AALBC Search
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...
Brandon Kilbourne
Brandon Kilbourne NONE Brandon Kilbourne is a Pushcart-nominated poet and biologist, whose work has appeared in Poet Lore, Obsidian, Ecotone, Terrain.org, West Trade Review, Split Rock Review, and n...
Jennifer L. Morgan
Jennifer L. Morgan 0000000116288983 Jennifer L. Morgan is a 2024 MacArthur Foundation’s “Genius” Grant Winner Morgan is a 2024 MacArthur Foundation's "Genius" Grant Winner, for "Deep...
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...
Nnamdi Azikiwe
Nnamdi Azikiwe 0000000082108154 Nnamdi Azikiwe, a Washington DC-born author and University of the District of Columbia graduate, is known for his works on Black consciousness. He founded the Mhotep C...
Pat Cummings
Pat Cummings 0000000067231736 Pat Cummings is an award-winning author and illustrator, known for creating over 30 children's books. She's worked on TV shows like Gullah Gullah Island and Cover to Cov...
Queen Afua
Queen Afua 0000000513485286 Queen Afua is a renowned herbalist, natural health expert, and spiritual healer, specializing in women's health. She is a Khamitic priestess, yoga teacher, and founder of ...
Shelia Burlock, Sylvia Burlock, and Melissa Burlock
Shelia Burlock, Sylvia Burlock, and Melissa Burlock MULTIPLE Shelia Burlock and her daughters Sylvia and Melissa are a writing trio from Indianapolis focused on natural hair care for women of African...
John Steptoe
John Steptoe 0000000083178664 John Lewis Steptoe (1950-1989) was a renowned children's book author and illustrator from Brooklyn, NY. Known for his rich illustrations depicting the African American e...
Cheryl Willis Hudson and Wade Hudson
Cheryl Willis Hudson and Wade Hudson MULTIPLE Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson, parents based in Northern NJ, founded Just Us Books in 1988 to address a lack of quality Black-interest children's ...
Andrea Davis Pinkney
Andrea Davis Pinkney 0000000083413599 Andrea Davis Pinkney is a bestselling author of children and young adult books, awarded multiple honors such as Coretta Scott King Awards and NAACP Image Award n...
Steven Van Patten
Steven Van Patten NONE Steven Van Patten, a Brooklyn-born author, is renowned for his Brookwater's Curse trilogy and Killer Genius series. His short fiction contributions include horror anthologies a...
Dorothy Roberts
Dorothy Roberts 0000000109854027 Dorothy Roberts is a 2024 MacArthur Foundation’s “Genius” Grant Winner Dorothy Roberts is a distinguished professor of Law and Sociology at the Unive...
Jericho Brown
Jericho Brown 0000000055016908 Jericho Brown is a 2024 MacArthur Foundation’s “Genius” Grant Winner Jericho Brown, born 1976, is a renowned, award-winning poet recognized for his inf...
Janet Halfmann
Janet Halfmann NONE Janet Halfmann, author of over 30 children's books, many on natural science, enjoys gardening, nature exploration, travel, and films. She resides in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin wit...
Lynn Nottage
Lynn Nottage 0000000080050112 Congrats to Lynn Nottage: Winner 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama Lynn Nottage, a distinguished playwright and lecturer, is celebrated for her outstanding plays and awarded ...
Very Puzzled
Very Puzzled NONE Very Puzzled creates educational jigsaw puzzles that celebrate diversity and promote understanding of different cultures. Their mission is to provide children with a fun way to expl...
Christopher Eliopoulos
Christopher Eliopoulos NONE Christopher Eliopoulos is a renowned illustrator, starting his career with Marvel. He wrote and illustrated popular comics like Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius, Pet Ave...
Bryan Stevenson
Bryan Stevenson 0000000457338264 Bryan Stevenson, executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative and NYU law professor, is renowned for advocating for the poor and people of color. He's won relie...
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...
Saidiya Hartman
Saidiya Hartman 0000000031682180 Saidiya Hartman, MacArthur “Genius” Fellow and Columbia University professor, is celebrated for works like “Wayward Lives” and “Lose Your Mother.” Her accolades inclu...
John Keene
John Keene 0000000032165978 Winner 2022 National Book Award for Poetry John Keene, acclaimed author known for Annotations, has been published in various anthologies and journals, earning several award...
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...
Nikole Hannah-Jones
Nikole Hannah-Jones 0000000454752515 Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The New York Times, is known for her work on racial injustice and the 1619 Project. A MacArthur Genius Gr...
