AALBC Search
Harold Phifer
Harold Phifer NONE Harold Phifer, also known as Dean Conan, is a Mississippi-born author who spent 23 years as an Air Traffic Controller with the FAA. Post FAA, he transitioned into an International ...
Gloria Mallette
Gloria Mallette NONE Gloria Mallette is a renowned author who began her career self-publishing “Shades of Jade” which was later picked up by Random House and made several best-sellers lists. Her work...
Gloria J. Browne-Marshall
Gloria J. Browne-Marshall 0000000115887079 Gloria J. Browne-Marshall is a civil rights attorney, writer, playwright, and Constitutional Law professor at John Jay College (CUNY). She previously taught...
Gloria Naylor
Gloria Naylor 0000000117658077 Gloria Naylor, a prize-winning author, known for her novels like 'The Women of Brewster Place', 'Linden Hills', and 'Mama Day', also wrote essays, screenplays, and stag...
Gloria Oden
Gloria Oden 0000000382838642 Gloria Catherine Oden (1923-2011) was a renowned poet, editor, and English professor from New York. A Pulitzer Prize nominee for her poetry collection 'Resurrections', sh...
Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu
Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu NONE Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu, born in 1977, is a Zimbabwean writer, filmmaker, and academic with a PhD from Stanford. She has published research on Saartjie Baartman and made the ...
Patricia Bell-Scott, Gloria T. Hull, and Barbara Smith
Patricia Bell-Scott, Gloria T. Hull, and Barbara Smith MULTIPLE Patricia Bell-Scott, Gloria T. Hull, and Barbara Smith are renowned authors, known for their influential work in literature and social ...
Gloria Wade-Gayles
Gloria Wade-Gayles 0000000080941716 Gloria Wade Gayles, Ph.D., is an esteemed scholar, literary critic, and essayist. She was honored as the Eminent Scholar's Chair at Spelman College in 2000 for Ind...
Barbara Smith
Barbara Smith 0000000040375377 Barbara Smith, born 1946, is a renowned author, activist, and scholar. Known for her work on race, class, sexuality, and gender, she has co-authored key texts on Black ...
Suzette D. Harrison
Suzette D. Harrison NONE Suzette D. Harrison, a west coast native, began her literary career in junior high school. Inspired by African American literary voices such as Gloria Naylor, Maya Angelou, A...
Anna Deavere Smith
Anna Deavere Smith 0000000110491657 Anna Deavere Smith, born in 1950, is a renowned actress, playwright, author, and professor. Famous for her roles in 'The West Wing' and 'Nurse Jackie', she's also ...
Tarana Burke
Tarana Burke NONE Tarana Burke, founder of the “me too” movement, is dedicated to combating sexual violence and systemic issues affecting marginalized communities. She started her activism in the 198...
Kevin Powell
Kevin Powell NONE Kevin Powell is widely considered one of America’s most important voices in these early years of the 21st century. Legendary feminist Gloria Steinem asserts that "as a cha...
bell hooks
bell hooks 000000011072449X “I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to somebody else’s whim or someone else’s ignorance.” bell hooks (Sep. 25, 1952 –...
Courtney Thorsson
Courtney Thorsson 0000000401626056 Courtney Thorsson is a Professor of English at the University of Oregon. She teaches, studies, and writes about African American literature from its beginnings to t...
Jessica M. Rinker
Jessica M. Rinker NONE Jessica M. Rinker has a BA in social welfare from Bloomsburg University and an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She's a free...
Marc Lamont Hill and Todd Brewster
Marc Lamont Hill and Todd Brewster MULTIPLE Marc Lamont Hill is a media personality, educator, and entrepreneur, hosting BET News and Black News Tonight, and holding a chair at Temple University. He ...
Erik Campano, Isabel Esteviz, Sheila Taylor-Downer, and Robyn Williams
Erik Campano, Isabel Esteviz, Sheila Taylor-Downer, and Robyn Williams MULTIPLE Robyn Williams is a bestselling author, non-profit founder, and business development associate focused on literacy and ...
Clarence Lusane
Clarence Lusane 0000000109374330 Dr. Clarence Lusane, a respected scholar and activist, specializes in human rights, global race relations, U.S. politics, and international relations. Born in Detroit...
