Black Like Me

In Black Like Me, John Howard Griffin explores racial injustice in 1950s America through his experiences as a disguised black man, revealing the harsh realities of segregation.

In Black Like Me, John Howard Griffin recounts his transformative journey across the Deep South in 1959, where he disguised himself as a black man to experience the harsh realities of racial discrimination firsthand. This poignant narrative sheds light on the pervasive racism that defined America during the Jim Crow era. The book, first published in 1961, quickly became a bestseller, selling over five million copies and igniting conversations about race and identity in a deeply divided nation.

Griffin's account is not only a personal memoir but also a powerful social commentary that exposes the brutal truths of segregation. Through his experiences, he reveals the daily struggles faced by African Americans, challenging readers to confront their own beliefs and biases. The book's legacy is complex; while it has been celebrated as an anti-racist classic, it has also faced criticism for its perspective and the implications of a white man narrating the black experience.

Now, reissued for its 60th anniversary, Black Like Me includes a new foreword by Bernardine Evaristo, who reflects on the book's enduring relevance. Despite the controversies surrounding it, Griffin's work remains an essential read for those seeking to understand the historical context of racism in America and the ongoing fight for equality.