Siku
Siku 0000000065618187 Siku is a multifaceted British artist, author, theologian, and musician, renowned for his comic book/concept art. He has worked with 2000AD, Marvel UK, and COM X, producing nota...
Wade Hudson
Wade Hudson 0000000067647969 Why I Publish Children’s Books Wade Hudson, born in 1946, is an author, journalist, and civil rights activist. Known for his children's books promoting positive Afri...
Sam Anderson
Sam Anderson 0000000119000682 Dr. Sam Anderson, a veteran activist and educator, is a renowned mathematics professor and Senior Editor of NOBO. A founding member of the Network of Black Organizers an...
Eldridge Cleaver
Eldridge Cleaver 0000000108667924 Leroy Eldridge Cleaver was a writer, political activist, and early leader of the Black Panther Party. His 1968 bestseller, “Soul on Ice,” is a collection of his pris...
Nonku Kunene Adumetey
Nonku Kunene Adumetey NONE Nonkululeko “Nonku” Kunene Adumetey is a devoted wife, mother, and children's author. Born in eSwatini, educated in Canada and the US, she's passionate about inspiring chil...
Denizé Lauture
Denizé Lauture 0000000054539790 Denizé Lauture was born in Haiti on May 11, 1946. The firstborn of thirteen children, he was the son of Lhomond and Ergenie (née Prevot) Lauture. Lauture emigrated fr...
Manzel Bowman
Manzel Bowman NONE Manzel Bowman is a distinguished Afrofuturist artist known for his digital illustrations that merge technology with spiritual and natural motifs. His art explores identity, humanit...
Chante Griffin
Chante Griffin NONE Chanté Griffin is an advocate who uses media and the arts to advocate for the issues closest to my heart, particularly loving our Black Neighbors and protecting natural black hair...
Jazmyn Simon and Dulé Hill
Jazmyn Simon and Dulé Hill MULTIPLE Jazmyn Simon and Dulé Hill, a married couple known for their roles in HBO’s Ballers and ABC’s The Wonder Years, coauthored a children's book, Repeat After Me, to ...
Felicia Leatherwood with Corynne L. Corbett
Felicia Leatherwood with Corynne L. Corbett MULTIPLE Felicia Leatherwood is the world’s leading celebrity stylist and inspirational beauty speaker regarding natural hair with over twenty-six years o...
Barry Fletcher
Barry Fletcher 000000004196937X Barry Fletcher, a renowned celebrity hairstylist, offers his expertise to A-list clientele including Halle Berry and Tina Turner, and influential figures like Condolee...
Nikki Walton
Nikki Walton NONE Nikki Walton, a licensed psychotherapist and founder of CurlyNikki.com, is a leading voice in natural hair care. Her platform, among the top 50 Black-owned websites, offers educatio...
Judy Allen Dodson
Judy Allen Dodson NONE Judy Allen Dodson is an award-winning librarian, archivist, and children's author dedicated to teaching Black History through stories of unsung heroes. She serves as a regional...
Cozbi A. Cabrera
Cozbi A. Cabrera NONE I wanted to express something that was really beautiful… —Cozbi A. Cabrera Cozbi A. Cabrera, a Brooklyn native, is a multidisciplinary creative best known for design...
Miko Branch
Miko Branch NONE Miko Branch, CEO and co-founder of Miss Jessie's LLC, revolutionized the hair care industry with products for natural and curly hair. Featured on numerous magazine covers, recognized...
Lisa Irby
Lisa Irby NONE Lisa Irby, an Internet Info-preneur from St. Louis, teaches website creation and online marketing through her website, blog, and YouTube channel. She also manages Napturally Curly, a w...
Toni Winston
Toni Winston NONE Toni M. Winston is a multi-talented individual and author, juggling roles as a health motivator, hair stylist, event planner, gardener, and comedienne. She draws wisdom from everyda...
Charles S. Finch III
Charles S. Finch III NONE AALBC Mourns the passing of Dr. Finch January 17, 2026 Dr. Charles S. Finch III is a renowned African-American physician, author, and cultural historian. Known for his health...
Bobby Price
Bobby Price NONE Dr. Bobby Price, a certified plant-based nutritionist and exercise physiologist, focuses on holistic healing through diet, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes. He has extensive cl...
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...
Dinah Johnson
Dinah Johnson NONE Dinah Johnson is a renowned author in children's literature, particularly in African American storytelling. Her books, which include titles like Hair Dance! and Sitting Pretty, cel...
