Troy Johnson
“Black Literature is for Everyone” —Troy Johnson”
A Shorter Biography of Troy Johnson ▶
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
Advisory Boards and Committees:
- Independent Book Publishers Association (Active)
- Bookshop.org (Active)
- Syracuse University’s Alumni Association Board (past)
- Literary Freedom Project (past)
- Harlem World Magazine (past)
- The Sacramento Black Book Festival (past)
- The Harlem Book Fair (past)
- Black American’s in Publishing (past)
- New York is Book Country (past)
Business Address:
Residence: Tampa, FL
For more about Troy Johnson: https://linktr.ee/aalbc
- Shorter Bio and Additional Info
- Download high resolution headshot (photo credit: Marcia Wilson additional photos of Troy).
- African Venus by Sheryl K. Carkhum-Lord
- Black Misery by Langston Hughes
- Bright Eyes, Brown Skin by Cheryl Willis Hudson and Bernette Ford
- Grace After Midnight: A Memoir by Felicia Pearson
- Half My Size: How I Ate To Lose 150Lbs by Caroline A Jhingory
- Hip-Hop: A Cultural Odyssey by Jordan Sommers
- Lizzie & McKenzie’s Fabulous Adventures: Mayhem in Madrid by Dina C. Tate
- Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography by Andrew Helfer
- Nappy Hair by Carolivia Herron
- The Original Black Elite: Daniel Murray and the Story of a Forgotten Era by Elizabeth Dowling Taylor
- Are Reading Rates Declining in the African American Community?
- Iron Pot Cooker CD Review
- History of our Annual Black Pack Party
- Notes: The Impact of Amazon, Google, and Facebook on the “Black Book Ecosystem”
- Google’s, Facebook’s, and Amazon’s Adverse Impact on Us All
- Complete List of 1,453 Titles Sold in 2006
- Favorite 50 African American Authors and Favorite 100 Titles of the 20th Century
- How to Share Your Book Information with AALBC
- Sell Running to Fall on Your Website
- What is the “Book Metadata Universe” and Why Does it Matter?
“On The Margin Radio” Show Troy Johnson Interviewed by E. Ethelbert Miller, January 2, 2020
Troy’s Upcoming Events ★ Learn more about AALBC.com
Listen to an Interview with Troy Johnson on “Talking Books” Hosted by Linda Duggins and Max Rodriguez in 2001
Listen to an Interview of Troy Johnson Interviewed by Lee E. Meadows on Detroit’s WPON’s “Book Beat” February 4, 1999
Read a Jan 08, 2020 Interview with Troy Johnson
Read a Feb 02, 2011 Interview with Troy Johnson
Read a Jun 10, 2000 Interview with Troy Johnson
Read a Oct 17, 2024 Interview with Troy Johnson
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