. He the one thing that kept him going and motivated to continue fighting for his freedom was his powerful visualization practice. Ray visualized everything from vacations with Halle Berry to driving a new sports car to feeling the sun on his face. He kept hope alive in his heart with these visualizations, and it kept his spirit alive despite the pain, loss and despair he suffered in prison.
This book is not only an incredible story of a mentally strong and determined man; it contains bountiful lessons for us all. On one hand, it’s an inside look at the broken criminal justice system and a powerful awakening to the truths of Black men’s experiences living in racist America. And in the personal development sense, it teaches us that we have the power to overcome our circumstances, even when our freedom is taken away. We can train our minds to find joy and hope and gratitude. We can create our own future through visualization (even if we never meet Halle Berry!). And we can persevere against all odds, with the power of our own minds.
4. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
When Shonda Rhimes, the acclaimed creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal (and more), declined invitations to speak at events or make television appearances, she didn’t do so because of her busy schedule – she said no out of fear. One day, her sister gave her the wake-up call she needed, “you never say yes to anything.”
With that realization, Shonda decided to challenge herself. For one year, she would say yes to every invitation, opportunity, and event – anything that scared her. Through her memoir, Shonda teaches us that sometimes we need a push from someone we love to take the leap. Sometimes, no matter how much we want something, there’s a line that we just won’t cross. But a trusted friend or family member (like Shonda’s sister) can give us the gentle push we need. She also teaches us to just say yes, without asking too many questions. I love this because I always say, “clarity comes from taking action.” How will you know what’s in alignment or what feels good if you don’t try things? She encourages us to try many different things until you find your passions, then leave the rest.
One of the biggest lessons for me when reading Year of Yes was to start accepting compliments. Not being modest or downplaying my strengths and talents, but really accepting the compliment and “standing in the sun.” All it takes is a simple, “thank you” to start accepting love and support from others. And when you realize that others love and support you, you can start to love yourself for who you are.
5. The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life's Direction and Purpose by Oprah Winfrey
Obviously, Oprah is the queen of personal development, and she has been such an important teacher in my own life, so I couldn’t create a list of books without mentioning one of hers!
This was one of the books that influenced me to seek out my own purpose, then to teach others to do the same. Oprah says that everyone has a purpose, and, “your real job in life is to figure out as soon as possible what that is, who you are meant to be, and begin to honor your calling in the best way possible.”
In The Path Made Clear, Oprah guides us with stories, wisdom and a framework to discover our purpose so we can all live a life of success and significance. Oprah encourages us to pay attention to our strengths and gifts, which she calls our “seeds of our identity.” Sometimes these seeds are obvious to us, and we pursue them effortlessly. Other times, the seeds are buried deep, or we ignore the seeds, staying safe in our comfort zones. Oprah helps us listen for those seeds and follow them to our passions and purpose.
Oprah also uses this book to redefine success. In her eyes, the ultimate goal is that we get to a point where we have a balance between our inner thoughts and our outer actions. She takes us on a journey through The Roots (how you ground yourself), The Whispers (your soul’s calling), The Clouds (dreams and resistance), The Give (being of service), and The Reward, with examples from celebrities she’s interviewed. And on that journey, the biggest lesson is that we’ll find our path if we continue to listen.
6. Clever Girl Finance: Ditch Debt, Save Money, and Build Real Wealth by Bola Sokunbi
Finally, a personal finance book written by a woman, for women! This is one of the most accessible personal finance books I’ve read, and one I recommend to anyone with a goal of improving her finances. It’s relatable, lighthearted, and packed with tips and strategies for wherever you are in your personal finance journey.
Bola Sokunbi teaches us how to create (and stick to) a budget, pay off debt and keep our credit scores in check, start investing to create real wealth, and more. Plus, she shares stories from real women who have achieved financial independence. This book made me feel like I wasn’t alone – and it made the topic of personal finance a bit more approachable for me.
Bola also dives into money mindset, which starts with taking responsibility for where you are in your personal finance journey and finding the motivation to transform your life. Bola meets you where you are and makes it feel comfortable and safe to talk about finances, even if you feel like a novice.
