There’s nothing juicier than a good celebrity memoir!
In a world where people are obsessed with the lives of the stars they adore and aspire to be like, there’s an infatuation with learning everything there is to know about public figures, whether it’s Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz or living sports legend Allen Iverson.
Here are 11 celebrity memoirs that every Black reader should have on their shelves.
‘Around the Way Girl’ by Taraji P. Henson
Released in 2016, Taraji P. Henson’s autobiography details her journey to Hollywood from Washington, D.C.
The book follows Henson’s life as a single mother, peels back the layers of her upbringing and is candid about her life navigating Hollywood.
‘The Autobiography of Gucci Mane’ by Gucci Mane
Co-authored with Neil Martinez-Belkin, this New York Times bestselling memoir details Gucci Mane’s life, including his Alabama roots and his work as a pioneer in Atlanta’s trap music scene.
Moreover, he shares the not-so-shiny moments of life as a rapper, opening up about addiction and his infamous beef with fellow Atlanta rapper Jeezy.
‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X’ by Alex Haley and Malcolm X
Listed as one of Time’s most important books, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, as told to Roots: The Saga of an American Family author Alex Haley, is a classic 1965 book detailing the life of influential civil rights leader Malcolm X.
Malcolm X’s philosophy of Black pride, Black nationalism and pan-Africanism is outlined throughout the book, and it homes in on his fight for Black empowerment, while simultaneously exposing racism in American society. The sad part is that it still reads as if it were written today.
‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama
The former first lady chronicles her life from childhood, being raised in Chicago, to the journey that led her to the White House.
It’s a personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance, offering a unique glance into her life, outside of being married to America’s first Black president. Readers get to know what makes Michelle Obama tick, her advocacy for women and girls and more.
Her latest title, The Look, was published in November and recently won a 2026 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work-Biography/Autobiography. It explores her style evolution and showcases the power of fashion as a tool for storytelling, self-expression and confidence.
‘Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood’ by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah’s critically acclaimed 2016 memoir details his life as a mixed-race child born to a Black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss-German father during apartheid.
Revered as powerful, a bit humorous, and a poignant look at growing up under racist laws, Born a Crime specifically highlights his mother’s perseverance alongside his journey to becoming an adult.
‘The House of Hidden Meanings’ by RuPaul
A candid memoir by RuPaul Charles, The House of Hidden Meanings is the story of his journey from a queer Black youth in San Diego to a global drag icon.
Exploring early life to his rise in the punk/drag scenes, sobriety and everything in between, RuPaul bears it all in the autobiography’s pages.
‘I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings’ by Maya Angelou
A story of becoming, yet often challenged and banned, Maya Angelou’s 1969 autobiography is the first in a series of books that detail her early life from ages 3 to 16, centering on overcoming childhood trauma, abuse, racism and more.
Many have deemed it a necessary coming-of-age story for Black women; it challenges social norms, hence why some think it’s “too raw” to be on bookshelves.
‘Matriach: A Memoir’ by Tina Knowles
Selected for Oprah’s Book Club, this revealing memoir is penned by the mother of two of this generation’s most popular and talented musicians, where she details the role she played in the making and rise of Destiny’s Child, not wanting Solange to pursue music and her journey from Louisiana to Houston, among other items.
Knowles also opens up about her marriage to Matthew Knowles and later Richard Lawson, while reminding readers of the importance of adapting a family-first mentality, as well as one rooted in self-love.
‘Misunderstood’ by Allen Iverson
In Misunderstood, sports phenomenon Allen Iverson candidly details his difficult journey from childhood in Virginia to his destiny of becoming a pioneer in the world of basketball we know today, from setting trends in fashion to remaining true to himself and beyond.
His memoir, co-written alongside Ray Beauchamp, covers everything from the event that changed his life in high school to his take on practicing at the press conference that served as a career-defining moment.
‘The Mother of Black Hollywood’ by Jenifer Lewis
Widely recognized as “The Mother of Black Hollywood,” Jenifer Lewis leaned into the role as the title of her memoir, where she shares her journey from Midwestern poverty to Hollywood stardom.
She also opens up about sex addiction as well as the undiagnosed mental illness that led to her diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and her life through that lens.
‘Will’ by Will Smith
Oprah Winfrey called it “the best memoir I’ve ever read,” and Will became a New York Times bestseller. In it, Will Smith brings readers into his world, growing up in Philadelphia, to becoming one of Hollywood’s most prominent actors.
The West Philly native opens up about family dynamics, childhood traumas and moments that changed his life forever, leading to a meteoric rise in his culture.
The post 11 Memoirs Every Black Reader Should Have On Their Shelf appeared first on Blavity.
