AALBC Search
April Sinclair
April Sinclair NONE April Sinclair, a Chicago native, is a renowned author and community activist. Known for her dedicated activism in Oakland and her unique approach to her literary debut, Sinclair'...
Blake Karrington
Blake Karrington NONE Blake, a southern author, vividly portrays the gritty underbelly of overlooked urban settings like Charlotte, NC. His narratives humanize criminals, presenting compelling backst...
Marilyn Tyner
Marilyn Tyner NONE Marilyn Tyner (1943-2014) was an author from Pittsburgh, PA. An avid reader, Tyner attended Howard University studying psychology and zoology, and worked on the college literary ma...
Christine Taylor Butler
Christine Taylor Butler NONE Christine Taylor Butler is an accomplished children's author from Ohio. Overcoming initial fears, she pursued her passion for writing, inspired by her daughters' love for...
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...
Paige Turner
Paige Turner NONE Paige Turner, a lifelong book lover, has over 15 years of marketing experience in Fortune 75 companies. Passionate about sharing ideas from books, she's been writing a weekly book r...
Angela S. Medearis
Angela S. Medearis NONE Angela Shelf Medearis combines a general love for children‘s literature with a particular attention to the reading needs of young African Americans. “I write the kinds ...
Cathy Finch White
Cathy Finch White NONE Cathy Finch White, a former medical professional turned author, advocates for child education through reading. She has written four award-winning books, including “Anna Learn's...
Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynolds 0000000050509463 Jason Reynolds is a 2024 MacArthur Foundation’s “Genius” Grant Winner Jason Reynolds, an acclaimed author and professor, aims to engage readers, espec...
Shirley Perry-Church
Shirley Perry-Church NONE Shirley Perry-Church, an educator, author, and artist, has written her debut book, The Hunt for the Magic Pearl, to inspire struggling young readers. With degrees in Psychol...
Christopher Grant
Christopher Grant 0000000068848201 Brooklyn-born Christopher Grant, an alumnus of Stony Brook University, is a diverse professional with experiences ranging from equities trader to actor. Inspired by...
RAWSISTAZ
RAWSISTAZ NONE The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers were a group of 13 women, including founder Tee C. Royal, who promoted books by and about African Americans. These avid readers, reviewers and members of the Re...
Tamara Mayo
Tamara Mayo NONE Tamara Mayo, a Virginia-native author, developed her love for reading at a young age. She moved to California at 19, where she pursued a writing career including ghostwriting and edi...
Reggie Tuggle
Reggie Tuggle NONE Rev. Reggie Tuggle, a scholar, pastor, civil rights leader, and former corporate executive, has dedicated his life to overcoming adversity and sharing his blessings. Raised in Denv...
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...
Michelle S. Hartzog
Michelle S. Hartzog NONE Michelle S. Hartzog, a Black woman, is a firm believer in family bond. Her book, 'The Beauty of Being a Black Woman', tackles issues and stereotypes that often hinder family ...
J.T. Smith
J.T. Smith 0000000117420835 J.T. Smith, a New Jersey-born author, developed a passion for reading and history at an early age. His interest in Black History and the Harlem Renaissance influenced his ...
Michael Baisden
Michael Baisden 0000000034966779 Michael Baisden is a popular radio personality, NY Times best-selling author, and film producer. Known for his explosive radio show themes, he began his career sellin...
Walter Benefield
Walter Benefield NONE Walter Benefield, a U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, is an accomplished book reviewer for AALBC.com. His passion for African American Literature and writing is driven by his ...
Charles R. Smith Jr.
Charles R. Smith Jr. NONE Charles R. Smith Jr. is an acclaimed author, poet, and photographer with over 30 books. He's a recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration and Honor Author Aw...
Shannon Simpson
Shannon Simpson NONE Shannon Simpson, Founder of Reading Has Purpose, is a passionate reader who appreciates physical books. She believes in gaining knowledge through reading. Contact her at Shannon@...
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 ...
