Troy Johnson

“I lead the world's oldest and largest online platform dedicated to books by and about people of African descent.”

Biography

Troy D. Johnson is the founder and president of the African American Literature Book Club (AALBC), one of the largest and most comprehensive platforms dedicated to Black literature. He established AALBC in 1997 to provide an online space for readers to explore and celebrate books by Black authors. Over the years, it has grown into a vital resource for the literary community, promoting both emerging and established Black writers.

Johnson’s work is characterized by his commitment to amplifying Black voices in the literary world. Through AALBC, he has created a platform that showcases the rich diversity of Black experiences, giving authors a venue to share stories that may be overlooked by mainstream publishing. His site features book reviews, author interviews, and a wide range of resources, helping Black authors reach broader audiences and ensuring that their work is accessible to readers globally.

In addition to his work with AALBC, Johnson has been an advocate for preserving Black literature and history. He believes in the importance of keeping the legacy of Black authors alive for future generations. By promoting works that reflect Black culture and heritage, he plays a pivotal role in maintaining these narratives within the public consciousness.

Johnson’s efforts also include challenging the systemic barriers faced by Black writers in the publishing industry. By offering them a platform and advocating for their inclusion in the larger literary landscape, he helps address the biases that have historically limited their visibility and success. His advocacy extends beyond publishing, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation through the promotion of literature that highlights the complexity and richness of Black experiences.

Through his leadership, AALBC has become a trusted resource for readers seeking to engage with diverse literary voices. The site not only curates book recommendations but also organizes events and builds a community of readers who are passionate about Black literature. Johnson’s dedication has made a lasting impact on both authors and readers, ensuring that Black literature continues to thrive and be celebrated.

Troy D. Johnson’s influence in the world of Black literature has earned him recognition as a key figure in promoting and preserving Black voices and stories, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable literary world.

Education

MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business
MS from Polytechnic University (now NYU Tandon School of Engineering)
BS in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University
Stanford University’s Publishing on the Web course

Professional Experience and Entrepreneurship

President of the African American Literature Book Club, the oldest and largest website dedicated to books by or about people of African descent
Book Publisher
Over 20 years of corporate experience in various roles, including network design for defense contractors and managing international projects for Wall Street firms

Teaching and Speaking

Adjunct Lecturer at Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business (2014 – 2022)
Presenter at conferences and events globally, including The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival and The National Black Writers Conference

Awards and Honors

Madam “CJ” Walker Award for Merit from the Hurston/Wright Foundation (2023)
New York City Proclamation for Outstanding Literary Activism (2022)
Jubilee Award from the Center for Black Literature (2022)
Pillar Award from the Go On Girl! Book Club (2020)
Literary Trailblazers Award from the African American Literary Awards Show (2017)
Literary Activist of the Year Award from the AAMBC Literary Award (2012)
Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Los Angeles for “Extraordinary Contributions to the Literacy Legacy of Los Angeles” (2008)
Outstanding Alumni Award from Syracuse University
EarthLink’s “The 100 Best Websites for African Americans” listing for AALBC.com
Named one of the 50 Most Powerful African Americans in Publishing by Black Issues Book Review magazine

Publications and Media Appearances

Author of numerous articles, including an article in Justice for Marcus Garvey (Broadleaf Books, 2024) and a new introduction to the 2020 hardcover edition of the Harlem Renaissance classic, The New Negro an Interpretation
Featured on C-SPAN2’s BookTV and in various publications such as Publishers Weekly, the New York Amsterdam News, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, Emerge, Black Issues Book Review, and many others