AALBC Search
Hanif Abdurraqib
Hanif Abdurraqib 0000000476031401 Hanif Abdurraqib is an acclaimed poet, essayist, and critic from Ohio. Known for his poetry in various journals and music criticism in high-profile publications, his...
Kirby Howell-Baptiste
Kirby Howell-Baptiste NONE Kirby Howell-Baptiste is a London-born actress, known for roles in Killing Eve, The Good Place, Barry, Why Women Kill, Veronica Mars and the 2021 films Cruella and Queenpin...
John Baldwin West
John Baldwin West NONE Dr. John Baldwin West was a renowned African American pulp detective fiction writer in the 1950s. He authored six novels featuring private investigator Rocky Steele, with most ...
Jayson Blair
Jayson Blair 0000000049735885 Jayson Blair, born in 1976, is a former New York Times journalist who resigned in 2003 following a plagiarism and fabrication scandal. Post-scandal, Blair wrote a memoir...
Wanda Coleman
Wanda Coleman 0000000116780476 “I have yet to kill anyone—I have exhibited great restraint.” Wanda Coleman (1946-2013) was a renowned poet, former medical secretary, magazine editor,...
Anasa Maat
Anasa Maat NONE Dr. Anasa Maat, a retired educator from Newark, NJ, holds degrees from Montclair and Rutgers Universities. She is a prolific author of four novels. Known for her civic engagement, she...
Immaculée Ilibagiza
Immaculée Ilibagiza 0000000110641897 Immaculee's life was transformed dramatically during the 1994 Rwandan genocide where she and seven other women spent 91 days huddled silently together in the cram...
Louis Emanuel Lomax
Louis Emanuel Lomax 000000010988746X Dr. Louis Emanuel Lomax, born in 1922, was the first African-American TV journalist and a Yale Ph.D. graduate. Known for co-producing a documentary about the Nati...
Marlon Peterson
Marlon Peterson NONE Marlon Peterson is a social justice consultant, podcast host, and influential Black community leader. Known for his TED Talk on criminal justice reform, he's a Soros Justice Fell...
Darius Myers
Darius Myers NONE Darius Myers, a NYC-based fiction writer and former senior executive in media, is known for his thrilling Black Camelot series, praised for its intriguing plot and compelling charac...
Austin Sarat
Austin Sarat 0000000120239658 Austin Sarat is a Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science at Amherst College. He's collaborated with Charles J. Ogletree on numerous works for NYU Press, focusi...
Rasheed Newson
Rasheed Newson NONE Rasheed grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is the eldest of three children. He showed an early interest in reading poetry and fiction. Nikki Giovanni and Kurt Vonnegut were am...
Gerry Wright
Gerry Wright NONE Gerry Wright is a former professional basketball player and author. After earning All-American honors in high school and playing basketball at the University of Southern California ...
Chris Webber
Chris Webber 0000000031515227 Chris Webber was a five-time All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection. In a career that spanned fifteen seasons, Webber is one of five NBA players to average at least ...
Andre Seward
Andre Seward NONE Andre Seward, also known as Poetryman7, is a poet who has been writing since 1998. His works are deeply grounded in faith and spirituality, exploring themes of love, grace, and fami...
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 0000000081090255 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor in 1947, is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. A 7-foot-2 Hall of Famer, he dominat...
Rachel Ricketts
Rachel Ricketts NONE Rachel Ricketts is a queer, multi-racial Black woman. As a global thought leader, racial justice educator, healer, speaker, and writer, she hosts intersectional racial justice wo...
Steve Brownlee
Steve Brownlee NONE Steve Brownlee: “For all intents and purposes, my name is steve brownlee. Yes, I know I’m pretty girlie looking for such a butch moniker, but rest assured, there is no penile env...
Gabrielle Douglas
Gabrielle Douglas NONE Gabrielle Douglas, born 1995, is a celebrated gymnast known for her historic achievements at the 2012 London Olympics. She's the first African-American and woman of color to wi...