Cydney Rax
Cydney Rax NONE Cydney Rax, an influential author known for her provocative love triangle novels, has been passionate about books since childhood. Her debut novel, My Daughter's Boyfriend, sparked co...
Daaimah S. Poole
Daaimah S. Poole NONE Daaimah S. Poole, author of Yoyo Love, began writing to produce stories relatable to her own experiences. Despite balancing motherhood and work, she devoted time to her writing,...
Richard Kigel
Richard Kigel NONE Richard Kigel is an experienced literacy professional and veteran teacher with a focus on inspiring students in reading and writing. He is notable for his revealing article on Phil...
Alice Wootson
Alice Wootson NONE Alice Greenhowe Wootson is a retired teacher and acclaimed author of thirteen novels, including romance and romantic suspense. A prize-winning poet, member of various writers' asso...
Colette Bancroft
Colette Bancroft NONE Colette Bancroft is the book editor for the Tampa Bay Times since 2007, directs the annual Festival of Reading, and served on the National Book Critics Circle board. She holds E...
Jess Mowry
Jess Mowry 0000000080841328 Jess Mowry is an author of children's and young adult books often set in Oakland, California, dealing with contemporary themes. Raised by his father, he developed a love f...
Kawai Strong Washburn
Kawai Strong Washburn 0000000500666563 Hawaiian-born author Kawai Strong Washburn is known for his work in McSweeney’s, Best American Nonrequired Reading and more. He's a 2015 Tin House and Bread Loa...
Madeline Hampton
Madeline Hampton NONE Madeline Hampton is a romance novelist who began reading and writing at a young age. After serving in the U.S. Military, she pursued a career in health, during which she continu...
Selene Castrovilla
Selene Castrovilla NONE Selene Castrovilla is an acclaimed author, celebrated for her nonfiction and fiction works that explore hidden truths in history and personal identity. Her award-winning books...
Didi Anofienem
Didi Anofienem NONE Didi Anofienem, a Houston-born novelist and educator based in Los Angeles, holds degrees from Columbia University, University of San Francisco, UT-Austin, and University of Housto...
Porsche Joseph
Porsche Joseph NONE Porsche Joseph is a writer & development professional with a rich experience in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Her debut book is 'Better Than We Found It: Conversations to...
Mary Annaïse Heglar
Mary Annaïse Heglar NONE Mary Annaïse Heglar is a renowned author featured in outlets like New York Magazine, The Boston Globe, Vox, and Rolling Stone. Her works are also included in collections suc...
Janelle Lenore
Janelle Lenore NONE Janelle Lenore is a multifaceted author and entrepreneur from Washington D.C. Influenced by her upbringing in “Chocolate City,” she pursues life with purpose, aiming to promote fi...
Frank B. Wilderson III
Frank B. Wilderson III 0000000040137977 Frank B. Wilderson III is a prominent writer, filmmaker, and academic specializing in critical race theory and Afropessimism. As a professor at the University ...
Benny Andrews
Benny Andrews 0000000066753102 Benny Andrews (1930-2006) was an American painter, printmaker, and educator known for his expressionist style. Born and raised in Georgia, he was the first in his famil...
Robert Hicks
Robert Hicks 000000036837233X Robert Hicks is a New York Times best-selling author, renowned for his works 'The Widow of the South' and 'A Separate Country'. Besides writing, he is a passionate prese...
Elaine Brown
Elaine Brown 000000010913170X Elaine Brown, former leader of the Black Panther Party and author of several notable books, is renowned for her works like 'A Taste of Power', which was optioned by HBO....
Shaniqka Thomas
Shaniqka Thomas NONE Shaniqka Thomas is a trustworthy individual known for keeping secrets and offering non-judgmental advice. Her animated personality and genuine approachability have fueled her pas...
Joy-Ann Reid
Joy-Ann Reid 0000000038365962 Joy-Ann M. Lomena-Reid, born in 1968, is a renowned TV host and political commentator on MSNBC. Hosting “The ReidOut” since 2011, she covers political issues, current ev...
