Black Film and Television

From Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner, Taraji P. Henson, comes an inspiring and funny book about family, friends, the hustle required to make it from DC to Hollywood, and the joy of living in your own truth.

A fascinating exploration and celebration of the life and work of the coolest man in Hollywood, Samuel L. Jackson--from his star-making turns in the films of Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino to his ubiquitous roles in the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, not to mention the cult favorite Snakes on a Plane.

In Butterfly McQueen Remembered, author Stephen Bourne, who corresponded with Butterfly for many years, draws upon two decades of research to document her life and career. From her memorable role in one of Hollywood's greatest films to her last big screen appearance opposite Harrison Ford in The Mosquito Coast, the details of McQueen's life are captured in this intimate portrait. Bourne chronicles the ups and downs of this talented and generous woman's life, both in front of the camera and far from its glaring spotlight.

Chadwick Boseman will forever be remembered as a sublime acting talent, infusing films like Black Panther, 42, and Get On Up with his trademark blend of charisma, vitality and vulnerability.

In this illuminating insight into Denzel Washington's multifaceted image and remarkable career, Cynthia Baron traces his star persona and impact on mainstream society - from his time as a skilled actor in theatre and television in the 1980s, to his leading man roles in landmark films of the 1990s, to his place in Hollywood's elite in the 2000s.

Film historian Donald Bogle offers a panoramic portrait of Dorothy Dandridge's extraordinary and ultimately tragic life and career, from her early years as a child performer in Cleveland, to her rise as a nightclub headliner and movie star, to her heartbreaking death at 42.

In this unique combination of memoir and cultural history, we come to know one of the greatest stars the world has ever seen--Eartha Kitt--as revealed by the person who knew her best: her daughter.

Fox shares behind-the-scenes tales from some of her biggest movies -- such as Uma Thurman's life-changing advice during Kill Bill and Will Smith's downtime pep talk on Independence Day. And she maps out exactly what it took to come back with a role on the smash hit Empire and her own frisky show on Lifetime,Vivica's Black Magic.

In my book, you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever. This is my story, from a crumbling apartment in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the stage in New York City, and beyond. This is the path I took to finding my purpose but also my voice in a world that didn't always see me.

This book in the series details the life of actress Halle Berry from childhood through adulthood, shedding light on her family background, her personal and professional influences, and her accomplishments and struggles in an industry where many of the parts she played were written with a white actress in mind.

This book is a look at the pervasive racism in Hollywood, as seen through the life and times of actress Hattie McDaniel .

Wil Haygood details Sammy Davis, Jr.'s life and career.

James Earl Jones joined forces with biographer-scholar Penelope Niven to write a moving and memorable book about his life.

Memoir by Cicely Tyson about her life and career.

It's conventional wisdom that Hollywood discriminates against women older than 40. Despite this, Carroll has had an uncoventional yet successful career including a role on Grey's Anatomy that was specifically created for her; the critically acclaimed production The Life & Times of Diahann Caroll, which is touring the US, and her groundbreaking title role in Julia, the first TV show created for a black actress. With wisdom and grace, Carroll talks frankly about her marriages, life and sacrifices.

In this memoir, a true American icon looks back on his celebrated life and career. His body of work is arguably the most morally significant in cinematic history, and the power and influence of that work are indicative of the character of the man behind the many storied roles. Sidney Poitier here explores these elements of character and personal values to take his own measure--as a man, as a husband and father, and as an actor.

Memoir by actress Jenifer Lewis.

""My One Good Nerve"" is an exuberant collection of writings in the down-home tradition by that incomparable icon of the human spirit, Ruby Dee. Married for 50 years to fellow actor Ossie Davis, Dee has led an astonishingly full life. But she has never forgotten where she comes from as an African American woman.

An eloquently told personal account of an era of enormous cultural and political change, which reveals Harry Belafonte as not only one of America's greatest entertainers, but also one of our most profoundly influential activists.

A world-famous singer and actor, a trained lawyer, an early star of American professional football and a polyglot who spoke over a dozen languages. These could be the crowning achievements of a life well-lived, yet for Paul Robeson the higher calling of social justice led him to abandon the theater and Hollywood to become one of the most important political activists of his generation.

At long last, the first serious biography of entertainment legend Lena Horne -- the celebrated star of film, stage, and music who became one of the first African-American icons.

Award-winning actor, director, producer, and activist Kerry Washington shares the deeply moving journey of her life so far, and the "beautiful" story of discovering her truth.

Gabourey Sidibe shares her one-of-a-kind life story in a voice as fresh and challenging as many of the unique characters she's played onscreen since her unconventional rise to international fame in Lee Daniels' acclaimed movie Precious. Her memoir hits hard with self-knowing dispatches on friendship, depression, celebrity, haters, fashion, race, and weight.

This book provides an overview of some of Whoopi Goldberg's most important efforts on Broadway and in motion pictures and television and the world of social activism.

Will Smith opens up fully about his life in this memoir.