C. Kelly Robinson
C. Kelly Robinson NONE C. Kelly Robinson is a Howard and Washington University graduate, who self-published his first novel, “Not All Dogs,” in 1999. The book was re-released in 2001 as “Between Brot...
Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley 0000000083304069 Ex-pro basketball player, Charles Barkley, now an NBA analyst for TNT’s Inside the NBA, boasts 11 All-Star Game appearances, All-Star MVP, 1993's league MVP, and is n...
Toni Blackman
Toni Blackman 0000000036920264 Toni Blackman, an international champion of hip-hop culture, is known for her captivating performances and powerful presence. She's the first hip-hop artist to work as ...
Patricia Bell-Scott
Patricia Bell-Scott 0000000384572526 Patricia Bell-Scott, Professor Emerita at the University of Georgia, is an acclaimed author and editor, known for her contributions to women's studies and African...
Ebony Dawn
Ebony Dawn NONE Ebony Dawn, also known as Pat Ebron, is a Newark native writer with a romantic perspective on life, influenced by old movies and diverse music. She has written plays, children's stori...
Richard Jackson
Richard Jackson 0000000081206385 Richard Jackson, acclaimed author of children's books like “Have A Look, Says Book” and “All Ears, All Eyes,” and long-time editor at Atheneum Books for Young Readers...
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant 0000000045677868 Kobe Bryant, born August 23, 1978, was a celebrated athlete and accomplished author. In his 20-year NBA career with the Lakers, he won numerous accolades. Post retirement...
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...
Bruce W. Talamon
Bruce W. Talamon NONE “For ten glorious years, I had the best seat in the house.” Bruce W. Talamon, a renowned African American photographer, gained prominence during the golden age of sou...
Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson
Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson MULTIPLE Matt Barnes scrapped and clawed his way through fourteen NBA seasons, which included a championship in 2017 with the Golden State Warriors. He is a father of...
Jayson Tatum and Sam Apple
Jayson Tatum and Sam Apple MULTIPLE Jayson Tatum (aka Deuce’s dad) is a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics. A six-time NBA All-Star, multiple-time All-NBA First Team selection, Ol...
Sylvia Hubbard
Sylvia Hubbard NONE Sylvia Hubbard, a Detroit native and single mother, is a prolific romance author with over 40 books to her name. She founded the Motown Writers Network and co-created The Essence ...
Shane W. Evans
Shane W. Evans 0000000038504360 Shane Evans is a renowned illustrator, artist and designer whose work has been recognized by The Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and The Orbis Pictus Award. His illustrat...
Rondall Brasher
Rondall Brasher NONE Rondall Brasher is a passionate poet with a love for words that spans over three decades. Inspired by great names such as Dr. Seuss and Kahlil Gibran, he seeks to express his sub...
Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges 000000003120025X Ruby Bridges, born 1954, is a civil rights activist known for being the first black student to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans at age six. Her journey spark...
C. Lynn Williams
C. Lynn Williams NONE C. Lynn Williams is a coach, author, and founder of Finding Superwoman, a curriculum for balancing professional and personal roles. She has written the Staying Sane book series ...
Demoine Kinney
Demoine Kinney NONE Demoine Kinney is a pastor, Air Force veteran, actor, comedian, and self-taught saxophonist known for his positive messages and unique style. Noted for his role in The Avengers, h...
L.A. Lewis
L.A. Lewis NONE Bestselling author L.A. Lewis from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is known for her Dirty Little Secrets series. She's a contributing writer for Motherhood Diaries and a member of M-LAS writi...
Jim Brown
Jim Brown 0000000072514239 James Nathaniel Brown, born February 17, 1936, is a former American football player and actor. Renowned for his time as a fullback with the Cleveland Browns (1957-1965), he...
Zane
Zane 0000000116815915 AALBC’s All-Time Bestselling Author Zane, a New York Times Bestselling Author, is known for several popular titles including “Addicted”, and “The Sex Chronicles.” Her works...