Jonathan Anthony Burkett
Jonathan Anthony Burkett NONE Jonathan Anthony Burkett, born in 1987, is an inspirational writer who persevered through life's trials and a life-changing surgery in 2005. Despite lack of formal educa...
Lisa Renee Johnson
Lisa Renee Johnson NONE Lisa Renee Johnson, Sunshineologist and publishing coach, inspires individuals to shine in life and business. Co-founder of Sistahs on the Reading Edge book club and CEO of Br...
Sunshine Smith-Williams
Sunshine Smith-Williams NONE Sunshine Smith-Williams, a Queens native, overcame a poverty-stricken upbringing through education, climbing the corporate ladder. After job loss in 2010, she bravely fou...
Georgia Woodbine
Georgia Woodbine NONE Georgia Woodbine is an accomplished author of several books on personal development and success, with over 15 years of entrepreneurial business success. She has extensive experi...
David L.
David L. 0000000121374173 David L., a renowned author and publisher, has written notable works like “Over Your Dead Body,” “Chalk Outline Confessions,” “My Life Is A Movie,” and “Represent.” Holding ...
June Dade
June Dade NONE June Dade, a Northern Virginia native, is a certified computer analyst and technology teacher based in Washington, D.C. Her passion for writing, which began in her youth, has culminate...
T. Friday
T. Friday NONE T. Friday, a Detroit native and mother of five, found her passion for reading at an early age. After a life-altering event in 2016, she pursued her dream of writing. Now an author of o...
Marlon James
Marlon James 0000000072615785 Jamaican-born author Marlon James, featured on Mosaic Literary Magazine's cover, is a University of the West Indies literature graduate. His debut novel, John Crow’s Dev...
Dana Kaye
Dana Kaye NONE Dana Kaye, owner of Kaye Publicity Inc., is a PR expert and author with a background in fiction writing. Renowned for her industry insight and innovative ideas, she frequently speaks o...
David Simon
David Simon 0000000122782515 David Simon, award-winning author of novels, plays, and poetry, is also known for his bestselling educational series and workbooks for children. His contributions in offe...
Tayari Jones
Tayari Jones 0000000034178764 Born in Atlanta, GA in 1970, Tayari Jones is an accomplished author and educator. After obtaining her Masters from the University of Iowa, she taught Developmental Readi...
Portia Cosby
Portia Cosby NONE Portia A. Cosby is a renowned novelist, screenwriter, and poet from Indianapolis, known for her relatable storytelling. With a background in kinesiology and film, she blends her ski...
Sharon Lucas
Sharon Lucas NONE Sharon Richardson Lucas, with over 40 years in HR and sales, and 10+ years as a book club leader, has spent a lifetime planning events. Now retired, she merges her expertise with he...
Sharon Bell Mathis
Sharon Bell Mathis 0000000063330251 Sharon Bell Mathis, initially a teacher, became an acclaimed author known for her middle-grade novels and picture books. Her works such as 'Sidewalk Story', 'Tea C...
Nicole Hampton
Nicole Hampton NONE Nicole Hampton, a compassionate author from Chicago, uses her Master's in Social Work to create relatable stories that address everyday issues. She's a dedicated wife and mother b...
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...
Tonya Duncan Ellis
Tonya Duncan Ellis NONE Tonya Duncan Ellis, acclaimed author of the Sophie Washington children's book series, combines her love for writing and travel in her books. Her award-winning series, aimed at...
Keely Hutton
Keely Hutton NONE Novelist and former teacher Keely Hutton collaborates with Ricky Richard Anywar, founder of Friends of Orphans and ex-child soldier, to pen her debut novel, “Soldier Boy.” Hutton al...
April Maria Williams
April Maria Williams NONE April Maria Williams is a Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law and a Master of Tax Law from the University of Houston. A prominent advocate for social jus...
Terah Shelton Harris
Terah Shelton Harris NONE Terah Shelton Harris is an Alabama-based librarian and freelance writer whose work features in various publications. From Illinois originally, the world traveler who has exp...
