AALBC Search
Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné
Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné NONE Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné is a renowned Trinidadian poet and artist, with works featured in multiple publications. She won the 2009 Caribbean Writer's Paiewonksy Prize and...
Diana Veiga
Diana Veiga NONE Go On Girl! Book Club, Unpublished Writer Award 2013 Winner Diana Veiga, winner of the 2013 Go On Girl! Book Club's Unpublished Writer award, is a dedicated writer and social justice ...
Kimberla Lawson Roby
Kimberla Lawson Roby 0000000063897135 Kimberla’s Thoughts on Concluding Her Reverend Curtis Black Series, After 15 Books Kimberla Lawson Roby is a New York Times Bestselling Author of 24 novels,...
Ivor W. Hartmann
Ivor W. Hartmann NONE Ivor W. Hartmann is a Zimbabwean writer, editor, and publisher, known for editing the groundbreaking anthology AfroSF: Science Fiction by African Writers. His work has promoted ...
Thulani Davis
Thulani Davis 0000000001538348 Thulani Davis is an interdisciplinary scholar and writer, with focus on black political thought, slavery, and African American literature. She's a recipient of numerous...
Adrian Matejka
Adrian Matejka 0000000037525872 Adrian Matejka is a Germany-born, Indiana-based author and educator. A graduate of Indiana University and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, he has penned award-...
Deborah Davis
Deborah Davis 0000000109357178 Deborah Davis is an acclaimed author of seven non-fiction books, including the authorized history of The Oprah Winfrey Show and Guest of Honor, a Phillis Wheatley Award...
Mariana Llanos
Mariana Llanos 0000000037617355 Mariana Llanos, a Peru-born author, studied theater in Lima before moving to Oklahoma in 2002. She self-published her first book, Tristan Wolf, in 2013 and has since p...
Tamiya Davis
Tamiya Davis NONE Tamiya Davis, a Virginia native, is a longshoreman, fashion entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker. Her achievements include running a rights restoration chapter, owning a f...
Ben Jealous
Ben Jealous 0000000417015073 Benjamin Todd Jealous is a notable American civil rights leader and social impact investor. He was the youngest-ever national leader of the NAACP (2008-2013) and ran for ...
ZZ Packer
ZZ Packer 0000000079830912 ZZ Packer is a celebrated writer recognized by Book magazine. A Yale, Johns Hopkins, and University of Iowa alumna, she's acclaimed for her short fiction in her debut colle...
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim 0000000458785840 Abubakar Adam Ibrahim is a renowned Nigerian writer and journalist, known for his novel 'Season of Crimson Blossoms' and short story collection 'The Whispering ...
Olympia Scott
Olympia Scott NONE Olympia Scott, a Brooklyn native and English major at Medgar Evers College, is a creative writer and intern at AALBC. She contributes useful content and aims to help other writers ...
Damaris B. Hill
Damaris B. Hill 0000000454814480 DaMaris B. Hill, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Kentucky. Inspired by theories of “rememory” and inclusive history, Hill has ...
Frederick K. Foote, Jr.
Frederick K. Foote, Jr. MULTIPLE Frederick K. Foote, Jr., born in Sacramento, California, experienced racial segregation in education before serving in the USAF. After retiring from the State of Cali...
Chinelo Okparanta
Chinelo Okparanta 0000000409874206 Nigerian-born author, Chinelo Okparanta, is an accomplished educator and writer with degrees from Pennsylvania State, Rutgers University, and the Iowa Writers' Work...
Eartha Watts-Hicks
Eartha Watts-Hicks NONE Eartha Watts-Hicks is a prolific writer for various online publications, including Harlem World's Magazine's blog and TheUrbanBookSource.com. She has been the director of publ...
Harvey Stein, Herb Boyd, and Miss Rosen
Harvey Stein, Herb Boyd, and Miss Rosen MULTIPLE Harvey Stein, Herb Boyd, and Miss Rosen are renowned authors. Stein, captured during a book signing at Rizzoli Bookstore in 2013, collaborates with Bo...