Naseed Gifted
Naseed Gifted NONE Naseed Gifted, an engineer, educator, and writer from Newark is the Creative Director of PBS Media. Gifted uses his passion for comics to innovate projects that engage all audience...
Abel Garcia
Abel Garcia NONE Dallas-based artist Abel Garcia, inspired by The Bible, hip-hop, graffiti, and the high renaissance, creates unique art using screen printing, acrylic and oil painting. Recognized as...
Karen Grigsby Bates
Karen Grigsby Bates NONE Karen Grigsby Bates is an LA-based NPR News correspondent, known for her work on All Things Considered and The Tavis Smiley Show. She has significantly expanded the show's co...
Neely Fuller, Jr.
Neely Fuller, Jr. MULTIPLE AALBC Mourns the Passing of Neely Fuller, Jr. Neely Fuller, Jr., born in 1929, is an author and activist committed to combating racism. His work, influenced by personal expe...
Cris Freese
Cris Freese NONE Cris Freese is a technical editor, writer, and literary intern for Corvisiero Literary Agency. He was previously the managing editor of Writer’s Digest Books, where he worked with no...
Janice Pernell
Janice Pernell NONE Janice Pernell, a prestigious editor for multiple bestsellers, transitioned into writing with her debut in “Baring It All: The Ins and Outs of Publishing” and her first fiction “N...
Sean Anderson
Sean Anderson 0000000078343215 Sean Anderson, son of Jamaican immigrants, is a New York-based writer, educator, and youth advocate. His works reflect his unique experiences growing up in 80s NYC and ...
Robin W. Pearson
Robin W. Pearson NONE Robin W. Pearson is a Southern-rooted author whose writing is inspired by her family history and faith. A Wake Forest University graduate and experienced editor, she's been a fi...
Haelee Moone
Haelee Moone NONE Haelee P. Moone, a 13-year-old CEO and Founder of The Rules of a Big Boss, LLC, is the author of several self-help books. As an 8th Grader and Honor Student, she uses her platform t...
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony 0000000036943407 Carmelo Anthony, ten-time NBA All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist, overcame adversity to excel in basketball and business. Known for his philanthropy, Antho...
Orrin C. Evans
Orrin C. Evans NONE Orrin Cromwell Evans (1902-1971) was a trailblazing African-American journalist and comic book publisher. He's recognized as the first black general assignment reporter for a main...
Marc Lacy
Marc Lacy NONE Marc Lacy, a graduate from Alabama A&M University, renowned poet, author, and CEO of AVO Publishing, is known for his national literary performances and spoken word venues. He's also a...
Neal Hall
Neal Hall 0000000050176742 Dr. Neal Hall, a poet and experienced ophthalmologist, challenges racial inequality in America despite his extensive education and career. His experiences, from studying at...
Matthew Tyner, Sr.
Matthew Tyner, Sr. MULTIPLE Matthew (Matt) Tyner, Sr. is the author of Fast and Hard: From Addictions to Redemption. He is a man who has reinvented himself and has invested his second chance at life...
Terry O’Neal
Terry O’Neal 0000000046143681 Terry O’Neal is a self-published author. Writing has been a wonderful experience for her. It brings out her inner deepest thoughts and feelings. Terry believes that ...
Jervey Tervalon
Jervey Tervalon NONE Jervey Tervalon is an award-winning author, poet, and screenwriter, known for titles like 'All the Trouble You Need' and 'Dead Above Ground'. Originally from New Orleans, he now ...
Jen Bryant
Jen Bryant 0000000067561735 Jen Bryant is an award-winning author of picture books, novels, and poems for all ages. Her accolades include two Caldecott Honors, two ALA Schneider Family Book Awards, a...
Vanessa Miller
Vanessa Miller NONE Best-selling author and motivational speaker Vanessa Miller, known for her stage productions and Rain Series novels, writes redemption stories to glorify God. She's won Best Chris...
