Woke
Noun | \ ˈwōk \
Aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice)
Contrary to what producers on Jeopardy! may think, to stay woke does not mean to literally not go to sleep.
When thinking about what it means to #StayWoke, Merriam-Webster’s definition above is a good place to start. But it doesn't quite stop there. Complex magazine further defines the term woke, born from African American Vernacular English, or AAVE, as “a coming of age, and to be woke is a specific sort of awareness, inextricably tied to the challenge of navigating America in a black body.” That's better, but still lacking. Who can be woke? Is it possible to be woke in one area but not others? Can only African Americans stay woke, or does it extend to other people of color, and even white people? What about intersectionality?
The task of being and staying woke is a huge and constant one. Not sure what that means, or where to start? Well, we’ve rounded up a list of books to help you. We could offer you a 100-book-long list, and it still wouldn’t be comprehensive. However, from history and race relations to religion and activism, these books will get you started.
Editor's Note: Spine Media has an affiliate partnership with Amazon, so we may get a share of the revenue when you purchase through our website.
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