Max Rodriguez

Max Rodriguez is the founder and publisher of QBR/The Black Book Review, one of the nation’s premier publications dedicated to books by and about people of African descent. He is also the founder of the Harlem Book Fair, the largest outdoor literary festival celebrating Black books and authors in the United States. Since its inception in 1998, the Harlem Book Fair has welcomed hundreds of thousands of readers and featured many of the world’s most distinguished writers, scholars, artists, and public intellectuals.

Rodriguez has spent decades championing Black literature, connecting readers with authors, and creating platforms that celebrate the richness and diversity of Black voices. Through his work as a publisher, producer, and cultural entrepreneur, he has helped elevate countless authors while fostering literacy and literary engagement throughout the African diaspora.

In addition to leading QBR/The Black Book Review and the Harlem Book Fair, Rodriguez serves as Group Director of BDDM Group, where he continues to develop initiatives that support publishing, media, and cultural programming dedicated to Black audiences.