Biographies, Autobiographies and Memoirs

Prior to completing this exhibit, we received a message from someone inquiring about books which tell inspiring stories about African Americans in recovery. Scroll down to view information on inspiring biographies, autobiographies and memoirs of African American in Recovery.

 African American Recovery Biographies, Autobiographies and Memoirs

Allen, C (1995). I'm Black and I'm Sober. Hazelden, Center City, MN. (The first autobiography written by a recovering African American Woman)

Asfaw, Fawna (2022). Sober Daughter: A Memoir of Grief, Addiction, and Recovery. Goodwrk Productions.

Baker, V. (2017). God and Starbucks: An NBA Super Stars Journey Through Addiction and Recovery. Harper Collins. New York, NY. (The book shares the recovery journey of a former NBA Basketball star Vin Baker)

Broome, B. Punch Me Up to The Gods. (2021). Houghton Mifflin Publishing. New York, NY (A memoir which tells the story of a dark skinned boy, growing up with an attraction to other boys, who eventually turned to drugs as a coping mechanism. Winner of numerous book writing awards)

Cain, T. (2017). Healing Neen: One Woman's Path to Salvation From Trauma And Addiction. Health Communication. Deerfield Beach, FL. (The book chronicles Cain's journey from childhood trauma, prostitution, homelessness and crime to her becoming a foremost expert of trauma informed care and recovery)

Carroll, Rebecca (2021). Surviving the White Gaze: A Memoir. Simon & Schuster

Cole, N. (2000). Angel on My Shoulder. Warner Books. New York, NY. (The autobiography of Grammy Award Winning Singer Natalie Cole, which includes her recovery story)

Davis-Taylor, J. Won By Decision: From Victim To Victorious. Independent Publication. Charleston, SC. (A biography which shares a story of healing, hope, compassion, forgiveness, honor, dignity and recovery)

Duncan, Lenny (2021). United States of Grace A Memoir of Homelessness, Addiction, Incarceration, and Hope. Broadleaf Books

Gouche, J. (2013). How Would I know?  Jackie Gouche Kindle Edition. (This autobiography describes Gouche's journey from backup singer to some of the most successful lead singers in the world through addiction, incarceration and recovery)

Green, W. (1995). Dysfunctional By Design: The Rebirth of Cultural Survivors Self Help By African American Substance Abusers. Spectrum. Chicago, IL. (In this book William Green describes his own recovery journey and his over three-decade career as a substance use disorders professional, educator and writer).

Guy, J. (2005). AfeniShakur: Evolution of A Revolutionary. Atria Books. New York, NY. (This biography shares the recovery journey of Afeni Shakur a former leader in the Black Panther Party and mother of the late rapper Tupoc Shakur).

Haley, A. & Malcoplm X (1987). The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Ballantine Book. New York, NY. (This book describes the life journey of Malcolm X from Childhood to life on the streets as a hustler in New York and Boston, through incarceration, religious transformation, recovery and civil rights/human rights advocacy)

Henderson, T. and Luksa, F. (2004). In Control. The Rebirth of An NFL Legend. Sports Publishing. New York, NY. (This autobiography is the story of Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson. It describes his resurrection from active addiction to recovery and his life as a community activist and philanthropist)

Laymon, Kiese (2019). Heavy: An American Memoir. Scribner.

Lee-Sexton, F. (2021). From Recovery To Discovery: My Journey Through Addiction. Kindle Edition. (The book describes Lee-Sexton's journey and life transformation from active addiction to long term recovery, entrepreneurship, award winning body builder and motivational speaker)

Lewis, Marc (2013) Memoirs of an Addicted Brain. PublicAffairs.

Myles, T. and Lewis, L.A. (2023). From The Crack House to The White House: My Journey from Tragedy To Triumph. Tonja Myles. Self Published. (A testimony of how God delivered the author from active addiction to triumph)

Moore, L. (2016). Unashamed. B & H Books. Brentwood, TN. (Rapper LeCrae's memoir. A 2 time Grammy Winning Artist shares his journey from addiction to recovery).

Ray-Charles, S. (2013). Behind The Shades: Hope Beyond The Darkness. Vox Dei Publishing. (This autobiography tells the recovery story of singer Sheila Ray Charles, the daughter of Rock-In-Roll Hall of Fame Singer Ray Charles)

Robbins, Laura Cathcart (2023). Stash: My Life in Hiding. Atria Books 

Hanief Saterfield (2022). Sobriety in Black: Confession of a Retired Alcoholic. Black Crown Publishing.

Stokes, D. (2011). From The Crack House To The White House: Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities. Life's Work Publishing Company. Morrow, GA. (Stokes shares her recovery journey to encourage and inspire others)

Strawberry, D. (2010). Straw: Finding My Way. Ecco Books. New York, NY. (This New York Times Best Selling Memoir shares the recovery story of Baseball Star Darryl Strawberry)

Wade, J. (2010). Divine Grace: Behind the Walls. Jolinda Wade Publisher. Chicago, IL. (The book shares the recovery testimony of Jolinda Wade, the mother of NBA superstar Dwayne Wade. Minister wade shares the story of how God delivered her from active addiction to recovery and ministry)

Ward, Jesmyn (2014) Men We Reaped: A Memoir. Bloomsbury USA

Williams, J. (2017). Life Is Not an Accident: A Memoir of Reinvention. Harper Collins. New York, NY. (This New York Times Best Selling Memoir tells the recovery journey of Jay Williams whose addiction began after his NBA career was cut short following a motorcycle accident and his ongoing success in recovery)