Creating a Mama Culture book club is more than just organizing a group of mothers to read together; it’s about fostering a sense of community, deepening our understanding of Black culture, and enriching our lives through shared experiences. A Mama Culture book club can be a powerful way to connect with other women, engage in meaningful conversations, and collectively explore the rich narratives that shape our communities.

The Meaning of Reading Together

Reading in the context of a book club offers something unique that solitary reading cannot: the shared experience of discovering, questioning, and reflecting together. When mothers come together to read and discuss books, they create a space where ideas can be exchanged, perspectives broadened, and connections deepened. The discussions that arise in a Mama Culture book club allow members to see the world through each other’s eyes, fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of solidarity.

Moreover, a book club provides accountability and motivation. Knowing that others are reading alongside you encourages you to stay committed, even when life gets busy. It also allows you to articulate your thoughts and engage in dialogue, which can lead to deeper insights and a more profound understanding of the material.

Here’s how you can start one, tips for success, and why it’s such a meaningful endeavor.

Getting Started

Starting a Mama Culture book club begins with gathering a group of like-minded mothers who are interested in exploring Black literature and culture or another genre. Begin by reaching out to friends, neighbors, or fellow moms in your community who share your passion for reading and learning. Social media platforms, local community centers, or homeschool/school networks can also be great places to connect with potential members. Aim for a manageable group size that fosters open discussion—typically between 6 and 12 members.

Once you have a core group, decide on the logistics: how often you’ll meet, where you’ll meet (in person or virtually), and how you’ll communicate (email, group chat, etc.). Monthly meetings work well for most book clubs, giving members enough time to read and reflect on the chosen book. Choose a comfortable, welcoming location for your gatherings, such as a member’s home, a local café, or even a park, depending on your preferences and circumstances. Below are a few pictures from my homeschool group’s Maroon Moms Book Club. It was launched by some of our super creative mamas, and we meet quarterly at various locally-owned coffee shops.

Tips for Success

1. Select Books with Intention: When choosing books, consider the interests of your group as well as the pillars of Mama Culture— literature, arts, and cultural narratives. Choose a diverse mix of genres and authors, ensuring that the books reflect the breadth and depth of Black American culture. Consider rotating the responsibility of book selection among members, or create a list of potential titles together at the start of the year. This allows everyone to have a voice in the choices and ensures a variety of perspectives.
2. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: A successful book club thrives on open, respectful discussion. Encourage members to share their thoughts and opinions freely, without fear of judgment. Start each meeting with an icebreaker or a fun activity to set a relaxed tone. Establish ground rules for discussions, such as active listening, not interrupting, and being open to differing viewpoints. The goal is to create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their insights and learning from one another.
3. Incorporate Reflective Practices: To deepen the experience, provide members with guided questions or prompts to think about while reading. During meetings, use these prompts to kickstart discussions and explore key themes, characters, and cultural contexts. Encourage members to bring quotes or passages that resonated with them and discuss why. This practice helps to ensure that everyone is engaged and allows for richer, more thoughtful conversations.
4. Encourage Personal and Communal Growth: After the discussions have ended and the last page of the book has been turned, consider how to extend the impact of what you’ve learned. Members might choose to journal about their reflections, continue researching topics that piqued their interest, or explore other works by the same author. Some book clubs host guest speakers who can provide additional context or insights or create a shared resource list of related readings, films, or articles that can further enrich the group’s understanding. You might also organize group activities related to the books, such as visiting a local museum exhibit, attending a cultural event, or volunteering together. A Mama Culture book club has the potential to ripple out into the wider community, spreading awareness, understanding, and positive change.
5. Keep It Manageable and Enjoyable: Remember that the book club should be a source of joy and fulfillment, not another stressor in members’ lives. Be mindful of everyone’s time constraints and life demands. Choose books that are manageable in length and content, and consider offering a mix of lighter reads along with more challenging ones. If a book isn’t resonating with the group, don’t be afraid to switch to something else. The focus should always be on making the experience enjoyable and rewarding for everyone involved.

Creating a Mama Culture book club is an opportunity to nurture personal growth, build meaningful connections, and celebrate the richness of Black culture through literature. It’s a space where mothers can gather, share, and learn together, transforming the solitary act of reading into a communal journey of discovery.

Whether you’re exploring powerful narratives, discussing cultural themes, or simply enjoying the company of like-minded women, a Mama Culture book club offers the chance to deepen your understanding of the world and your place within it. By starting your own group and prioritizing intentionality, reflection, and joy, you’re not just creating a book club—you’re cultivating a community of learning, empathy, and transformation. So gather your circle, open a book, and let the conversations begin. There’s no telling how far they might take you.

Want to know more? Find out why Mama Culture matters.

Check me out on Instagram @heritagemomblog where I share book ideas for kids and adults.