Hannah Crafts
Hannah Crafts 0000000057115061 Hannah Bond, known as Hannah Crafts, was an African-American writer and ex-slave who escaped to the North and wrote The Bondwoman’s Narrative. Settling in New Jersey, B...
Mary Helen Washington
Mary Helen Washington 0000000076894080 Mary Helen Washington is an English Professor at the University of Maryland. She's a former Bunting Fellow at Harvard and has taught at the University of Massac...
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...
Glory Edim
Glory Edim NONE Glory Edim is the founder of Well-Read Black Girl, a platform celebrating Black literature. With over 10 years of experience as a creative strategist, she currently assists writers at...
Namwali Serpell
Namwali Serpell 0000000369874075 C. Namwali Serpell is a celebrated Zambian writer and University of California, Berkeley professor. Winner of the 2011 Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers’ Award and 2015 C...
Ava DuVernay
Ava DuVernay 000000035624500X Ava DuVernay is an award-winning writer, producer, and director in independent film. She founded DVA Media + Marketing and the African-American Film Festival Releasing M...
Marlon McCaulsky
Marlon McCaulsky NONE Award-winning American author and screenplay writer, Marlon McCaulsky, is celebrated for his Fiction, Romance, and Science Fiction works that often highlight contemporary Africa...
Zanele Muholi
Zanele Muholi 0000000120987488 Zanele Muholi, born 1972, is a South African visual activist and award-winning photographer. They are the co-founder of the Forum for the Empowerment of Women and found...
T. Geronimo Johnson
T. Geronimo Johnson 0000000357171620 T. Geronimo Johnson, a New Orleans native, is a bestselling author known for 'Welcome to Braggsville' and 'Hold It 'Til It Hurts'. A finalist for the 2013 PEN/Fau...
Damon Meadows
Damon Meadows NONE Damon “Amin” Meadows, a South Philadelphia native and proud father, co-authored Convict's Candy during his federal prison sentence. He educates on prison life and emphasizes HIV/AI...
Armand Anthony Gonzalzles
Armand Anthony Gonzalzles NONE Armand Anthony Gonzalzles, a Chicago native, is an education and biology graduate turned medical professional. After a successful teaching career, he attended Loyola St...
Kim Jones
Kim Jones 0000000385386573 Kimberly Jones, an educator at Lawton Public Schools since 1998, is committed to community improvement. She has initiated numerous programs including “The Colors of Life,” ...
Nichole L. Shields
Nichole L. Shields NONE Nichole L. Shields (1969-2009) was a celebrated poet and essayist, renowned for her impactful story-telling as a black woman. She was a two-time Gwendolyn Brooks poetry winner...
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,...
Vladimir Lucien
Vladimir Lucien NONE Vladimir Lucien is an award-winning St. Lucian writer, known for his published works in notable journals and anthologies. His accolades include the Small Axe Prize 2013 and the O...
Johnie Jay
Johnie Jay NONE Author Johnie Jay, known for his passion, made a successful debut in 2013 with his novel, “Inevitable Act I” ranking #1 on Amazon's women fiction list. Recognized by Black Expressions...
Fenton Johnson
Fenton Johnson 0000000038623095 Fenton Johnson (1888-1958) was an African American poet, essayist, and editor who significantly contributed to the Harlem Renaissance. His work, including his well-kno...
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...
Brenda M. Greene
Brenda M. Greene 000000008095850X Dr. Brenda M. Greene is a respected professor, writer, and scholar, leading the Center for Black Literature and the National Black Writers Conference. She has contri...
Wallace Thurman
Wallace Thurman 0000000080916692 Wallace Henry Thurman, born in 1902, was an influential figure during the Harlem Renaissance. Known for his realistic portrayals of lower-class black American society...
Andrew Salkey
Andrew Salkey 0000000109378518 Felix Salkey was a Panamanian-born author dedicated to Jamaican culture. Raised in Jamaica, he became a prominent figure in the London community of West Indian writers ...
Gil Robertson
Gil Robertson NONE Gil L. Robertson IV is a renowned authority on African-American pop culture. A journalist, author, lecturer, and media consultant, he provides platforms for social change through h...
