Black Classic Press, Inc.

09/03/2026

Ethiopia and the Origins of Civilization
This month, Black Classic Press is highlighting books centered on Ethiopia, ancient history, the origins of civilization, and the intellectual traditions that connect African history to global history.

These titles are strong fits for Black Studies shelves, African history displays, classroom lists, and readers interested in Ethiopia's place in historical, religious, and political imagination.

Celebrating 100 years of Wonderful Ethiopians of the Ancient Cush*te Empire
Drusilla Dunjee Houston
First published in 1926, Drusilla Dunjee Houston (a self-taught historian), describes the origin of civilization and establishes links among the ancient Black populations in Arabia, Persia, Babylonia, and India. In each case she concludes that the ancient Blacks who inhabited these areas were all culturally related.

Pillars in Ethiopian History: William Leo Hansberry, African History Notebook Volume 1
Joseph E. Harris (Ed.)
The father of African Studies, William Leo Hansberry, examines the myth and legend surrounding some of the African continent's most dynamic countries. Pillars in Ethiopian History (Volume I) consists of four of Hansberry's lectures on the theme of Ethiopian history—the Queen of Sheba legend, the origin and development of Ethiopian Christianity, medieval international relations, and the Prester John legend. These essays are taken from Hansberry's private papers amassed while he taught at Howard University from 1922 to 1959.

Ethiopia Unbound: Studies in Race Emancipation
J. Casely Hayford
Originally published in 1911, Ethiopia Unbound is both a literary and historical narrative that connects Ethiopia to Black political imagination and African identity.

Ethiopia and the Origin of Civilization
John G. Jackson
In Ethiopia and the Origin of Civilizaiton, scholar John G. Jackson challenges Eurocentric history. He argues that ancient African societies, particularly those from Ethiopian and Egypt, were foundational in creating human culture, science, and urban life.
Discover our pamphlet series!
https://www.blackclassicbooks.com/pamphlet-series

Africa: Mother of Western Civilization
Dr. Yosef A. A. ben-Jochannan
Dr. Ben identifies and corrects myths about the inferiority and primitiveness of the indigenous African peoples and their descendants. With cited illustrations and an extended bibliography, Africa: Mother of Western Civilization is essential reading for both academics and the self-taught historian.
Discover our full Dr. Ben collection!
https://www.blackclassicbooks.com/books-by-yosef-ben-jochannan/

09/02/2026

08/06/2026

Marcus Garvey & Garveyism

This month, Black Classic Press is highlighting books on Marcus Garvey, Garveyism, Pan-African thought, Black self-determination, and the political imagination of race-first movements.

These titles are strong for bookstores building displays around Garvey's legacy, Pan-Africanism, Black nationalism, political education, and Diasporic organizing.

Garvey & Garveyism
Amy Jacques Garvey
Garvey & Garveyism is a key title for readers looking for an accessible entry point into Garvey's life, movement, and political legacy. Written by Marcus Garvey's widow, Amy Jacques Garvey, the book provides an insider’s account of the 20th-century Black Nationalism movement. The book provides a first-person narrative of the UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association), detailing the global push for African independence, economic empowerment, and the challenges the movement faced from colonial powers.

Race First: The Ideological and Organizational Struggles of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association
Tony Martin
Race First is a definitive political and historical analysis of Marcus Garvey's Pan-African movement. It chronicles the largest Black mass movement in African-American history and details how Garveyism fought for self-determination amidst immense opposition.

Message to the People: The Course of African Philosophy
Tony Martin (Ed.)
Message to the People is a foundational Pan-African manifesto focused on racial pride, economic empowerment, and self-reliance. Derived from a secret, intensive traiing course for UNIA organizers, this book distills 22 of Garvey's core lessons on leadership, entrepreneurship, and education, urging people of African descent to build strong, self-determined communities.

Black Power and the Garvey Movement
Theodore G. Vincent
Published initially in 1971, Black Power and the Garvey Movement bridges the militant Black nationalist struggles of the 1920s with the Black Power movements of the 1960s. The author presents a multifaceted look at the UNIA, reframing the organization not merely as a "cult" or "escapist" back-to-Africa scheme, but as a robust, worldwide political movement and a powerful force for Black self-reliance.

Marcus Garvey and the Vision of Africa
John Henrik Clarke (Ed.)
Originally published in 1974 this definitive anthology compiles essays, historical critiques, and primary documents to outline Garvey’s Pan-African philosophy, the rise of the UNIA, and his enduring global legacy.

Jailing a Rainbow: The Unjust Trial and Conviction of Marcus Garvey
Justin Hansford
Jailing the Rainbow is a compelling selection for readers interested in law, injustice, political repression, and Garvey's legacy. In the book, Hansford chronicles the politically motivated 1923 mail fraud trial of of Marcus Garvey and argues that the prosecution was a prejudiced attempt by the U.S. government to crush the Black Star Line and neutralize Garvey's global liberation movement.

Literary Garveyism: Garvey, Black Arts and the Harlem Renaissance
Tony Martin
In Literary Garveysim, Tony Martin argues that Marcus the UNIA was the true foundation of the Harlem Renaissance. It corrects historical narratives by showing how Garveyites promoted Black literature, hosted early book competitions, and laid the groundwork for a Black aesthetic.
https://www.blackclassicbooks.com/search.php?page=1§ion=product&search_query=Marcus+Garvey

07/27/2026

Get your books and meet our founder, Paul Coates at the Black Books Matter Fest presented by MahoganyBooks. We’re celebrating the fourth year of celebrating Black Books Matter Day in Prince George’s County. Drop a comment below and let us know you’re coming.

06/22/2026

Dear Friends,

As you read this the United States is inflicting real, daily pain and suffering on the people of Cuba. Families, children, and the elderly are dying because this administration is set on toppling the will of a free people. Cuba stands tall, but the embargo — the denial of food, medicine and oil — has taken a devastating toll on ordinary Cuban people. This is an atrocity being carried forward in our name, paid for with our tax dollars.

So many of you have asked: How can we help? What can we do? I say: respond to this urgent appeal from IFCO.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?campaign_id=9M5SGTNTPYB8J

Right now, IFCO is mounting an emergency campaign to deliver 60,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies to the Cuban people this August. Food. Medicine. Essentials. Dignity. But they need our help to make it happen.

I have supported IFCO for many years. They are one of the most trusted, longest-standing organizations doing this work with decades of showing up when it matters most. I believe in them completely.

So here is my personal ask: click the donate button and give what you can. Then give a little more. This is one of those moments where our action — or our inaction — will be noted by the Cuban people and people of conscience around the world.

We are community,
Paul Coates

03/18/2026

JOIN US NOW to learn about the NEW BCP Affiliates program from BCP Digital Printing (agooddaytoprint.com). You earn cash rewards and your connections can earn awesome perks when you refer them to print with BCP!

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03/13/2026

Stop by our table at the 50th annual National Council for Black Studies Conference for

📚book bundles that you can only buy during

📕🤕 1/2 off hurt books

🔖 a selection BCP books specially curated for conference attendees

National Council for Black Studies

Plus, share your love for the community by with a special shoutout during our livestream!