John,
Yesterday was National Book Lovers Day, and to mark the occasion we asked the team leading our work at Bloomberg Philanthropies to recommend books that inspire them. Here's what they shared:
by Mason Klein
A visual catalog of the powerful ways that art can shape the world around us. Along with incredible photos, it includes essays from the Jewish Museum's 2021 show about mid-twentieth century popular culture, as created by extraordinary artists like Herbert Bayer, Gordon Parks, Lisette Model, and Richard Avedon.
by Alex Johnston
Common assumptions about philanthropic giving don't always translate into tangible impacts on the common good. This book teaches donors to think differently, in ways that drive what the author calls "meaningful giving." It's an especially important framework in education, where there is a history of "throwing money at problems" without a sharp enough focus on the ultimate goal: helping students succeed and build brighter futures.
by Heather McTeer Toney
A close look at the unique impact climate change is having on Black communities in America, by Heather McTeer Toney, former mayor of Greenville, Mississippi and Vice President of Community Engagement at the Environmental Defense Fund -- who now serves as Executive Director of our Beyond Petrochemicals initiative.
by Sascha Haselmayer
Mayors and their teams are directly engaged in the challenges their residents face, and this book is a great reminder that most of those challenges can't be tackled with quick and easy fixes. It's essential for local leaders to understand -- and clearly communicate to the people they serve -- that sustainable change requires time, effort, and innovation.
by William H. Foege
The inspiring story of one of the most important public health victories in history, showing how coordinated efforts can save lives and protect people around the world from devastating illnesses.
edited by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown
This collection of essays by Black artists, activists, academics, and cultural figures explores "the Black experience with vulnerability and shame resilience." Told from a range of perspectives and voices, the book brings to life unique stories, struggles, and triumphs of Black life.
by Meizhu Lui, Bárbara Robles, Betsy Leondar-Wright, Rose Brewer, and Rebecca Adamson
A look back at how the wealth gap we see today has been driven by laws, policies, and structural racism throughout history -- and why it will take new laws and policies to help people, families, and communities of color build wealth.
We hope you find something to inspire you in this list.
Thanks,
Bloomberg Philanthropies