Eloise Greenfield
Eloise Greenfield 000000006319793X Eloise Greenfield, renowned for her rhythmic style, positively portrayed the black experience in her award-winning children's literature. With works like The Friend...
Maya Cameron-Gordon
Maya Cameron-Gordon NONE Maya Cameron-Gordon is an author, mother, and former teacher with an MFA in filmmaking. She aims to diversify children's fantasy through her books and films, promoting repres...
Wanda Thomas
Wanda Thomas 0000000074200639 Wanda L. Thomas, a New York-born author and CEO of a Medical Transcribing business, holds a BA in Biology and Pre-Medical Studies. She founded JCW Enterprises, a childre...
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...
Michelle Meadows
Michelle Meadows NONE Michelle Meadows is a celebrated children's author of 10 books, best known for her debut, 'The Way The Storm Stops'. Her heartwarming stories, often read aloud, help children na...
Irene Smalls
Irene Smalls NONE Irene Smalls, a Harlem native and Cornell University graduate, is a renowned children's author, inspired by her personal experiences and heritage. Her diverse career spans modelling...
Roda Ahmed
Roda Ahmed 0000000359875672 Roda Ahmed, born in Somalia and raised in Norway, is a multilingual anthropologist, author, and former columnist for the Norwegian newspaper, Dagsavisen. Her debut childre...
Paschal Beverly Randolph
Paschal Beverly Randolph 0000000080818187 The Mystical Black Genius Time Erased Paschal Beverly Randolph was a key figure in African-American history, renowned for his work as an author, spiritual lea...
Breanna J. McDaniel
Breanna J. McDaniel NONE Breanna J. McDaniel is a children's literature author and scholar, holding an MA from Simmons University and currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Cambridge. Her rese...
Erika Lynne Jones
Erika Lynne Jones NONE Erika Lynne Jones, a children's book author and illustrator, uses her work to celebrate culture and affirm children's worth. Known for “The Loud Librarian” and based in Dallas,...
Kelly Starling Lyons
Kelly Starling Lyons NONE Kelly Starling Lyons is a children's book author from Pittsburgh. Inspired by her mother's storytelling and her grandparents' creativity, she started writing at a young age....
Teffanie Thompson
Teffanie Thompson NONE Teffanie Thompson, a Texas native and Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction program graduate, has written numerous stories for children, teens, and ballerinas. Curren...
Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich 0000000062308116 Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is a children's book author with notable works like 8th Grade Superzero, Two Naomis, and more. A member of the Brown Books...
George Moses Horton
George Moses Horton 000000006316904X George Moses Horton (1798–1884) was the first African American poet to be published in the Southern US, while still enslaved. His notable works include “The Hop...
Neil Thompson
Neil Thompson 0000000109892699 Neil Thompson is an engineer, podcaster, and entrepreneur who focuses on science. His company, Teach the Geek, aids engineers and scientists in improving presentation s...
E. B. Lewis
E. B. Lewis 0000000367331472 E.B. Lewis, an award-winning illustrator, has worked on over 70 children's books. Inspired by his uncles, he developed his artistic skills from a young age and later spec...
Gwendolyn Hooks
Gwendolyn Hooks NONE Gwendolyn Hooks is a children's book author inspired by pets, friendship, and family. Born in Georgia, she's lived in several places including Italy. She initially pursued a care...
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...
Natasha Moulton-Levy
Natasha Moulton-Levy NONE Natasha Moulton-Levy, a mother and problem-solver, instills a global perspective in her children, helping them become successful global citizens. An alumna of the College of...
Sylvia L. Walker
Sylvia L. Walker NONE Sylvia L. Walker, a Pasadena-born artist, is renowned for her children's fashion illustrations and book illustrations. She has worked with major clients like Simplicity, McCalls...
Karen Lynn Williams
Karen Lynn Williams 0000000063701972 Karen Lynn Williams, born in 1952, is a renowned author of over a dozen children's books, including the acclaimed 'GALIMOTO'. She's also a former Peace Corps volu...
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...
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 ...
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...
Carrie Abron
Carrie Abron NONE Carrie Abron is the pen name of Candace Miller-Brathwaite, who writes urban fantasy rooted in family, friendship, love, and the magic hidden within everyday life. Her stories blend...
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...
Veronica Freeman Ellis
Veronica Freeman Ellis NONE Veronica Freeman Ellis is a renowned author known for “Land of the Four Winds” and “AFRO-BETS First Book about Africa.” She has contributed to “Book of Black Heroes: Great...
Karen English
Karen English NONE Karen English, renowned for her children's books, is a multiple award-winning author recognized for addressing racial injustice. Raised in 1960s Los Angeles, she began writing at a...
