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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...
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,...
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...
Donald Franklin Joyce
Donald Franklin Joyce NONE Donald Franklin Joyce, born Nov 4, 1938, is an esteemed academic library administrator, historian, and consultant. Holding a master's degree and a PhD, he is a member of va...
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,...
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 Book Club, Unpublished Writer Award 2013 Winner Diana Veiga, winner of the 2013 Go On Girl! Book Club's Unpublished Writer award, is a dedicated writer and social justice ...
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...
NoViolet Bulawayo
NoViolet Bulawayo 0000000393964134 NoViolet Bulawayo, a Zimbabwean-born author, is known for her award-winning story “Hitting Budapest.” Her works have been featured in various publications and short...
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 ...
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'...
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...
Tonya Bolden
Tonya Bolden 0000000116508683 Tonya Bolden, a Princeton and Columbia University graduate, is an award-winning author/editor of over 40 books, including children's nonfiction and historical novels. He...
Virginia Deberry and Donna Grant
Virginia Deberry and Donna Grant MULTIPLE Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant are best friends turned successful authors, known for their enduring collaboration in African American fiction. Both started...
Michelle Cliff
Michelle Cliff 0000000110018763 Michelle Carla Cliff (1946-2016) was a renowned Jamaican-American author known for her explorations of colonialism and racism through novels, short stories, and poetry...
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...
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-...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,” ...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
James Earl Hardy
James Earl Hardy 0000000042416478 James Earl Hardy is the author of the bestselling B-Boy Blues series, including B-Boy Blues, which has been praised as the first gay hip hop love story and is celeb...
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 ...
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...
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@...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
Elnathan John
Elnathan John 0000000460091813 Elnathan John is a distinguished Nigerian novelist and satirist known for his short stories, “Bayan Layi” and “Flying,” both shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African...
Stephanie Powell Watts
Stephanie Powell Watts 0000000123378514 Stephanie Powell Watts, a former Jehovah’s Witness minister and factory worker, is a celebrated writer and teacher of fiction and creative nonfiction. With a B...
Terry E. Hill
Terry E. Hill NONE Terry E. Hill, a renowned author compared to E. Lynn Harris and Eric Jerome Dickey, has a rich background in social services, spanning over 15 years. A native of Southern Californi...
Harmony Evans
Harmony Evans NONE Harmony Evans, an award-winning Harlequin Romance author based in NYC, is known for her acclaimed debut and is a double-finalist in the 2012 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Awards...
D.L. Hughley
D.L. Hughley 0000000001339082 D.L. Hughley, born March 6, 1963, is a versatile talent from Los Angeles, California. He is a renowned author, actor, political commentator, radio host, and notably, a s...
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...
Gael Faye
Gael Faye 0000000439790847 Gaël Faye was born in 1982 in Burundi to a French father and Rwandan mother. In 1995, after the outbreak of the civil war and the Rwandan genocide, the family moved to Fra...
Porsha Williams
Porsha Williams NONE Porsha Williams is an American TV personality and actress, best known for her roles in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Dish Nation. She also competed on The New Celebrity Appr...
Joe McClean
Joe McClean NONE Joe McClean is a screenwriter and director whose 2013 breakout indie feature, Life Tracker, screened at dozens of film festivals and sci-fi conventions before streaming On Demand in...
Jaron Lanier
Jaron Lanier 0000000118753199 Lanier is a globally renowned technology writer known for his humanistic approach. Awarded the 2014 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, his internationally bestselling...
Arsenio Hall
Arsenio Hall 0000000001072306 Arsenio Hall (born February 12, 1956) is an comedian, actor, and talk show host. He hosted a late-night talk show, The Arsenio Hall Show, from 1989 until 1994, and agai...
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...
Patricia Smith
Patricia Smith 0000000110775334 Patricia Smith, celebrated poet and professor, is known for her direct and adventuresome style. She’s authored six books, including award finalists 'Blood Dazzler' and...
Victor Lavalle
Victor Lavalle 0000000114589002 “If the literary gods mixed together Karuki Murakami and Ralph Ellison, the result would be Victor Lavaelle.” Victor D. LaValle, born in 1972, is an award-w...
William Julius Wilson
William Julius Wilson 0000000119485958 William Julius Wilson is a distinguished sociologist and professor at Harvard University. Noted for his work on urban sociology, race, and class, he is a Nation...
Montague Kobbé
Montague Kobbé NONE Montague Kobbé, a Caracas-born ambilingual author, is known for his novels “The Night of the Rambler” and “On the Way Back.” He also co-edited “Crude Words: Contemporary Writing ...
Daniel Minter
Daniel Minter 0000000030276690 Daniel Minter is an acclaimed painter and illustrator, known for his work in children's books and exhibitions worldwide. He is the illustrator of 11 books and a Coretta...
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...
Jason Brent
Jason Brent NONE Jason Brent, a California-based author, creates highly realistic novels inspired by real-life experiences and street tales. Signed to Good2go Publishing, he's known for his successfu...
Natalie Hopkinson
Natalie Hopkinson NONE Natalie Hopkinson, Ph.D., is a celebrated journalist, scholar, and author known for her insightful exploration of arts, gender, place, and identity. She has received critical a...
Brook Susan Parker
Brook Susan Parker NONE Dr. Brook Bello (formerly brook susan parker), CEO/Executive Director, and Founder of More Too Life, Inc. and Living Above the Noise Center in Florida. She is a #Champion fro...