Keegan-Michael Key and Elle Key
Keegan-Michael Key and Elle Key MULTIPLE Emmy and Peabody Award-winning actor, writer, and producer Keegan-Michael Key is renowned for his diverse talent in comedy and drama, with credits in Key & Pe...
Jamillah Lamb and David Lamb
Jamillah Lamb and David Lamb MULTIPLE David and Jamillah Lamb are the dynamic duo behind Between The Lines Productions, Inc. The couple co-authored the book Perfect Combination: Seven Key Ingredients...
J.J. Smith
J.J. Smith NONE JJ Smith is a certified nutritionist and weight-management specialist, renowned author, and inspirational speaker. Featured on multiple television shows and in high-profile publicatio...
Farai Chideya
Farai Chideya 0000000042490213 Farai Chideya is an award-winning author and journalist with a 20-year career blending media, technology, and diversity. Creator of the Pop and Politics brand, she prod...
Vanessa Riley
Vanessa Riley 0000000505908728 Vanessa Riley is an acclaimed author of Regency and historical romances, known for her multicultural narratives and powerful characters of color. With over twenty title...
Shonda Buchanan
Shonda Buchanan 0000000500800611 Shonda Buchanan is an award-winning author and professor with over 15 years of teaching experience in various literary fields. She's an Education Specialist for the U...
Halima Taha
Halima Taha NONE Halima Taha is a renowned advocate for African and African-American art, known for her educational initiatives and influential writings. Her contributions have spearheaded recognitio...
Tamara Morgan
Tamara Morgan NONE Tamara Morgan, a Berkeley native and Stanford Law School alumna, is an accomplished Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader and employment law attorney. Known for her resilience, s...
Rashida Aisha Ali
Rashida Aisha Ali NONE Rashida Aisha Ali, an author, artist, and educator, specializes in female-centric topics including health, wellness, and spirituality. With degrees in Divinity and Metaphysics,...
Artika R. Tyner
Artika R. Tyner NONE Dr. Artika R. Tyner is an influential leader, author, and speaker focused on fostering inclusive leadership and social justice. With a background in law, education, and nonprofit...
Laetitia Ky
Laetitia Ky 0000000524196957 Laetitia Ky is an Ivory Coast-based multi-talented artist known for using her hair as a sculptural medium to address social justice issues. Her debut book, Love and Justi...
Gena Cox
Gena Cox NONE Dr. Gena Cox is an organizational psychologist, executive coach, and author known for her nuanced insights and invaluable recommendations. She guides leaders in adapting to societal cha...
Charles J. Ogletree, Jr.
Charles J. Ogletree, Jr. MULTIPLE Charles J. Ogletree Jr. is a renowned American attorney, legal scholar, and civil rights advocate. Renowned for his work in criminal law and civil rights law, he's h...
Regina Abraham
Regina Abraham NONE Regina Abraham, a Harlem-based Academic Intervention Coordinator, is an educational consultant and author of the Harlem-inspired children's book series, “The Harlem Legends.” She ...
Ekua Holmes
Ekua Holmes 0000000451226536 Ekua Holmes is a painter and collage artist who uses various materials to create vibrant, abstract works that convey unity and evoke universal memories. Her ongoing serie...
Christina M. Greer
Christina M. Greer 0000000396951910 Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an NYU McSilver Institute Fellow, associate professor at Fordham University, and author of award-winning book Black Ethnics. She hosts “...
Gigi Best
Gigi Best NONE Gigi Best, a prolific author, historian, and genealogist, is also the owner of Best Books & Rich Treasures. She possesses rich academic credentials and is a member of various historica...
Tommie Thomas
Tommie Thomas NONE Tommie Lee Thomas, a determined individual of Cherokee Indian and African descent, overcame poverty and adversity to become a retired employee of Ford Motor Company, the City of De...
Lisa Sheppard Stewart
Lisa Sheppard Stewart NONE Lisa Sheppard Stewart is a New Jersey-based, award-winning writer and designer, known for her culturally-inspired books. She promotes creative expression through relevant t...
