Alice Walker's "Everyday Use"--published before 
The Color Purple, this short story shows Walker's growing brilliance (in my opinion).  The portrayals of "education," literacy, and self-awareness are really poignant.  
Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery"--I'm always impressed with the fact that, no matter how many times I read this piece, it still disturbs me.  Did you know they keep this text in the YA section?  Interesting.  If anyone enjoys this story, I highly recommend her novel 
Haunting on Hill House!
Jamaica Kincaid's "Girl"--I love this story (it's a short monologue, really), very powerful and fun to discuss.  In some ways, I think it's closer to poetry than prose...
Happy Reading, ya'll!
		
 
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
				__________________
				You can’t change that system by just getting your own rights, tinkering with the engine and leaving.  You have to take on the whole machine.  
--Riki Anne Wilchins
Hold on to the lessons, let go of the pain.
--Leslie Feinberg