Black History Is for Everyone

by Brian Jones

Black history is under attack from powerful right-wing forces that seek to excise it from classrooms and libraries. Its opponents fail to understand a simple the best education challenges our assumptions and demands we keep at it. It makes us uncomfortable, helps us see larger forces at work, and gives us glimpses of alternate futures.

In Black History Is for Everyone, award-winning educator and scholar Brian Jones offers a meditation on the power of Black history, using his own experiences as a life-long learner and classroom teacher to question everything from the meaning of race and nation to the radicalism of the American Revolution. We see that "race" took centuries to get defined; we follow Frederick Douglass as he grapples with how to relate to the United States and, later, to Haiti; we compare the American, French, and Haitian revolutions; and we learn why the study of Black history has always been threatened.

In this audiobook, Jones offers a persuasive case for Black history and a celebration of the rewards of education. With warmth, immersive storytelling, and good cheer, Jones encourages us to delve deeper into our collective history, explores how curiosity about our world is essential—and reminds us that with stakes so high, the effort is worth it.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics, Social Justice, Race, Education, African American

208 pages, Hardcover

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My opinions are my own and are freely given.

After listening to the gaps people had in the education, I know that my public school did so much better, at least in history and social studies. At the same time, there were huge gaps, probably partly with limited time and the fact that my teachers had learned the same white-washed version of history.

I love learning history, whether it is reading about it or even just watching Tiktoks. This book was very interesting and informative. I really enjoyed learning more about the Black Panthers.

Would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about Black history. Which everyone should.

[Michaela Brant · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need to be reminded why it is powerful and important to read and learn and be curious, and how essential educators and librarians are, read this book!!! Brian Jones's passion for all of this is contagious and it made me want to read a bunch of other books (which was his intention!!) If you want to read a much smarter review of this book, from a history teacher, look here: https://progressive.org/magazine/blac...

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the contradictions and nuances Jones presents…lot to think about for teaching (fugitive pedagogy), and excited to hear him in person!

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Black History Is for Everyone by Brian Jones

Brian Jones’ Black History Is for Everyone is a compelling and accessible exploration of the rich and multifaceted history of Black people. Jones, a seasoned historian and educator, presents a narrative that is both informative and engaging, making Black history relevant and relatable to a broad audience. The book challenges the traditional narratives that have often marginalized or excluded Black experiences, offering instead a comprehensive and inclusive view of history.

Premise & Themes
The book delves into the diverse experiences of Black people across different eras and geographies, highlighting their contributions, struggles, and triumphs. Jones emphasizes that Black history is not just a specialized field but an integral part of world history that has shaped and been shaped by global events. Themes of identity, resilience, and the power of community are woven throughout the narrative.

Strengths & Highlights
-Accessible Writing: Jones’ writing is clear and engaging, making complex historical concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
-Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers a wide range of topics and periods, providing a broad overview of Black history.
-Inclusivity: Jones makes a strong case for why Black history is relevant to everyone, not just those with a direct connection to the Black community.
-Educational Value: The book is a valuable resource for both educators and general readers looking to deepen their understanding of Black history.

Areas for Improvement
Some readers might find that certain sections feel a bit too broad or that the book could benefit from more detailed explorations of specific topics. However, the breadth of coverage is also a strength, providing a comprehensive introduction to the subject.

Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Clarity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – The writing is clear and engaging, making the material accessible.
-Comprehensiveness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – The book covers a wide range of topics and periods.
-Relevance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – The book effectively demonstrates why Black history is important for everyone.
-Educational Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A valuable resource for educators and general readers alike.
-Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – While not entirely new territory, Jones brings a fresh and inclusive perspective.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A compelling and informative book that makes a strong case for the importance of Black history.

Perfect For:
-Educators looking for a comprehensive overview of Black history.
-General readers interested in expanding their understanding of history.
-Anyone seeking to explore the significance of Black history in a broader context.

Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley and Brian Jones for providing an advance review copy of Black History Is for Everyone in exchange for an honest review.

Final Thought: Black History Is for Everyone is a vital and timely work that underscores the importance of understanding and appreciating Black history. Brian Jones has done a remarkable job of making this history accessible and relevant to a wide audience, ensuring that it is recognized as an essential part of our shared human heritage.

[J Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black History is for Everyone by Brian Jones is an engaging, informative, and compelling call to action for people to improve their own lives as well as society at large through a more realistic and open study/teaching of history.

Jones offers personal history along with important documentation to show how important history is to our self-image and our ability to understand our fellow human beings. Especially in our current environment, both in the US where I live and many other countries around the world, where anything that doesn't cater to the feelings and sensibilities of those in power are being not only restricted but erased. In the US the criminal-in-chief is actively trying to erase history and making Stalin look like an amateur. So we must work not just to stop this from happening but also educate ourselves and those growing up in this world more openly and inclusively.