Debra Owsley
Debra Owsley NONE Debra Owsley, avid reader and hairstylist, transformed her passion into a business, Simply Said Reading Accessories and LitVersation. She collaborates with bestselling authors, book...
Ruha Benjamin
Ruha Benjamin 0000000401943238 Ruha Benjamin is a 2024 MacArthur Foundation’s “Genius” Grant Winner Ruha Benjamin is a renowned sociologist, professor, and author specializing in tec...
Ross Victory
Ross Victory NONE J. Ross Victory is an award-winning author and music artist from Los Angeles. Known for his memoirs and music, he has a background in marketing, teaching, and music publishing. Draw...
Jeff Edwards
Jeff Edwards 0000000379483254 Rev. Dr. Jefferson Edwards, a senior pastor and founder of the Freedom Christian Center Church in Missouri, is a renowned author and international minister with over 43 ...
Lalanii Wilson-Jones and Treavion Davenport
Lalanii Wilson-Jones and Treavion Davenport MULTIPLE Lalanii Wilson-Jones is a Dallas-based entrepreneur involved in Home Health Care, Hospice, Child Care, and event planning, as well as mentoring em...
Brian Keith Harris II
Brian Keith Harris II NONE Brian Keith Harris II is an acclaimed educator and speaker, renowned for advancing education for black and brown children. He founded Cultivating Young Kings and Sons of Fr...
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quiara Alegría Hudes, and Jeremy McCarter
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quiara Alegría Hudes, and Jeremy McCarter MULTIPLE Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quiara AlegrÃa Hudes, and Jeremy McCarter are renowned figures in the arts. Miranda, a multi-award-winning ...
Chloe Dulce Louvouezo
Chloe Dulce Louvouezo NONE Chloe Dulce Louvouezo is a Congolese-American writer and advocate focusing on underrepresented women. She's the host of the Life, I Swear podcast and author of a book by th...
Heidi R. Lewis
Heidi R. Lewis NONE Dr. Heidi R. Lewis is an Associate Professor and Director of the Feminist & Gender Studies Program at Colorado College. Specializing in Feminist Theory, Hip Hop Culture, and Criti...
Nawal El Saadawi
Nawal El Saadawi 0000000120296695 Nawal El Saadawi was an Egyptian feminist writer, activist, and physician renowned globally for her fearless advocacy for women's rights. Her writings, including “Wo...
Clyde R. Taylor
Clyde R. Taylor NONE Clyde Russell Taylor was a vital figure in African American studies, known for his influential work in film and cultural criticism. He focused on the portrayal of Black people in...
Jay Jay Patton and Antoine Patton
Jay Jay Patton and Antoine Patton MULTIPLE Jay'Aina “Jay Jay” Patton is an 18-year-old coder, entrepreneur, and diversity advocate with a love for tech and various hobbies. Antoine Patton, her father...
Princess F.L. Gooden
Princess F.L. Gooden NONE Born and raised in Atlanta, Princess F. L. Gooden is a gifted writer, poet, and dramatist. She started writing at a young age, and by 13, she had written and directed plays ...
Teju Cole
Teju Cole 0000000077460567 Teju Cole, an acclaimed writer, art historian, and photographer, serves as the Distinguished Writer in Residence at Bard College and is a photography critic for the New Yor...
Lisa Allen-Agostini
Lisa Allen-Agostini 0000000072635073 Lisa Allen-Agostini is a Trinidadian author and journalist known for her impactful work in Caribbean literature and social issues advocacy. Her novels, poetry, an...
Christian Keyes
Christian Keyes NONE Christian Keyes is a versatile actor, singer, and songwriter from Detroit, Michigan, recognized for his consistent performances in Tyler Perry's productions. He's also known for ...
Chris Abani
Chris Abani 0000000083877772 Chris Abani, born in Nigeria in 1966, is a renowned author and educator who faced imprisonment for his literary work. After escaping to the US, he published eight books o...
Monique Couvson
Monique Couvson NONE Monique Couvson, Ed.D. is a scholar and author with over 20 years of experience in education, civil rights, and social justice. She's known for her work on improving conditions f...
Joy DeGruy
Joy DeGruy 000000004270340X Dr. Joy Angela DeGruy is a renowned researcher, educator, author, and presenter focused on social justice and self-healing. Known for her work on Post Traumatic Slave Synd...
