13 eye-opening essays and articles from Black writers you should have already read to understand America's problems with race

Crystal M. Fleming, author and associate professor of sociology and Africana Studies at SUNY Stony Brook, recommended works by Ida B. Wells and James Baldwin.Crystal Fleming

• In the wake of nationwide Black Lives Matter protests against racial injustice and police brutality, many Americans are taking steps to educate themselves about racism in the US.
• Business Insider asked Black sociology, history, and literature experts to share the most important nonfiction essays and works of journalism by Black authors on race and racism in America.
• The essays range from "A Report from Occupied Territory" by James Baldwin to "The Case for Reparations" by Ta-Nehisi Coates.

In the wake of the killings of Ahmaud Aubrey, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, activists and thought leaders from the Black Lives Matter movement are calling on Americans to educate themselves on the history of race and racism in the US.

And people are listening. Right now, almost all of the books on The New York Times' nonfiction best-seller list are on race or white privilege. If you're looking for more to read to understand the history of racism and white privilege in America, or if you're not able to purchase a book at this time, consider reading works of journalism on race and oppression by Black authors.

Business Insider asked Black literary and historical experts to share their favorite works of journalism on race by Black authors. Here are the top pieces they recommended everyone read.