Dr. Jerry W. Ward Jr. reviewed author Kevin Powell’s newest book, The Education of Kevin Powell: A Boy’s Journey into Manhood.

Last week was Banned Books Week. See HBW’s recap here.

At the New Yorker festival, Toni Morrison spoke out on topics ranging from her writing to race relations, both past and present.

Maya Angelou’s art collection sold for 1.3 million dollars at auction. Anglou, civil rights activist and author of the best selling novel I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, died last year at the age of 86.

The Root revisited The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

In NPR’s segment CodeSwitch, author D. Watkins spoke about his newest book. The Beast Side: Living and Dying While Black in America details Watkins’s experience growing up in the drug infested area of East Balimore during the crack era.

Janelle Harris wrote a letter for Beautiful Project’s #dearblackgirl campaign. The campaign encouraged readers to write letters to young black girls as a way to encourage a love of one’s self.

Jarrett Carter of HBCU Digest discussed the controversial issue of affirmative action. Will eradicating affirmative action help renew an interest in HBCUs?