Angeli R. Rasbury
Angeli R. Rasbury NONE Angeli R. Rasbury is a versatile writer and attorney who has served as an editor for several major publications. She's a co-editor of a notable book, interviewed distinguished ...
Albert Murray
Albert Murray 0000000083695821 Albert L. Murray (1916-2013) was a respected critic, novelist, and biographer. Born in Alabama, he divided his time between teaching and serving in the air force before...
Masande Ntshanga
Masande Ntshanga 0000000450507336 Masande Ntshanga, winner of the 2013 PEN International New Voices Award and 2015 Caine Prize Finalist, is an accomplished writer and UCT graduate. He has written for...
Truth Thomas
Truth Thomas NONE Truth Thomas, born in Knoxville and raised in Washington DC, is an award-winning poet and singer-songwriter. He has authored four poetry collections including Speak Water, winner of...
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela 0000000121447715 Nelson Mandela, born July 18, 1918, was South Africa's first black President from 1994-1999, and ANC party President from 1991-1997. After 27 years in prison, he was r...
William Demby
William Demby 000000011041394X William Demby was a prominent author born on December 25, 1922, and passed away on May 23, 2013. William Demby (December 25, 1922 – May 23, 2013) was an African-A...
M.J. Fievre
M.J. Fievre NONE M.J. Fievre, a Haiti-born author, currently writing from Miami, began her publishing career as a teenager. Renowned for her nine French books, she also published a trilingual childre...
Khara Campbell
Khara Campbell NONE A Q&A, from December 2013, with novelist Khara Jhanielle Campbell: Not My Will is your first novel. Sex before marriage, such a hot evergreen topic among the number o...
Tope Folarin
Tope Folarin 0000000423227849 Tope Folarin, a Nigerian-American writer based in DC, is a Caine Prize winner and named in Africa39's list of promising writers. An Oxford-educated Rhodes Scholar, he ho...
Zoe Johnson
Zoe Johnson NONE Comedy writer and stand-up Zoe Johnson started creating characters at 8. At William & Mary, she brought her humor to the student paper; she now trains at Upright Citizens Brigade (UC...
Craig Robinson
Craig Robinson 0000000078127942 Craig Phillip Robinson, born October 25, 1971, is a renowned actor, comedian, and singer, most recognized for his nine-year role as Darryl Philbin on The Office (2005-...
D. H. Melhem
D. H. Melhem 0000000083589076 D.H. Melhem, real name Diana M. Vogel (1926-2013), was an esteemed American poet, novelist, and editor. D. H. Melhem is a pseudonym for Diana M. Vogel (1926 – 2013...
Diana Murray
Diana Murray NONE Diana Murray, award-winning poet and former art director at Theory, transitioned from graphic design to writing. Known for her impressive sock collection, she now resides in a subur...
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...
Francis Ray
Francis Ray 0000000110715606 Francis Ray (1944-2013) was a celebrated Texas-based author and school nurse practitioner. Known for her bestsellers in Blackboard and Essence Magazine, her work includes...
Rakim
Rakim 0000000118505494 Rakim, a transformative hip-hop artist, gained fame with the album 'Paid in Full', named MTV's greatest hip-hop album. His unique style influenced artists like Jay Z, Eminem, a...
Megan Frazer Blakemore
Megan Frazer Blakemore NONE Megan Frazer Blakemore is a notable children's and young adults' author, known for her middle grade novels like “The Firefly Code” and “The Water Castle,” the latter being...
Guy Sims
Guy Sims NONE Guy A. Sims is an acclaimed author known for his early publications on Kwanzaa, his collection of American Tall Tales, and his novel, Living Just A Little. He's also the head writer for...
Tony Martin
Tony Martin 0000000064030680 Professor Tony Martin, born in Trinidad and Tobago (1942-2013), was a revered historian and author, known as the leading expert on Marcus Garvey. Alongside teaching Afric...