7. She’s Still There: Rescuing the Girl in You by Chrystal Evans Hurst
This book is for anyone who feels stuck or lost in some aspect of their life. For anyone who doesn’t recognize themselves anymore. It’s a powerful guide to help you come back to who you’re meant to be, even if you’ve made mistakes or denied your passions or purpose or followed someone else’s dream for your life.
Chrystal Evans Hurst wrote this book to encourages women and help us believe in ourselves. She embraces the messy path of personal development and reminds us that it’s okay to not like where you are, as long as you like who you are. As Chrystal says, “you are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.”
I love that this book is written like you’re chatting with a supportive girlfriend, and Chrystal’s stories are so relatable for so many women. It’s helpful to feel like you’re not alone when you’re on a path to finding yourself again, and this book provides that sense of support.
8. The Secret to Success by Eric Thomas
Eric Thomas was one of the first voices I heard when I began my personal development journey. My mentor shared a YouTube video with me which quickly became my go-to source of motivation. I shared it with everyone and continue to refer to it in workshops and leadership development activities.
In the video, there’s a clip of one of Eric Thomas’s speeches, where he talks about obligation vs. opportunity. This was such a powerful message for me, and it’s one I return to over and over again. After watching the video on repeat for weeks, I found ET’s podcast and his first book, The Secret to Success.
What’s the secret? As ET says, “when you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful.” He has an inspiring and dynamic way of getting through to even the most jaded of minds. ET leans on his experience as a homeless high school dropout to becoming a CEO and highly sought-after motivational speaker.
This is the book for you if you’re feeling frustrated, hopeless or cynical about your journey to greatness. If you believe you’ll never reach your dreams or have what you desire, read this book first. Let ET change your heart and mind.
9. The One-Minute Money Mentor for Women: 21 Strategies for Financial Empowerment by Deborah Smith Pegues, CPA, MBA
This was one of the (many) books I bought on personal finance when I began my debt freedom journey. I really love how actionable it is, and how Deborah includes real stories from real women she’s worked with. It made me feel less alone on my personal finance journey.
The One-Minute Money Mentor helps you face your reality, really looking at the current state of where you are and address any emotional barriers to financial freedom. This was a huge awakening moment for me. But she doesn’t stop there. The book also includes financial literacy lessons, teaching you everything from paying off debt to budgeting to investing. It’s such an accessible, easy to read book, and I like how Deborah weaves her spirituality into the book, giving it a more personable touch.
This is definitely one book you need to include in your personal finance repertoire. I read it as part of my morning routine, reading one or two chapters each day and reflecting on that topic in my journal. It made it a little less scary to go deeper into personal finance.
10. Everyday Plant-Based Meals You'll Just Love: A Practical Guide to Staying on Track by Zelda Jane Curry
Okay, so maybe this book isn’t technically a personal development book, but physical health and nutrition are part of personal development and wellbeing in my eyes. Plus, this book is written by a friend (under a pseudonym), so I’m extra excited to share it with you.
What I really love about the book is that it's not a recipe book; it's a strategy book. Zelda introduces the concept of a "menu palette," which is a collection of food options from which you can create a variety of meals - genius!
Although she ran into several snags in her book writing and publishing journey, she never gave up. Her passion of helping more people acclimate to a plant-based diet was more powerful than any thought of quitting. What an amazing lesson for all of us who question whether we should keep going when we make a mistake or hit a roadblock.
If you're thinking about making the switch to a plant-based lifestyle, or you just want to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine (hello, Green Citrus Smoothie), you’ll want to buy this book!
The Takeaway
Closing the gender pay gap and building a more equitable world starts with being intentional about where we spend our money and who we learn from. Purchasing the books in this article is one way you can center Black voices and celebrate Black History Month – this month and beyond.
But don’t stop there! Think about other categories or genres of books you enjoy. Look at your current collection: what voices are missing? What perspectives can you learn from? Be intentional about including fiction, memoir, business, or history books by Black authors.
Take action now: Choose one book from this list and purchase it through a local Black-owned bookstore, or search online here. Then, leave me a comment with your biggest takeaway from the book you read!
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