Anne E. Streaty Wimberly
Anne E. Streaty Wimberly 0000000028453416 Anne E. Streaty Wimberly is a Professor of Christian Education in Atlanta, Georgia with over 37 years of teaching experience. She specializes in music instru...
Virginia Hamilton
Virginia Hamilton 0000000114915488 Growing up on a small farm near Yellow Springs, Ohio, in the 1940s, Virginia Hamilton was lovingly embraced by the sights, sounds and smells of rural...
Gina Jarrell
Gina Jarrell NONE Gina Jarrell, an author/illustrator from Davenport, IA, earned her B.A. in Fine Art from Augustana College. Known for creating stories that resonate with children of all ages. Gina ...
Annie Won
Annie Won NONE Annie Won, an MFA graduate from the School of Visual Arts in NYC, is known for illustrating books like All Aboard the Moonlight Train, In the Quiet, Noisy Woods, and Little Golden Book...
Caron Butler and justin a. reynolds
Caron Butler and justin a. reynolds MULTIPLE Caron Butler, former NBA All-Star, collaborates with acclaimed author Justin A. Reynolds to create engaging stories. Former NBA All-Star Caron Butler and ...
Roderick D. Talley
Roderick D. Talley NONE Roderick D. Talley created this company as a hub for positive-oriented books and artwork, while fostering a welcoming environment for all people. A firm believer in “practici...
Damilare Kuku
Damilare Kuku NONE Damilare Kuku is a multi-talented Nigerian author, known for her bestseller story collection, Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad. She has experience in radio, scripts, film, and a...
Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick 0000000078273077 Marie Dionne Warwick (born December 12, 1940) ranks among the 40 biggest US hitmakers between 1955–1999, based on her chart history in Billboard’s Hot 100 pop singles...
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...
Vivian Mineker
Vivian Mineker NONE Vivian Mineker is a renowned children's book illustrator, known for works like The Road Not Taken and All Cats Welcome. Her art has been highlighted in the New York Times, Times o...
Morgan Richard Olivier
Morgan Richard Olivier NONE With a passion for writing that serves as a form of therapy for both herself and her audience, Morgan Richard Olivier's outlet for expression fosters and supports conversa...
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...
Avalon Soulette Brown
Avalon Soulette Brown NONE Avalon S. Brown, a dedicated nurse with 30 years of experience, is a graduate of Essex County College Nursing Program. She is deeply religious and believes in bringing heal...
Earvin Magic Johnson
Earvin Magic Johnson 0000000368581203 Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a former NBA player born in Lansing, Michigan. He played for the Los Angeles Lakers, earning multiple championships and MVP awards. Aft...
Michele Norris
Michele Norris 0000000047566336 Michele Norris, acclaimed host of All Things Considered, is a notable journalist and author recognized with multiple awards, including the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Un...
Anita Bunkley
Anita Bunkley NONE Anita Richmond Bunkley is a highly-acclaimed author and motivational speaker. Overcoming initial rejections, she self-published her first novel and has since written five more, all...
Steven Todd Fisher
Steven Todd Fisher NONE Ayna Rayne is an award-nominated, genre-defying author who captivates readers with her experimental storytelling. She blends elements of romance, drama, mystery, philosophy, a...
Bern Nadette Stanis
Bern Nadette Stanis 0000000356944687 Bern Nadette Stanis is best known as the quick-witted, sexy savvy and the original “It” girl, Thelma Evans, from the groundbreaking, first African American sit...
Asia Hill
Asia Hill NONE Asia Hill, a highly gifted author, earned a rare publishing deal with Good2go Publishing in 2015 from a federal correctional facility, impressively with her debut book, My Besties PT 1...
Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby 0000000107880184 “Far From Finished” Born on July 12, 1937, Bill Cosby is an influential comedian, actor, and philanthropist. He and his wife, Camille, have four daughters, all ...
Bonnie J. Glover
Bonnie J. Glover NONE Born in Alabama and raised in Brooklyn, Bonnie J. Glover is a graduate of Florida A&M University and Stetson University College of Law. She has worked for the Housing Authority ...