Adiba Nelson
Adiba Nelson NONE Adiba Nelson is a Black author and speaker who advocates for inclusion. Known for her 2013 children's book, Meet ClaraBelle Blue, which represents her special needs Afro-Latinx daug...
Biyi Bandele
Biyi Bandele 0000000120964833 Biyi Bandele-Thomas (1967-2022) was a renowned Nigerian novelist, playwright, director, and photographer. He was celebrated as one of Africa's top 50 artists. Bandele's ...
Leire Salaberria
Leire Salaberria 0000000360451551 Leire Salaberria, born in Spain in 1983, is a Fine Arts graduate who specializes in Children's Illustration. She's exhibited her work globally and has been featured ...
Denisha Jones and Jesse Hagopian
Denisha Jones and Jesse Hagopian MULTIPLE Denisha Jones, a member of the national Black Lives Matter at School committee, is an activist and advocate for education justice. She is the Director of the...
Sharna Jackson
Sharna Jackson NONE Sharna Jackson, an award-winning author known for her middle-grade series High Rise Mystery and Tate Kids Activity books. Recognized as a Rising Star in 2013, she won the Watersto...
Malorie Blackman
Malorie Blackman 0000000114886816 Oneta Malorie Blackman OBE, FRSL (born February 8, 1962) is a British writer who held the position of Children’s Laureate from 2013 to 2015. She primarily writes li...
Tania Grossinger
Tania Grossinger NONE Tania Grossinger is an author, consultant, raconteur, talk show guest, travel writer, and self-described troublemaker. A member of the American Society of Journalists and Autho...
Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah 0000000430715306 Trevor Noah, a successful African comedian and host of the award-winning 'The Daily Show', joined the show in 2014. He has multiple comedy specials, including his 9th, 'A...
Julian Mayfield
Julian Mayfield 0000000114504355 Julian Mayfield (1928-1984) was a renowned writer, civil rights activist, and cultural icon. His works explored themes of race and identity, significantly impacting t...
Robert Hayden
Robert Hayden 0000000114660665 Hayden was Named U.S. Poet Laureate for (1976–1978) Robert Hayden (1913-1980) was a renowned African-American poet, essayist, and educator. He was the first Africa...
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...
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 ...
Free Minds Writers
Free Minds Writers NONE "Free Minds Writers” is a collective of creative authors known for their thought-provoking works. Their writings inspire readers to explore new ideas and stimulate free thinki...
De’Shawn Charles Winslow
De’Shawn Charles Winslow NONE De'Shawn Charles Winslow, a North Carolina native, is a Brooklyn-based author and 2017 Iowa Writers’ Workshop graduate. He holds a BFA in creative writing and an MA in E...
Wanda M. Morris
Wanda M. Morris NONE Wanda M. Morris, a corporate attorney, is a seasoned presenter and leader with experience in Fortune 100 companies. A former President of the Georgia Chapter of the Association o...
Marilynn Griffith
Marilynn Griffith NONE Marilynn Griffith is a renowned freelance writer and conference speaker, serving thousands of women yearly through her columns and blogs. She's been the VP of American Christia...
Joanne C. Hillhouse
Joanne C. Hillhouse 0000000043655956 Joanne C. Hillhouse’s writing has been described as “honest”, “real”, “poetic”, and “lyrical”. Her Antiguan culture is at the heart of her writing: “Obvious is t...
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...
Maulana Karenga
Maulana Karenga 0000000116973657 Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana Studies and influential figure in the Black Power movement, created the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa. A graduate of UC...
Linda Addison
Linda Addison 000000003555029X “Addison has enough invention for two writers, and enough heart for three.” —Terry Bisson, Nebula Award winning author Linda D. Addison, first African...
Nick Chiles
Nick Chiles 0000000034375194 Nick Chiles is a renowned author and journalist, specializing in African-American culture and celebrity. Co-author of the NAACP Image Awards finalist book 'Justice While ...
Tina Andrews
Tina Andrews 0000000003084191 Tina Andrews, an award-winning writer, producer and director, is known for her book “Sally Hemings An American Scandal”, which won the NAACP Image Award and the Memphis ...