W.D. Foster-Graham
W.D. Foster-Graham NONE W.D. Foster-Graham, a Minneapolis native and multi-Grammy Award-winning ensemble member, is a distinguished author and poet. He's a psychology graduate, guest writer, and book...
Octavia E. Butler
Octavia E. Butler 0000000121272003 “There's nothing new under the sun, but there are new suns.” Butler was the first science fiction writer to be awarded a MacArthur Foundations Fellowship...
Johanna Sparrow
Johanna Sparrow NONE “Sometimes your tragedy is your best feature.” Antoinette M. Watkins, pen name Johanna Sparrow, is an experienced author of over 31 books ranging from children's liter...
Shay Youngblood
Shay Youngblood 0000000066793518 Shay Youngblood is an award-winning novelist and playwright, known for her drama 'Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery'. Passionate about reading and writing since childhood...
Sheryl A. Keen
Sheryl A. Keen NONE Sheryl A. Keen is a Canadian author and artist with a bachelor's degree in History and English Literature. Her passions include writing, painting, reading, and music. Sheryl A. Ke...
C. Liegh McInnis
C. Liegh McInnis NONE C. Liegh McInni, an English instructor at Jackson State University, is a former editor of Black Magnolias Literary Journal. He was invited by the NAACP to read poetry at the 200...
Victor McGlothin
Victor McGlothin NONE Victor McGlothin, a bestselling author and filmmaker from Dallas, overcame early reading struggles to complete a Masters degree and leave his banking career for literature. Know...
Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers 0000000108718912 Walter Dean Myers, born August 12, 1937, was an award-winning author from Harlem, known for his dedication to children and young adult literature. He received numer...
Nita Brooks
Nita Brooks NONE "Nita Brooks, a reading enthusiast and home improvement show aficionado, collects teapots and lives with her family in South Carolina.” A reading addict, self-professed connoisseur o...
Alechia Dow
Alechia Dow NONE Alechia Dow is a former pastry chef, librarian, and author of YA sci-fi fantasies, The Sound of Stars and The Kindred. She enjoys dance parties with her daughter, baking, reading, an...
Andrew DuBois
Andrew DuBois NONE Andrew DuBois, associate professor of English at University of Toronto Scarborough, is the author of “Ashbery’s Forms of Attention” and co-editor of “Close Reading: The Reader.” An...
Martha Kennerson
Martha Kennerson NONE Martha Kennerson, a bestselling and award-winning author, uses her passion for reading and writing to create heartfelt stories. Known for her novels Choices and Consequences and...
Lorraine Nam
Lorraine Nam NONE Lorraine Nam is a Brooklyn-based paper illustrator and daydreamer, who spends her time crafting creative pieces, cooking, reading, and traveling. She finds inspiration in the New Yo...
The Oprah Magazine Editors Of O
The Oprah Magazine Editors Of O NONE "O, The Oprah Magazine, created by Oprah Winfrey, offers insightful content on various topics including love, food, health, fashion, reading, and learning. Subscr...
Guy LeCharles Gonzalez
Guy LeCharles Gonzalez NONE Guy LeCharles Gonzalez is a publishing professional and poetry enthusiast with a diverse background, including service in the US Army and political campaigns. A firm belie...
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...
Zebedee King
Zebedee King NONE Zebedee King is an Air Force veteran turned cyber security expert, with a rich background in communications, IT training, and network defense. Married for 32 years, he and his wife,...
Sheryl Lister
Sheryl Lister NONE Sheryl Lister is an established author specializing in contemporary, inspirational romance and romantic suspense since 2009. Living in California, she's a dedicated wife, mother, a...
Connie Bradley
Connie Bradley NONE Connie Divers Bradley, also known as Cynique, is a retired postal worker and provocative columnist based in Chicago. She has been a notable contributor to the AALBC discussion boa...
David T. Boyd
David T. Boyd NONE Chicago-born author David T. Boyd discovered his passion for writing early, penning his first story at nine. Inspired by authors like Stephen King, he developed his short story int...
JaNay Brown-Wood
JaNay Brown-Wood NONE JaNay Brown-Wood is a celebrated children's author and educator, known for her award-winning book, “Imani's Moon.” She teaches as an ECE professor at American River College and ...
