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Ben Okri
Ben Okri 0000000121401864 Ben Okri, an award-winning poet and novelist, was born to an Igbo mother and Urhobo father in Nigeria. He had his early education in London, furthered his studies in England...
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 ...
Yosef Ben-Jochannan
Yosef Ben-Jochannan 0000000084792068 Born in Gondar, Ethiopia, Dr. Yosef Alfredo Antonio ben-Jochannan (December 31, 1918 - March 19, 2015), or “Dr. Ben”, as he is affectionately known devoted th...
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...
Questlove and Ben Greenman
Questlove and Ben Greenman MULTIPLE Questlove and Ben Greenman are renowned authors known for their compelling works. Questlove is a Grammy-winning musician, while Greenman is a noted editor and nove...
Sly Stone and Ben Greenman
Sly Stone and Ben Greenman MULTIPLE Sly Stone and Ben Greenman are renowned authors, known for their impactful writing styles. Stone's expertise lies in music critique, while Greenman excels in ficti...
George Clinton with Ben Greenman
George Clinton with Ben Greenman MULTIPLE George Clinton and Ben Greenman are renowned authors, noted for their unique works. Clinton is a music legend, while Greenman is a celebrated novelist and jo...
Ben Philippe
Ben Philippe 0000000483249062 Ben Philippe is a New York-based writer, originally from Haiti. He has degrees from Columbia University and The Michener Center, and teaches screenwriting at Barnard. He...
Ben Brooks
Ben Brooks 0000000358343148 Ben Brooks, born in 1992, is a prolific author from Gloucestershire. Known for six novels including the AALBC bestseller 'Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different', Brook...
Tahar Ben Jelloun
Tahar Ben Jelloun 0000000121355386 Tahar Ben Jelloun is a renowned Moroccan author known for his novels, essays, and poetry. He's frequently nominated for the Nobel Prize and contributes to internati...
Marlon McCaulsky, K. Roland Williams, and Ben Blaze
Marlon McCaulsky, K. Roland Williams, and Ben Blaze MULTIPLE Marlon McCaulsky, K. Roland Williams, and Ben Blaze are renowned authors known for their compelling works. Their unique writing styles hav...
Ben Burgess Jr.
Ben Burgess Jr. NONE Ben Burgess Jr. is an award-winning author and spoken word poet known for inspiring youths. His works, including the novel 'Monster' and the poetry book 'Times Have Changed and L...
Maloyd Ben Wilson
Maloyd Ben Wilson NONE Maloyd “Ben” Wilson is the entrepreneurial force behind Black Chronicle book, holding multiple roles including Owner, CEO, Publisher, and Founder. Maloyd “Ben” Wilson is the Ow...
Ben Passmore
Ben Passmore NONE Ben Passmore is a renowned author, known for his compelling narratives and vivid illustrations. His works often explore social issues, providing unique and thought-provoking perspec...
Yosef Ben-Jochannan and George Simmonds
Yosef Ben-Jochannan and George Simmonds MULTIPLE Yosef Ben-Jochannan and George Simmonds
Ben Greenman
Ben Greenman 0000000043364577 Ben Greenman, a New Yorker contributor and New York Times bestselling author, writes both fiction and non-fiction. Notably, he collaborated with Questlove on a hip-hop m...
Ben McBride
Ben McBride NONE Rev. Ben McBride is an acclaimed faith leader and activist known globally as a speaker. Founder of Empower Initiative and Bring the HEAT campaign, and former director of PICO Califor...
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 ...
Robyn Williams
Robyn Williams 0000000495543330 Robyn Williams is a bestselling author known for her romantic suspense novels. Her works, celebrated by actresses Angela Bassett and Vanessa Williams, have been featur...
Debra Phillips
Debra Phillips 0000000080337535 Debra Yvette Phillips is a diverse writer, creating works in categories like romance, mainstream, and chick-lit. She also writes under the pseudonym D.Y. Phillips, spe...
George Simmonds
George Simmonds NONE George Simmonds co-authored The Black Man's North and East Africa with Yosef Ben-Jochannan. his work explores the historical and cultural significance of African civilizations in...
G. Dan Buford
G. Dan Buford NONE G. Dan Buford, a New York City native, has lived across the U.S. He hopes his latest novel will be successful, while contemplating the nuances of writing in obscurity versus infamy...
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 ...
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...
Leila Aboulela
Leila Aboulela 0000000108556255 Sudanese-born author Leila Aboulela writes in English, exploring identity, migration and Islamic spirituality. Her work, influenced by her move from Sudan to Scotland ...
Shawneda Marks
Shawneda Marks NONE Shawneda Marks, a devoted Christian, author, mother, and student, has written 13 books including Christian fiction award nominee 'It's in My Blood' and Amazon medical fiction #1, ...
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'...
Angelia Vernon Menchan
Angelia Vernon Menchan NONE “There is abundance through God for all of us; we simply have to be open for our blessings.” Angelia Vernon Menchan, a prolific author based in Jacksonville, Fl...
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...
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...
Sheneska Jackson
Sheneska Jackson NONE Inspired by Terry McMillan, Sheneska Jackson dedicated early mornings to writing her first draft, which was accepted by Simon & Schuster two days after submission. Her work earn...
Van Whitfield
Van Whitfield 000000004215157X Van Whitfield, an acclaimed novelist, rose to fame with his debut book, “Beeperless Remote,” earning him 6 Ben Franklin Award nominations. Despite initial struggles wit...
Peter Mutabazi with Mark Tabb
Peter Mutabazi with Mark Tabb MULTIPLE Peter Mutabazi is an entrepreneur, an adoptive dad of three, a foster dad, and the founder of Now I Am Known. A former street kid who has worked for World Vis...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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@...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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,...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
Mara Rockliff
Mara Rockliff 0000000074221018 Mara Rockliff is a celebrated children's author known for her historical books such as the Cook Prize-winning 'Mesmerized'. Recent titles include the acclaimed 'Lights!...
Bill Murray
Bill Murray 0000000117750359 Bill Murray, a renowned comic artist and illustrator, started at Johnson Publishing Company before founding BAM Productions in 1985. He works with Real Times Media and ha...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Nate Parker
Nate Parker 0000000050528453 Actor and humanitarian Nate Parker rose to fame with his role in “The Great Debaters” and has starred in films like “Non-Stop” and “Ain't Them Bodies Saints.” Recognized ...
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 ...
Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
Margaret Wilkerson Sexton 0000000475938968 Margaret Wilkerson Sexton, a New Orleans native, is a Dartmouth and UC Berkeley School of Law graduate. She's a Lombard fellowship recipient and author whos...
Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas 0000000459097580 Michael Thomas, a Boston native, has diverse experiences as a cab driver, carpenter, restaurateur, and filmmaker. An alumnus of Hunter and Warren Wilson College, he is...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Torrey Maldonado
Torrey Maldonado NONE Torrey Maldonado, once a disinterested reader, became a passionate middle school teacher and author after discovering engaging, culturally responsive books. For 20 years, he's i...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...