Freddi Williams Evans
Freddi Williams Evans 0000000034100692 Freddi Williams Evans is an award-winning author and former arts educator. She's recognized for her book “Congo Square: African Roots in New Orleans” and her ad...
Matt Meyer and déqui kioni-sadiki
Matt Meyer and déqui kioni-sadiki MULTIPLE Pictured: Sekou Odinga, déqui kioni-sadiki, & Matt Meyer. Photo Credit PM Press Matt Meyer is a NYC-based author, educator, and organizer for human r...
C. S. Whitehurst
C. S. Whitehurst NONE C. S. Whitehurst is a psychology-based UX/UI designer, computer programmer, and certified IT project manager. A student of science and philosophy, he uses his knowledge to help ...
Frankie Lennon
Frankie Lennon NONE Frankie Lennon is a creative writer, teacher, and jewelry designer from Knoxville, Tennessee. She holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Creative Writing from Indiana University. ...
Gail L. Thompson
Gail L. Thompson NONE Dr. Gail L. Thompson is an esteemed author, researcher, former teacher, and ex-Endowed Professor of Education. She established the Black Men Teaching (BMT) Program and led an af...
Jamila Woods, Mahogany L. Browne, and Idrissa Simmonds
Jamila Woods, Mahogany L. Browne, and Idrissa Simmonds MULTIPLE Jamila Woods, a Chicago-based poet influenced by Lucille Clifton and Gwendolyn Brooks, explores themes of blackness and womanhood. Maho...
Jamarhl Crawford
Jamarhl Crawford NONE Jamarhl Crawford, also known as UNO The Prophet, is a Boston-based artist and poet deeply rooted in the city's Black communities. Coming from a family rich in artistic history, ...
Pamela C. Rice
Pamela C. Rice NONE Pamela C. Rice is an acclaimed children's author and illustrator with over 25 books to her credit. Notable for her artistic collaborations and warm illustrations, Rice's works dra...
Kevin Shird
Kevin Shird NONE Kevin Shird, co-founder of the Do Right Foundation, is a former convict turned youth advocate, author, and speaker. He shares his personal redemption story to educate youth on the da...
Angela Y. Davis, Gina Dent, Erica R. Meiners
Angela Y. Davis, Gina Dent, Erica R. Meiners MULTIPLE Gina Dent is a professor at UC Santa Cruz and prison abolition advocate. Erica R. Meiners is a professor at Northeastern Illinois University and ...
Ayo Sekai
Ayo Sekai NONE Dr. Ayo Sekai, founder and CEO of Universal Write Publications, is a scholar activist specializing in Black Politics and International Relations. She advocates for racial equity and an...
Calvin C. Hernton
Calvin C. Hernton 0000000082664863 Calvin Coolidge Hernton, a pivotal figure in the Black Arts Movement, was a renowned poet, novelist, and social critic known for his exploration of race and sexuali...
Rosalind Kilkenny McLymont
Rosalind Kilkenny McLymont NONE Rosalind Kilkenny McLymont, editor-in-chief of The Network Journal, is an experienced writer and adviser with over 25 years in global business. She made history as the...
Thomas Glave
Thomas Glave NONE Bronx-born author Thomas Glave, educated at Bowdoin College and Brown University, is recognized for his contribution to LGBT literature. A Fulbright Scholar, he co-founded Jamaica's...
Toyomi Igus
Toyomi Igus NONE Toyomi Igus, a celebrated author and communications strategist, has had a varied career in publishing, corporate, and marketing communications. Known for her work in academic book pu...
Nina Revoyr
Nina Revoyr 0000000004707741 Nina Revoyr, a Japanese-American author of five novels, is known for her remarkable storytelling. Born in Japan and raised in Tokyo, Wisconsin, and Los Angeles, she's co-...
Patrick M. Oliver
Patrick M. Oliver NONE Patrick Oliver is a program manager and literary consultant promoting literacy as empowerment. He hosts Literary Nation Talk Radio, is a publisher and editor, and has worked in...
Toni Tipton-Martin
Toni Tipton-Martin 0000000035718195 Toni Tipton-Martin is an award-winning food journalist and community activist, recognized for her efforts to promote healthier communities. She's a recipient of th...
