AALBC Search
John Strausbaugh
John Strausbaugh 0000000067554770 John Strausbaugh, born in 1951, is a renowned author and cultural commentator. Known for his authority on New York City's history, he also hosts The New York Times' ...
Nikki Woods
Nikki Woods NONE Nikki Woods is a multi-media personality, personal branding coach, and CEO of Nikki Woods Media. As senior producer of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, she reaches over 8 million listen...
Ayesha Rascoe
Ayesha Rascoe NONE Ayesha Rascoe, host of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday and Up First's Saturday episodes, is a former White House correspondent who covered three presidential administrations. Prior to...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Toni Tipton-Martin
Toni Tipton-Martin 0000000035718195 Toni Tipton-Martin is an award-winning food journalist and community activist, recognized for her efforts to promote healthier communities. She's a recipient of th...
Lisa Renee Johnson
Lisa Renee Johnson NONE Lisa Renee Johnson, Sunshineologist and publishing coach, inspires individuals to shine in life and business. Co-founder of Sistahs on the Reading Edge book club and CEO of Br...
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...
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...
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...
Linda Watkins
Linda Watkins 0000000124240963 Linda Watkins is an accomplished writer and poet, associated with several Black Writers organizations. She contributes to various platforms like AALBC.com, The Opinion ...
Tracy Grant
Tracy Grant NONE Tracy Grant, a Brooklyn-born writer, gained fame at Georgetown University as an editorial writer. He became Senior Editor at music magazine Straight From the Street while also freela...
Tyriek White
Tyriek White 0000000517767141 Tyriek Rashawn White, a Brooklyn-based writer, musician, and educator, serves marginalized communities and leads Lampblack Lit, a literary foundation for Black writers. ...
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 ...
T. D. Jakes
T. D. Jakes 0000000383058082 Bishop T.D. Jakes is the founder of The Potter’s House, a 30,000-member church and global humanitarian organization. Known for his best-selling books, he's recognized as ...
Hisani P. Dubose
Hisani P. Dubose NONE “The Best Black Director of 2005” —Kam Williams Hisani DuBose is a Seton Hall University graduate, former dancer and singer turned screenwriter. She's directed ...
Alexs D. Pate
Alexs D. Pate 0000000121304941 Alexs D. Pate is a professor at the University of Minnesota specializing in African studies and literature. An award-winning author, Pate's work has appeared in various...
Bebe Moore Campbell
Bebe Moore Campbell 0000000121422163 Elizabeth Bebe Moore Campbell Gordon was an accomplished author with three New York Times bestsellers and a NAACP Image Award for literature. She was a commentato...
Will Smith
Will Smith 000000011507289X Will Smith is a leading figure in showbiz, known for starring in seven consecutive box-office hits, including I Am Legend. He is recognized for his challenging roles, such...
Troy Johnson
Troy Johnson 0000000530602616 “I lead the world's oldest and largest online platform dedicated to books by and about people of African descent.” Troy Demetrius Johnson, founder and President of AALBC....
Byron Pitts
Byron Pitts 0000000039302138 Byron Pitts is a renowned American journalist and author with ABC News. A multiple Emmy award winner, Pitts has over 20 years of experience, covering significant events l...
Cheryl Robinson
Cheryl Robinson NONE Cheryl Robinson, a Detroit-born author, transformed her life from a career in marketing to writing. She began with self-publishing, before transitioning to Penguin Books' imprint...
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...
Howard Bryant
Howard Bryant 0000000045145562 Howard Bryant is an acclaimed author, sports journalist, and media personality at ESPN and NPR. Renowned for his Legends series and award-winning baseball writing, he i...
Vanessa Vanzie
Vanessa Vanzie NONE Vanessa Vanzie, an Early Childhood Educator from Brooklyn, NY, overcame hurdles to earn her Associate's degree in Education and is currently pursuing further study. She works full...
H. Victoria Hargro Atkerson
H. Victoria Hargro Atkerson NONE H. Victoria Hargro Atkerson is an imaginative and masterful storyteller who enjoys the creative process so much that she spends eight to ten hours a day perfecting h...
Melissa V. Harris-Perry
Melissa V. Harris-Perry 0000000035811728 Melissa Harris-Perry is a writer, professor, TV host, and political commentator. She hosted an MSNBC show from 2012-2016, and is now the Maya Angelou Presiden...
Cheryl Clarke
Cheryl Clarke 0000000383377198 Cheryl L. Clarke, born in 1947, is a lesbian poet, essayist, and a Black feminist activist. Her work emphasizes African-American women's literature and black lesbian fe...
J.M. Holmes
J.M. Holmes NONE J.M. Holmes, a Denver-born, Rhode Island-raised author, won the Burnett Howe Prize at Amherst College. With fellowships to the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and the Napa Valley Writers’ Con...
Sheryl Lister
Sheryl Lister NONE Sheryl Lister is an established author specializing in contemporary, inspirational romance and romantic suspense since 2009. Living in California, she's a dedicated wife, mother, a...
