AALBC Search
Arian Simone
Arian Simone NONE Arian Simone is an Ivorian queen, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, author, and board director whose life reflects resilience, empowerment, and transformative fearl...
Ben Crump
Ben Crump NONE Renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump is nationally recognized for representing high-profile cases such as Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. Named 2014 NNPA Newsmaker of the Year, a...
Paul Crump
Paul Crump 0000000042989196 Paul Crump, a former prisoner, gained notoriety after writing a novel about his experiences and flaws in the justice system. His case sparked debates about capital punis...
Ben Carson, Ben Crump, and Armstrong Williams
Ben Carson, Ben Crump, and Armstrong Williams MULTIPLE Ben Carson, Ben Crump, and Armstrong Williams are influential figures in their fields. Carson is a renowned neurosurgeon and author, Crump is a ...
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...
Jasmine Guy
Jasmine Guy 0000000114437228 Jasmine Guy knew Afeni Shakur for nearly a decade, having met her via Afeni's son, Tupac. A multitalented performer, Guy began her career as a dancer for the Alvin Ailey...
Ni-Ni Simone and Amir Abrams
Ni-Ni Simone and Amir Abrams MULTIPLE Ni-Ni Simone and Amir Abrams are acclaimed authors known for their captivating novels. Simone excels in urban teen fiction, while Abrams' strength lies in romanc...
Elle Simone Scott
Elle Simone Scott NONE AALBC Mourns the Passing of Elle Simone Scott Elle Simone Scott (born LaShawnda Sherise Simone Scott; November 28, 1976 – January 5, 2026) was an American chef, culinary produc...
Farah Jasmine Griffin and Salim Washington
Farah Jasmine Griffin and Salim Washington MULTIPLE Farah Jasmine Griffin and Salim Washington are renowned authors known for their significant contributions to literature and music studies. Farah Ja...
Brenda Jackson and Naima Simone
Brenda Jackson and Naima Simone MULTIPLE Brenda Jackson and Naima Simone are renowned authors, celebrated for their captivating romance novels. Both writers have a unique storytelling style that enga...
Ni-Ni Simone and Kelli London
Ni-Ni Simone and Kelli London MULTIPLE Ni-Ni Simone and Kelli London are well-known authors, celebrated for their captivating storytelling in young adult literature. They have a unique knack for crea...
J.M. Benjamin
J.M. Benjamin NONE Allow me to introduce you to one of the hardest working hustlers in urban lit: J.M. Benjamin J.M. Benjamin is a successful, powerful and impacting ...
Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. NONE Dr. Benjamin Franklin Chavis Jr. is an activist, author, and journalist, currently the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Previously, he s...
J.M. Benjamin and Randy Kearse
J.M. Benjamin and Randy Kearse MULTIPLE J.M. Benjamin and Randy Kearse are renowned authors, known for their compelling narratives. Their unique perspectives and engaging storytelling have establishe...
K’wan, J.M. Benjamin, Terry L. Wroten, Randy Thompson, and J-Rod Nider
K’wan, J.M. Benjamin, Terry L. Wroten, Randy Thompson, and J-Rod Nider MULTIPLE K'wan, J.M. Benjamin, Terry L. Wroten, Randy Thompson, and J-Rod Nider are accomplished authors, each bringing unique s...
Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and Stacy M. Brown
Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and Stacy M. Brown MULTIPLE Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and Stacy M. Brown are notable authors with extensive experience in the literature field. Their works primarily focus on soci...
Farah Jasmine Griffin
Farah Jasmine Griffin 0000000045480467 Farah Jasmine Griffin is a Columbia University professor specializing in English, Comparative Literature, and African American Studies. She has a BA from Harvar...
Jasmine L. Harris
Jasmine L. Harris NONE Dr. Jasmine L. Harris is an associate professor at the University of Texas, San Antonio, specializing in African American Studies. Her research focuses on the experiences of Bl...
Jasmine Guillory
Jasmine Guillory 0000000510956804 Jasmine Guillory, a New York Times bestselling author known for novels like 'The Wedding Date' and 'The Proposal.' Her work has been featured in major publications a...
Jasmine Brown
Jasmine Brown NONE Jasmine Brown, a 2023 medical student at the University of Pennsylvania, is an M.Phil graduate from Oxford University and founder of the Minority Association of Rising Scientists, ...
Jasmine Mans
Jasmine Mans NONE Jasmine Mans, a Black American poet and artist from Newark, NJ, is a University of Wisconsin Madison graduate. Author of the 2012 poetry collection, Chalk Outlines of Snow Angels, a...
Simone A. James Alexander
Simone A. James Alexander 0000000109111143 Simone A. James Alexander is a distinguished professor, author, and researcher. Born in Guyana, she studied in Guyana, Russia, and the US, earning degrees i...