O.T. Begho
O.T. Begho NONE Oyehmi T. Begho is an experienced educator and consultant with expertise in emerging technologies. He holds degrees in Computer Science and ICT in Education. Known for his innovative ...
Obari Cartman
Obari Cartman NONE Dr. Obari Adéye Cartman is a Chicago-based psychologist, educator, and author, specializing in issues concerning mental health, cultural identity, and manhood. He works as a resto...
Cupcake Brown
Cupcake Brown NONE Cupcake Brown, born in 1964, overcame a troubled youth involving violence, drugs, and gang activities. Despite her struggles, she transformed her life and became a successful autho...
Richard Wesley
Richard Wesley 0000000078408226 Richard Wesley, born in 1945, is a celebrated playwright, screenwriter, and associate professor of Playwriting and Screenwriting. He graduated from Howard University i...
Eric Payne
Eric Payne NONE Eric Payne, a versatile writer and poet, started his journey in literature at age 7. He graduated from Cornell and Binghamton Universities and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternit...
Maysa Akbar
Maysa Akbar NONE Dr. Maysa Akbar is a certified child and adolescent psychologist specializing in trauma and multicultural counseling. She has over 15 years of clinical experience and is the Founder ...
Vashti Harrison
Vashti Harrison 0000000476987403 Vashti Harrison, born in 1988, is a Virginia-based author, illustrator, and filmmaker with a passion for storytelling. She has degrees in Media Studies, Studio Art, F...
Chance Arradondo
Chance Arradondo NONE Chance Arradondo is a versatile writer, born in 1989 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He writes novels, poetry, short stories, and lyrics, inspired by his life experiences and love fo...
Haki Madhubuti
Haki Madhubuti 0000000114735014 Haki R. Madhubuti, a leading figure in Black literature, is a poet, publisher, editor, and educator. With over 30 published books and 3 million copies in print, he's o...
Deborah Juniper-Frye
Deborah Juniper-Frye NONE “A grieving heart is full of emotions, struggles, and great despair. Hold on to Love, Hope, and Faith.” —Deborah Frye Deborah Juniper-Frye, with 20 years of...
Neoma Nwasike
Neoma Nwasike NONE Neoma Nwasike, born in Manhattan and raised in a Nigerian household in Long Island, is a hardworking undergraduate student at Medgar Evers College. Despite her father's death, she ...
Karl Nova
Karl Nova 0000000048878796 Karl Nova, a London and Lagos raised musician and author, uses rap and spoken word poetry to voice his unique experiences of nonconformity and personal growth. Known for hi...
Ciara and Russell Wilson
Ciara and Russell Wilson MULTIPLE Founded by Russell Wilson and Ciara in 2014, the Why Not You Foundation is a nonprofit focused on fighting poverty through education and empowering youth. The founda...
William “Damani” Keene and Carole “Ife” Keene
William “Damani” Keene and Carole “Ife” Keene MULTIPLE William “Damani” Keene and Carole “Ife” Keene, a couple with a long history together, have turned to historical fiction to tell the captivating ...
Rachel Montez Minor
Rachel Montez Minor NONE Rachel Montez Minor, former Broadway actress, dancer, and singer, now focuses on her second act as a writer, artist, mystic, and yoga teacher. With a career including roles i...
George Lamming
George Lamming 0000000114972132 George William Lamming (1927-2022) was a renowned Barbadian novelist and critic, celebrated for his exploration of colonialism and identity in the 20th century Caribbe...
Les Brown
Les Brown 0000000116420577 Leslie “Les” Brown, born February 17, 1945, is a renowned motivational speaker, author, and former radio host. Despite his challenging upbringing, Brown has inspired millio...
Marvin X
Marvin X 0000000023827167 Marvin X, born in 1944, is a renowned poet, playwright, and essayist associated with the Black Arts Movement. Known for co-founding the Black House and Black Arts/West Theat...
Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Susan M. Shaw
Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Susan M. Shaw MULTIPLE Rev. Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim, a theology professor at Earlham School of Religion and author, is an ordained Presbyterian minister and hosts the Madang podcast...