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 ...
Aminatta Forna
Aminatta Forna 0000000123211415 Aminatta Forna, born in Glasgow and raised in Sierra Leone and the UK, is an acclaimed author with works including The Devil that Danced on the Water, Ancestor Stones,...
Camille Acker
Camille Acker NONE Camille Acker, a Washington, DC native, is an esteemed writer and educator. With degrees from Howard University and New Mexico State University, she's been recognized by numerous a...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
Miranda Parker
Miranda Parker NONE Davidae Yolanda Stewart, known as Miranda Parker, was an author of comic romance suspense novels. She studied at Agnes Scott College and had diverse roles including journalist, IT...
Natasha Trethewey
Natasha Trethewey 0000000084159051 Trethewey was U.S. Poet Laureate, 2012-2014 Natasha Trethewey, an American poet and winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for her collection “Native Guard,” was inspired...
Miriam Decosta-Willis
Miriam Decosta-Willis 0000000033083659 Dr. Miriam DeCosta-Willis is a renowned academic, holding degrees from Johns Hopkins and Wellesley College. She made history as the first African American facul...
Gwendolyn Osborne
Gwendolyn Osborne NONE Gwendolyn Osborne, known as “The Word Diva”, was a Chicago-based freelance writer and former associate editor for Black Issues Book Review. Known for her love of romance novels...
Marcia Wilson
Marcia Wilson NONE Marcia E. Wilson, a British-born photographer, has extensively documented poets, writers, and literary events of the African Diaspora since 1995. Her work, featured in major print ...
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...
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 ...
Askhari Johnson Hodari
Askhari Johnson Hodari NONE Askhari Johnson Hodari, Ph.D. is a Black/Africana Studies practitioner, author, and founder of de Griot Space, an online workshop for Black writers. With a B.A. from Spelm...
Clarence V. Reynolds
Clarence V. Reynolds NONE Clarence V. Reynolds is an independent editor and journalist, former director of Literary Programs at the Center for Black Literature and editor-in-chief of the Killens Revi...
Victoria Kennedy
Victoria Kennedy NONE Victoria Kennedy, author of 'Where Love Goes' and debut novel 'Sometimes Love', contributes to the Literary Café Magazine and is the founder of Zora’s Den, a group for Black wo...
Luvon Roberson
Luvon Roberson NONE Luvon Roberson is a versatile writer recognized for her poetry, flash fiction, and ethnographic fiction. She actively reports on the literary world and contributes to community bu...
Kleaver Cruz
Kleaver Cruz NONE Kleaver Cruz is a Dominican-American writer, educator, and creator of The Black Joy Project, a platform for Black Joy as resistance featured in numerous publications. They're part o...
Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith 000000012276857X Zadie Smith, born Sadie Smith in 1975, is a renowned British author of Jamaican-English heritage. Her debut novel, “White Teeth,” won numerous awards, and subsequent nove...
Naomi Jackson
Naomi Jackson 000000011074508X Naomi Jackson, author of award-nominated “The Star Side of Bird Hill,” is a recognized writer who studied fiction at the Iowa Writers' Workshop and received an M.A. in ...
Loretta Collins Klobah
Loretta Collins Klobah NONE Loretta Collins Klobah is a Caribbean Literature and creative writing professor at the University of Puerto Rico. She's lived in various Caribbean-related locations and ho...
Nichelle D. Tramble
Nichelle D. Tramble NONE Nichelle D. Tramble, critically acclaimed author of The Dying Ground, has featured in numerous publications and websites. She is a member of prominent writing societies inclu...
Persia Walker
Persia Walker NONE Persia Walker is an acclaimed author of historical novels and a contributor to an anthology by the Mystery Writers of America. She's a recipient of the Author of the Year Award by ...
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...
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...
Aliona L. Gibson
Aliona L. Gibson NONE Aliona L. Gibson is an author and filmmaker with a passion for creativity and service. She published her first book, Nappy, and later the self-published For Black Writers. Inspi...
Douglas Kearney
Douglas Kearney 0000000038213846 Douglas Kearney, a renowned poet and professor, is known for his works addressing race and history. His first book, “Fear, Some,” was published in 2006, followed by o...
Steve Cannon
Steve Cannon 0000000363821597 Steve Cannon (1935-2019) was a key figure in the Black Arts Movement and a prominent Black writer from New Orleans. He moved to NYC in 1962, where he engaged in literary...
Sharyn Skeeter
Sharyn Skeeter NONE Sharyn Skeeter is an award-winning novelist, poet, editor, and educator, known for her debut novel “Dancing with Langston.” She has served as an editor at Essence and Black Elegan...
Ahmad Wright
Ahmad Wright NONE Ahmad Wright is an accomplished writer and assistant professor of English at the University of the District of Columbia Community College. With a rich writing career, his book revie...