Judith Ortiz Cofer
Judith Ortiz Cofer 0000000120330160 Judith Ortiz Cofer is a renowned Puerto Rican American author known for her award-winning work across various literary genres. She is a former English and Creative...
Ayana Mathis
Ayana Mathis 0000000367812022 Ayana Mathis, an Iowa Writers' Workshop graduate and Michener-Copernicus Fellowship recipient, is best known for her NYT best-selling novel 'The Twelve Tribes of Hattie'...
Jay Bernard
Jay Bernard 0000000068355829 Jay Bernard is an acclaimed author, known for works like 'Your Sign is Cuckoo, Girl' and 'The Red and Yellow Nothing,' shortlisted for the 2017 Ted Hughes Award. They als...
Margaret Walker
Margaret Walker 0000000120999163 Margaret Walker was a renowned American poet and writer, known for her works “For My People” and “Jubilee.” She was a key figure in the African-American literary move...
Cicely Lewis
Cicely Lewis NONE Cicely Lewis, a Georgia-based school librarian, is passionate about fostering reading habits. She initiated the Read Woke challenge in 2017, addressing social issues and literature ...
Daisy Copelin
Daisy Copelin NONE Daisy Copelin, a graduate of Nyack College and self-made author, uses her personal experiences of overcoming adversity to inspire young people through her writings. She founded the...
Mecca Jamilah Sullivan
Mecca Jamilah Sullivan NONE Mecca Jamilah Sullivan, Ph.D., is an award-winning author and scholar known for her short stories and critical work on African Diaspora culture. She's held numerous reside...
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...
Runoko Rashidi
Runoko Rashidi 0000000067534868 “Africans came to America before, during, and after enslavement. Don’t start our history at the end; start it at the beginning.” Dr. Runoko Rashidi wa...
Sterling Brown
Sterling Brown 0000000467837526 Sterling A. Brown (1901-1989) was a renowned African American professor, poet, and literary critic. Born and educated in prestigious institutions, he devoted 40 years ...
Arthur R. Flowers
Arthur R. Flowers NONE Arthur Flowers, a Vietnam veteran, blues singer, and Memphis native, is a co-founder of the New Renaissance Writer's Guild and a notable performance poet. He teaches at Syracus...
Mũkoma wa Ngũgĩ
Mũkoma wa Ngũgĩ 0000000048742231 Mũkoma wa Ngũgĩ, an acclaimed novelist, poet, and essayist, is an Assistant Professor of English at Cornell University. He was shortlisted for the Caine Prize and Pen...
Chinua Achebe
Chinua Achebe 0000000122774961 The novelist Chinua Achebe (November 16, 1930 — March 21, 2013), a fine stylish and an astute social critic, is one of the best-known African writers in the ...
Kidada E. Williams
Kidada E. Williams NONE Kidada E. Williams is a distinguished historian and author, known for her detailed exploration of African American history, specifically during the Reconstruction era. Her wor...
John Riddick, Jr.
John Riddick, Jr. MULTIPLE John Riddick, Jr., editor of Rhapsody in Black, a quarterly literary magazine, showcased selected national writers and artists' talents. This publication aimed to promote d...
Yvette Lisa Ndlovu
Yvette Lisa Ndlovu NONE Yvette Lisa Ndlovu is a Zimbabwean storyteller. Her debut short story collection Drinking from Graveyard Wells was selected for the 2021 UPK New Poetry & Prose Series. Yvette ...
Margaret Peters
Margaret Peters 0000000371031456 Margaret Peters, a distinguished educator and African American history specialist, has an impressive academic background with degrees from the University of Dayton. B...
Yani
Yani 0000000118166410 Yani, an Amazon Best Selling Author from Philadelphia, is renowned for her six novels and unique storytelling style. She's celebrated in genres like African American Fiction-Ur...
Susie King Taylor
Susie King Taylor 0000000084839030 Susan Taylor Baker King, born into slavery in 1848, overcame adversity to become a teacher, nurse, and author. Despite education restrictions, she attended secret s...