Brenda L. Thomas
Brenda L. Thomas 0000000038393998 Brenda L. Thomas, a Philadelphia-based marketing professional, has extensive experience in the basketball industry. Formerly with IBM and AND 1, she also founded Adm...
Jess Marie
Jess Marie NONE Jessica Marie Smith, known as Poet Jess Marie, is an inspirational writer from Detroit, MI, best known for her book “Anthology for Hope in the Hood.” A graduate of Michigan State Univ...
E. N. Joy
E. N. Joy NONE BLESSEDselling Author E.N. Joy, previously known as Joylynn M. Jossel, is an Essence Magazine Bestselling Author known for her “Soap Operas in Print” Divas series. The author, who has ...
Marla Washington
Marla Washington NONE Dr. Marla Washington, a PhD in Sociology, is a specialist on daddyless daughters. Drawing from her own experiences and those of others, she authored a book offering strategies t...
Tanika L. Lynch
Tanika L. Lynch NONE Born in Detroit, Tanika L. Lynch overcame a challenging past marked by abuse, abandonment, and a stint in prison. During her incarceration, she earned her GED, attended college, ...
A-Dziko Simba Gegele
A-Dziko Simba Gegele NONE A-Dziko Simba Gegele is a prize-winning author, known for her debut novel, “All Over Again” which won the 2014 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature. Born in England of Nigeri...
Cheryl Cloyd Robbins
Cheryl Cloyd Robbins NONE Cheryl Cloyd Robbins is a passionate writer who began her journey in high school. She self-published her first novel in 2006 and its acclaimed sequel in 2008. Despite being ...
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,...
Countee Cullen
Countee Cullen 0000000081534450 Countée Porter Cullen (1903-1946) was a prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance, known for his poetry books “Color” and “Copper Sun.” He taught and mentored James ...
David Lamb
David Lamb 0000000109308640 David Lamb, a native New Yorker, discovered his passion for writing at an early age. Despite studying Economics in college and attending law school, David's love for writi...
Dorothy West
Dorothy West 0000000117719538 Dorothy West (1907-1998) was an active participant in the Harlem Renaissance and the last surviving member. Known for her short stories, she debuted with her novel 'The ...
Venise Berry
Venise Berry NONE Venise Berry, an associate professor at the University of Iowa, is a highly accomplished author, researcher, and media professional. She has penned best-selling novels and co-author...
Dwayne McDuffie
Dwayne McDuffie 0000000120367289 Dwayne McDuffie (February 20, 1962 – February 21, 2011) was a comic and television writer. He was known for creating the animated television series Static ...
Jacquie Bamberg Moore
Jacquie Bamberg Moore NONE Jacquie Bamberg Moore is a self-published author and active autism advocate. Known for her debut novel, “All I Need,” and contribution to “Twilight Moods,” she also reviews...
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...
Llaila Afrika
Llaila Afrika NONE "Dr. Llaila Olela Afrika, a holistic health expert, dedicated his life to understanding the body, mind, and spirit. He has studied and taught worldwide, authored numerous resources...
Neil Baldwin
Neil Baldwin 0000000108910963 Dr. Neil Baldwin, born in New York City, is a renowned author and scholar with a Ph.D. in Modern American Poetry. He has authored various poetry, textbooks, and biograph...
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...
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...
Jamila T. Davis
Jamila T. Davis NONE Jamila T. Davis, a former self-made millionaire and now motivational speaker, uses her experiences from rising to the top of her field, to her fall into bankruptcy and imprisonme...
Katherine Shears
Katherine Shears NONE Katherine Shears is a dedicated executive consultant and deep thinker committed to social betterment and personal transformation. A voracious reader, she applies knowledge from ...
Leone Ross
Leone Ross 0000000114886285 Leone Ross is an acclaimed British novelist, short story writer and lecturer. Born in England, raised in Jamaica, her works include “All The Blood Is Red” and “Orange Laug...