Ni-Ni Simone
Ni-Ni Simone NONE Ni-Ni Simone, a Jersey-based author, initially unintentional about writing teen fiction, has found success in the genre. Her first novel, “Shortie Like Mine,” was selected by YALSA ...
Naima Simone
Naima Simone NONE USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone writes sizzling romances with humor and heart since 2009. A lover of Johanna Lindsey and Nora Roberts, she also enjoys family life in the s...
Francina Simone
Francina Simone NONE Francina Simone is a YA author renowned for her authentic, humorous, and impactful stories. Her works focus on self-discovery and love. She also runs a popular BookTube channel d...
Briona Simone Jones
Briona Simone Jones NONE Briona Simone Jones, a Black lesbian feminist of Jamaican and African American heritage from Rochester, NY, is a 2021 doctoral candidate in English at Michigan State Universi...
Simone Douglas
Simone Douglas NONE Simone Douglas is a seasoned author with exceptional expertise in digital marketing. She has authored multiple best-selling books and offers valuable insights into the world of so...
Simone Biles with Michelle Burford
Simone Biles with Michelle Burford MULTIPLE Simone Biles, a renowned gymnast, partners with writer Michelle Burford, to share her inspiring journey from childhood to Olympic glory. Simone Biles with ...
Shanna Greene Benjamin
Shanna Greene Benjamin NONE Shanna Greene Benjamin is a biographer and scholar focusing on Black women's literature and intellectual history. She's published in various reviews and also works as a co...
Benjamin Brawley
Benjamin Brawley 000000010856022X Benjamin G. Brawley was a prominent author and educator, born in 1882. He earned degrees from Morehouse College, University of Chicago, and Harvard. Brawley taught E...
Benjamin Quarles
Benjamin Quarles 0000000121004017 Benjamin A. Quarles (1904-1996) was a renowned historian and prolific writer, known for his extensive research on black soldiers and abolitionists in the American Re...
Orchester Benjamin
Orchester Benjamin NONE Orchester Benjamin, a former street player, became a writer and historian of the “Game” at 73. He balances family life, promoting his books, supporting urban literature, and w...
Mia E. Bay, Farah Jasmine Griffin, Martha S. Jones, and Barbara D. Savage
Mia E. Bay, Farah Jasmine Griffin, Martha S. Jones, and Barbara D. Savage MULTIPLE Mia E. Bay, Farah J. Griffin, Martha S. Jones, and Barbara D. Savage are renowned authors with significant contribut...
Jasmine Walls
Jasmine Walls NONE Jasmine Walls is a writer, artist, and editor with former lives in professional baking and teaching martial arts. She still bakes (though she’s pretty rusty at martial arts) and h...
Jasmine Smith
Jasmine Smith NONE Jasmine Smith writes fiction about Black girls discovering their place in the world. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from North Carolina State University and curren...
Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin
Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin MULTIPLE Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, founders of The Trayvon Martin Foundation, work to raise awareness of gun violence and racial profiling's impact on families ...
Rich Benjamin
Rich Benjamin 0000000065214377 Rich Benjamin is a cultural anthropologist and the author of Searching for Whitopia. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, and elsewhere, and...
Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Valerie Smith, William L. Andrews, Frances Foster, Brent Hayes Edwards, Deborah E. McDowell, Hortense J. Spillers, Kimberly W. Benston, Farah Jasmine Griffin, and Jesse McCarthy
Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Valerie Smith, William L. Andrews, Frances Foster, Brent Hayes Edwards, Deborah E. McDowell, Hortense J. Spillers, Kimberly W. Benston, Farah Jasmine Griffin, and Jesse McCarth...
Traci N. Todd
Traci N. Todd 0000000504688188 Traci N. Todd, a Chicago native, is a children's book editor based in Queens. Raised on the music of Ray Charles and Nina Simone and a love for books, she continues to ...
Nellie Y. McKay
Nellie Y. McKay 0000000081108566 Nellie Y. McKay, an influential figure in American literature, co-edited the Norton Anthology of African American Literature. Her work highlighted the scholarly study...
Al Saadiq Banks, Mark Anthony, and Crystal Lacey Winslow, Isadore Johnson, Jm Benjamin
Al Saadiq Banks, Mark Anthony, and Crystal Lacey Winslow, Isadore Johnson, Jm Benjamin MULTIPLE
T. Styles, J.M. Benjamin, Boston George, Danielle Santiago, and Caroline Mcgill
T. Styles, J.M. Benjamin, Boston George, Danielle Santiago, and Caroline Mcgill MULTIPLE
Jaz Johnson
Jaz Johnson NONE Jasmine “Jaz” Johnson is an author passionate about art, writing and graphic design. She published her first novel, 'Sibling Secrets' in 2010. Her writing spans fantasy, science fict...