Nathan McClain
Nathan McClain NONE Nathan McClain is the author of Scale, a recipient of fellowships from The Frost Place, Sewanee Writers' Conference, Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, and a graduate of the M.F.A. ...
Dee Romito
Dee Romito NONE Dee Romito, a former elementary school teacher, is renowned for her middle-grade novels like The BFF Bucket List and No Place Like Home. She shares writing tips on her blog and co-adv...
Kionna Walker LeMalle
Kionna Walker LeMalle NONE Kionna Walker LeMalle is a novelist, poet, speaker, and sought-after writing teacher who has taught writers at every level, from elementary school through graduate studies...
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...
Benita R. Dale
Benita R. Dale NONE Benita R. Dale is a champion of African-American literature and art, founding Dialogue magazine and the Alliance for Cultural Enrichment, Inc. She also runs Efficient Business Ser...
Safiya Sinclair
Safiya Sinclair 0000000500999106 Safiya Sinclair is a Jamaica-born author known for her award-winning poetry book, Cannibal. She holds numerous accolades including the Whiting Writers’ Award, Pushcar...
Lenrie Peters
Lenrie Peters 000000011469286X Dr. Lenrie Peters (1932-2009) was a renowned Gambian surgeon, educator, novelist, and poet. Known as the 'father' of Gambian literature, he was one of the first authors...
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 ...
Melanie S. Hatter
Melanie S. Hatter NONE Melanie S. Hatter, award-winning author of “Malawi’s Sisters” and “The Color of My Soul”, also penned the short fiction collection “Let No One Weep for Me.” She's actively enga...
Jeffery Renard Allen
Jeffery Renard Allen 0000000114593327 Jeffery Renard Allen, an award-winning author of poetry, short stories, and novels, is known for his celebrated novel, 'Rails Under My Back'. He's a fellow at pr...
Mia P. Manansala
Mia P. Manansala NONE Mia P. Manansala, a Chicago-based writer, uses humor and murder to explore Filipino diaspora, queerness, and pop culture. She's an award-winning author with accolades including ...
Mark Allen Boone
Mark Allen Boone NONE Mark Allen Boone, born in 1951, is a former teacher and accomplished editor with over 30 years of experience. He authored two novels and served as the fiction editor of AIM Quar...
Kayla Perrin
Kayla Perrin NONE Kayla Perrin, a USA TODAY and Essence bestselling author, is known for her mainstream and romance novels. Her first novel, Again, My Love, made it on Ingram's Top 50 Most Requested ...
John Murillo
John Murillo NONE John Murillo is a renowned poet and professor known for his works “Up Jump the Boogie” and “Kontemporary Amerikan Poetry.” He's won numerous awards including two Larry Neal Writers ...
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...
Michael La Ronn
Michael La Ronn NONE Michael La Ronn is a prolific author in science fiction, fantasy, and self-help genres for writers. Renowned for his Decision Select and Magic Trackers series, he's been publishi...
Kristen Gentry
Kristen Gentry NONE Kristen Gentry is the author of Mama Said, longlisted for the 2024 PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection. She received her M.F.A. from Indiana University. ...
Tiana Clark
Tiana Clark NONE Tiana Clark is the author of the poetry collections Scorched Earth (Washington Square Press/Simon & Schuster, 2025) and I Can’t Talk About the Trees Without the Blood (Universit...
Geri Spencer Hunter
Geri Spencer Hunter NONE Geri Spencer Hunter is an award-winning writer and co-founder of The Sacramento Black Nurses Association. A retired nurse from Iowa, she has authored two novels and contribut...
Hoyt Fuller
Hoyt Fuller NONE Hoyt W. Fuller was a key figure in the Black Arts Movement as an editor, educator, critic, and author. He founded the OBAC writers' collective, edited the influential Negro Digest/Bl...
Tia Ross
Tia Ross NONE Tia Ross, a multi-talented entrepreneur, is the founder of Black Writers Collective and Black Editors & Proofreaders. As an experienced editor for various domains, she offers extensive ...
Taj McCoy
Taj McCoy NONE Oakland-born law grad, Taj McCoy, is a writer dedicated to promoting diverse narratives, including stories of Black love, joy, and empowerment. She engages in yoga, cooking, and suppor...
Michelle Lindo-Rice
Michelle Lindo-Rice NONE Michelle Lindo-Rice, bestselling author of the 'Able to Love' and 'On the Right Path' series, focuses on themes of faith, friendship, family, and forgiveness. She was nominat...
Saraciea J. Fennell
Saraciea J. Fennell NONE Saraciea J. Fennell is a Black Honduran American writer, founder of The Bronx is Reading, and creator of Honduran Garifuna Writers. She is also a book publicist who has worke...
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...
Toi Derricotte
Toi Derricotte 0000000083980729 “My skin causes certain problems continuously, problems that open the issue of racism over and over like a wound.” Toi Derricotte is an award-winning poet a...