Rachel Renée Russell
Rachel Renée Russell 0000000116442848 “Black writers should not be typecast into having only black characters.”—Shonda Rhimes Rachel Renee Russell, attorney and bestselling author of...
Malcolm Newsome
Malcolm Newsome NONE Malcolm Newsome, a Chicago-based children's book author and Black Creators Headquarters co-founder, uses his background in psychology, sociology, and cyber security to write insp...
Dominique Furukawa
Dominique Furukawa NONE Dominique Furukawa, a licensed clinical social worker in LA, co-founded We Foster LA to aid foster care children. She enjoys gardening and cooking with her family. As an autho...
Rain Pryor
Rain Pryor 000000004618407X Rain Pryor (born July 16, 1968) was a regular on the hit ABC series Head of the Class, starred in the Showtime series Rude Awakening, and created the award-winning one-wo...
Julius Evola
Julius Evola 0000000118562907 Baron Julius Evola (1898–1974), born into an aristocratic Sicilian family, was a scholar, philosopher, writer, social thinker, a leader among 20th-century Hermeti...
Clarence A. Haynes
Clarence A. Haynes NONE Clarence A. Haynes, a native Afro-Latinx New Yorker, is the coauthor of actor/producer Omar Epps’s lauded sci-fi/fantasy series Nubia: The Awakening and The Reckoning. He is ...
Lucy Terry
Lucy Terry NONE Lucy Terry Prince, born in West Africa (1730-1821), was a poet, storyteller, and activist known for being the first African American woman to compose a poem. Kidnapped and sold into s...
Shakir Rashaan
Shakir Rashaan NONE Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste his talent, but must develop it.” —Pope Jo...
Kathryn M. Johnson
Kathryn M. Johnson NONE Compiler of “The Two Foot Shelf of Negro Literature” Kathryn Magnolia Johnson, born in the Jim Crow Era, was a champion for literacy, education, and social justice....
Omar Epps
Omar Epps 0000000108854869 Actor and producer Omar Epps was first introduced to audiences as Q in Ernest Dickerson's cult classic Juice, opposite Tupac Shakur. Actor and producer Omar Epps was first ...
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...
Fanta Ballo
Fanta Ballo NONE Fanta Ballo is a captivating motivational speaker, an award-winning spoken word artist, and the author of the poetry book, For All The Things I Never Got To Say. Fanta ignites t...
Don Freeman
Don Freeman 000000010880233X Don Freeman was a California-born artist and musician who turned to sketching Broadway shows in New York after losing his trumpet. He found his true calling in children's...
Faye Childs
Faye Childs NONE Faye Childs, born 1956, was a literary agent committed to promoting Black literature. She founded the Black Board Bestsellers list, a platform that increased visibility for Black aut...
Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman
Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman NONE Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, Ed.D., is the Executive Director at the Hurston Wright Foundation, former Director at Montgomery Community Media, and a successful playwright who...
Molefi Kete Asante
Molefi Kete Asante 0000000108973825 Dr. Molefi Kete Asante is Professor and Chair, Department of African American Studies at Temple University. Considered by his peers to be one of the most distingu...
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...
Tom Feelings
Tom Feelings 0000000063291627 Tom Feelings was a Brooklyn-born author, illustrator, and activist who portrayed the African-American experience through his work. He had a distinguished career, winning...
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 ...
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...
Jawanza Kunjufu
Jawanza Kunjufu NONE AALBC Mourns the Passing of Jawanza Kunjufu Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu is an educational consultant and prolific author specializing in African-American issues. Known for his dynamic lec...
Lauren Clauss
Lauren Clauss NONE Lauren Clauss is a children’s book author and editor. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband and their evil genius cat.
Ibram X. Kendi
Ibram X. Kendi 0000000126860699 Ibram Xolani Kendi, an assistant professor of African American History at the University of Florida, is an award-winning author and former journalist. Kendi has receiv...
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...
Sandra Pinkney
Sandra Pinkney NONE Sandra L. Pinkney, an award-winning author and early childhood development expert, collaborates with her husband Myles to create multicultural children's books. Known for titles l...
Darlene Williams
Darlene Williams NONE Darlene Williams is an award-winning businesswoman, adjunct lecturer, bestselling author, and nationally recognized youth and literacy advocate. She serves as President of the ...
Terrie Williams
Terrie Williams 0000000117447093 The Terrie Williams Agency, The Premiere Black-Owned PR Firm, is Closing Terrie M. Williams is a social worker by training. She is a public relations professional by ...