Michelle D. Rayford
Michelle D. Rayford NONE Author Michelle D. Rayford, winner of a fifth-grade literacy contest, nurtured her passion for writing through years of education, a government job, marriage, and motherhood....
Wayétu Moore
Wayétu Moore 0000000474741880 Wayétu Moore is the founder of One Moore Book, a non-profit publishing culturally relevant books to promote literacy in countries with low rates. She opened her first b...
Rena Barron
Rena Barron NONE Alabama-born author Rena Barron, known for her imaginative stories of magic and adventure, started her writing journey with poems in middle school, progressing to novels in high scho...
Ivan Van Sertima
Ivan Van Sertima 0000000063040713 Born in Guyana, Dr. Ivan Van Sertima was a literary critic, linguist, anthropologist, and writer who won the Clarence L. Holte Prize for his work, They Came Before C...
Bettye Chitman Haysbert
Bettye Chitman Haysbert NONE Dr. Bettye Chitman Haysbert, a veteran in school reform, has championed the cause of improving education for African American students. A former SF Unified School Distric...
Laney Baines
Laney Baines NONE Laney Baines, born in 1998, is a Brooklyn native with a passion for reading, music, and video games. She aspires to start a magazine and is currently studying Professional Writing. ...
D’Andre Walker
D’Andre Walker NONE D'Andre Walker is a Detroit-born civil engineer and author, who found inspiration in Cormac McCarthy's work. Balancing his daytime engineering job with a passion for writing and b...
Naomi V. Dunsen-White
Naomi V. Dunsen-White NONE Naomi V. Dunsen-White is a children’s book author and editor focused on promoting diversity and representation in children's literature. She utilizes her background as a fo...
Moshood Ademola Fayemiwo and Margie Marie Neal
Moshood Ademola Fayemiwo and Margie Marie Neal MULTIPLE Moshood Ademola Fayemiwo, a former Nigerian newspaper publisher/editor and author of five books, and Margie Marie Neal, a former university pro...
Kristen R. Lee
Kristen R. Lee NONE Kristen R. Lee, a Memphis native, is a college graduate turned author, known for her work, “Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman.” She's dedicated to mentoring foster...
Kamaryn Hunt
Kamaryn Hunt NONE Kamaryn Hunt, a Virginia native and Southern University graduate, is an emerging author inspired by her mother, La Jill Hunt. Known for her passion for reading, she also enjoys phot...
Fatima R. Henson
Fatima R. Henson NONE Fatima Renee Henson, an Atlanta native, is a US History teacher, writer, and University of Miami alumna. Known for her dystopian and fantasy storytelling, she crafts tales of yo...
Lamar Giles
Lamar Giles 0000000514184709 L.R. Giles is a renowned author and speaker from Virginia, known for his commitment to diversity in publishing. A founding member of We Need Diverse Books, Giles made his...
L. E. Rainey
L. E. Rainey NONE L.E. Rainey, a first-time children's book author and experienced grandmother, penned 'Sad Sam, Glad Sam' using her knack for storytelling developed from years of reading bedtime sto...
Mahogany Star
Mahogany Star NONE Mahogany Star, a Brooklyn-born author, has written four books including the acclaimed 'Where Secrets Lie'. With a degree in Organizational Management, she worked in Healthcare Admi...
Allan Eitzen
Allan Eitzen 000000006320495X Allan Eitzen, from Mountain Lake, Minnesota, is an accomplished illustrator educated at Gustavus Adolphus College, the Institute of Art, and the University of the Arts. ...
Virginia Black
Virginia Black 0000000112712687 Virginia Black is a California-born writer, now living in the Pacific Northwest. Known for her love of whiskey, loud music, and dark speculative fiction, she spends he...
Esau McCaulley
Esau McCaulley 000000047234438X Esau McCaulley, PhD, is an esteemed author and New Testament professor at Wheaton College. Known for his award-winning book 'Reading While Black', he also contributes ...