Remi Blackwood
Remi Blackwood NONE Remi Blackwood is the pen name of series creator Jasmine Richards, and a team of young and upcoming writers, including Chiemeka Nicely and Isaac Hamilton-Mckenzie. Jasmine and th...
Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker
Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker NONE Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker is an award-winning, bestselling author known for her works such as “Flipside of the Game” and “Game Over.” She's contributed to anthologies and has e...
Sophie Adriansen
Sophie Adriansen 000000012303368X Sophie Adriansen, born in 1982, is a French author and member of renowned literary societies. With over 56 diverse works including novels, graphic novels, non-fictio...
Richard B. Moore
Richard B. Moore 0000000082432341 Moore was an early advocate for the use of “African American” as opposed to “Negro” or “Black.” Richard Benjamin Moore was an infl...
Ben Carson
Ben Carson 0000000110700201 Dr. Benjamin Carson, once a child from a poor, single-parent home, overcame challenges to fulfill his dream of becoming a physician. Now, he's a renowned pediatric neurosu...
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 ...
Ezra Jack Keats
Ezra Jack Keats 0000000370477827 Ezra Jack Keats (1916-1983) was a pioneering children's book author and illustrator known for introducing multiculturalism into mainstream American literature. Despit...
Obery M. Hendricks, Jr
Obery M. Hendricks, Jr MULTIPLE Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, Jr., a noted biblical interpretation professor at New York Theological Seminary, is a renowned commentator on religion, politics, and social po...
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...
Daphne A. Brooks
Daphne A. Brooks 0000000036317932 Daphne A. Brooks is a Yale University professor and co-founder of the Black Sound & the Archive Working Group. She is an award-winning author known for her works on ...
TeMika Grooms
TeMika Grooms NONE TeMika Grooms is an Atlanta-based artist and activist, known for illustrating children's books and founding KidsLitATL. She lives in Georgia with her cat and two daughters. TeMika ...
Michaela Coel
Michaela Coel 0000000434604582 Michaela Coel, a Ghanaian-British actress, screenwriter, director, and producer, is renowned for her BAFTA-winning roles in “Chewing Gum” and “I May Destroy You.” She m...
Tajuana “TJ” Butler
Tajuana “TJ” Butler NONE Tajuana “TJ” Butler-Jackson, founder of Lavelle Publishing, is honing her skills as an actor and director. She's completed her first short film and lives in Indianapolis with...
James Mcgrath Morris
James Mcgrath Morris 000000007142934X James McGrath Morris is a renowned author of biographies and narrative nonfiction, including a New York Times Bestseller. With a career spanning journalism, teac...
Ralph Ginzburg
Ralph Ginzburg 0000000115071504 Ralph Ginzburg, born October 28, 1929, was an esteemed author, editor, publisher, and photo-journalist specializing in erotica and art. Infamously convicted in 1963 fo...
Ty Allan Jackson
Ty Allan Jackson NONE Ty Allan Jackson is a celebrated author and publisher, renowned for his children's book 'Danny Dollar Millionaire: The Lemonade Escapade.' Inspired by his son's curiosity about ...
Gail Milissa Grant
Gail Milissa Grant NONE Gail Milissa Grant (1949–2024) was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri at the cusp of the modern civil rights movement. She is currently a writer and public speaker,...
Gene Barretta
Gene Barretta NONE Gene Barretta is an acclaimed children's book author and illustrator, known for titles like “Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare.” He has won the Carolyn W. Field Award and Bank...
J. Everett Prewitt
J. Everett Prewitt NONE J. Everett Prewitt, a distinguished alumnus and Vietnam veteran, has received numerous awards for his novels, including “Snake Walkers” and “A Long Way Back.” His works have b...
John Edgar Wideman
John Edgar Wideman 0000000110326512 John Edgar Wideman, born in 1941, is a renowned author and professor hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He completed his B.A. in English from the University of...
Nikky Finney
Nikky Finney 0000000358800804 Nikky Finney, a South Carolina-born poet, is renowned for her first-person literary accounts of significant American historical events. She debuted with “On Wings Made o...
Clarence B. Jones
Clarence B. Jones 0000000036182118 AALBC mourns the passing of Clarence B. Jones Dr. Clarence Benjamin Jones (January 8, 1931 – May 22, 2026) the lawyer who served as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s pe...
Derek Tyler Attico
Derek Tyler Attico NONE Derek Tyler Attico is an American speculative fiction author, essayist and award-winning photographer. He is a two-time winner of the Star Trek “Strange New Worlds” short-sto...
Randal Maurice Jelks
Randal Maurice Jelks 0000000035838680 Dr. Randal Maurice Jelks is a Professor at the University of Kansas, specializing in American and African American Studies. He has authored two award-winning boo...
Julian Winters
Julian Winters NONE Julian Winters is the author of the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Award-winning Running With Lions; the Georgia Peach Award-nominated Right Where I Left You; Junior Library Guild S...
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...
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...