An example of how Jones presents something many of us are aware of but might not have thought of in this way is the story of Frederick Douglass and his role as ambassador to Haiti. Diving deeper into the dynamics of what the US worked to do and Douglass' role as a representative of the US, the very country that once pursued him as a slave, we see those events as something more than what is often taught, or not taught. The story is less about America maintaining its position and more about it acting contrary to its stated ideals largely (exclusively?) because of a social construct: race.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about why Black history, Black international history, is for everyone and for everyone's benefit.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

In discussions of racism, etc. I've always been struck by a sentiment of how it is never too early to teach children about racism, slavery, racial justice, etc. Obviously, Black history is far more than those topics, and so I was intrigued by the title. History is often written by the powerful, and the stories of many have been lost to the depths of time. And today we are seeing attempts to wipe away Black history in classrooms, in public spaces, etc.

Jones talks about various topics such as the concepts of race an race relations, the Haitian Revolution, how and why the education of Black history is constantly under threat, etc. It is not a long book and each chapter is more like an extended essay on these topics. And in doing so, Jones also makes the case that it remains every so important to continue teaching Black history.

I will admit, I thought this book was something else. More of an actual history of the Black history the author thought the reader should learn (and there is some of that) rather than a series of essays of what the author thought. I'm not really sure what it adds to the conversation. Maybe it's because I fully agree with the premise and already came into the book that way.

I think for the right reader this is definitely a good book. A scholar of Black history, if you have a specific interest in what Jones is writing about, etc. might find this to be a good resource. I do think discussing the Haitian Revolution should probably be done more as it was so close to the US one, though, so this was a good perspective on that.

Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Black History is For Everyone by Brian Jones felt both familiar and eye-opening for me as a Virginia native. Growing up here, I was taught certain aspects of Black history in school; names, dates, events—but this book went much further, connecting dots I hadn’t seen laid out so clearly before. It not only deepened my understanding of the history I thought I knew, but it also shed light on stories and perspectives that are too often overlooked or minimized in traditional education. Something which I think the Author was clearly trying to tie together in this book.

What stood out most to me was how Jones emphasizes the importance of recognizing the full depth of Black history, not as something separate, but as something integral to American history itself. The way he ties historical struggles, triumphs, and movements to modern-day contexts gave me a fresh lens through which to view not just the past, but also our present and future.

This book reminded me that no matter how much we think we know about African American history, there is always more to uncover, and that learning benefits everyone. It challenged me to look closer, to listen deeper, and to acknowledge the weight of stories that deserve to be told fully. Informative, necessary, and incredibly timely, Black History is For Everyone really lives up to its title.

[Justin Bitner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book.

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect going into this book, as the title could imply so many different avenues it could travel down. The result was a really informative journey through the history of education and the fight for civil rights in the United States, with a surprising detour to talk through the uprising and establishment of a democracy in Haiti.

I had heard some of the things about Haiti before, and how it was saddled with a crippling debt to France and other countries upon its liberation, but it was really interesting to connect the dots to how that rebellion was viewed throughout the world and how it impacted other events outside of Haiti.

[Dot526 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up. I think Jones would be an excellent person to take a class from/listen to during a lecture, but I wanted more here. This book reads a little like nonfiction for non-nonfiction readers (reminded me of Green’s TB book), but there are still much here that is excellent, and hopefully it’s fast pace and shortness draws in some readers.

The epilogue focuses on one of my favorite Baldwin quotes (“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.”) so this really goes out on a high note for me.

[Kimberly Tierney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written and well-researched book that shows not only how everyone needs to study Black History, but also how simply it can be done. His primary point is that educating ourselves is doable by choosing to immerse ourselves in the resources available to us—the best resource--books. Read biographies, historical accounts, old newspapers, anything. One of my favorite parts of this book was when the author admitted his own unconscious bias of only reading books by and about men until someone pointed it out to him. So, again, in educating himself in the best and easiest way, he began reading books by and about women, too.

This book says so much about the importance that diverse learning makes in the education of society. By finding the books, documentaries, and resources already available to us and using them, we can make the world a little less ignorant and a little more compassionate.

[Michael McEwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opens with an excellent take on the importance of black history in understanding the real story of America followed by chapters on the Haitian revolution (about which I knew nothing) and the Reconstruction era. I found the style to be very readable - personal and humble: the author admits that he has much to learn and gently points out that we all do. The Constitution is a promise America is working towards and as citizens we must examining more perspectives to understand how we got to where we are and to help forge the path forward.

[Ashleigh Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does not exist to tell you all black history, but to give a broad overview, and to direct you to oft ignore moments and people (and further reading about them). It is, at heart, an invitation to keep asking questions, to keep learning, and to keep growing.

[I received an ARC from NetGalley]

[Meghan Lorenc-Shafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that I could feel the author’s love of Black history shine through this! It was short and sweet, focusing on a few historical events that often get taught from a narrow perspective/events that are important for everyone to know. I struggled a bit skipping around time, but enjoyed everything else. I’d totally read more Black history from this author.

[Richard Thornley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the chapter on Haiti quite revelatory!

[Easyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely engaging and well written. Not just for educators, but among other things, he provides a fascinating insight into the history of Black education in the U.S. Read this!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars