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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...
Vivek Wadhwa and Farai Chideya
Vivek Wadhwa and Farai Chideya MULTIPLE Vivek Wadhwa & Farai Chideya are renowned authors. Wadhwa, an entrepreneur & academic, is known for his work in technology. Chideya, an experienced journalist,...
Viola Davis
Viola Davis 0000000114894234 Viola Davis is an award-winning actress and producer recognized globally for her roles in “How to Get Away with Murder,” “Fences,” and “The Help.” Besides earning an Acad...
Ursula M. Burns
Ursula M. Burns 0000000445332455 Ursula M. Burns is a pioneering American businesswoman, the first black woman to become a Fortune 500 CEO at Xerox, where she served from 2009-2016. She was also Chai...
Lola Jaye
Lola Jaye NONE Lola Jaye, a London-born author, published her first U.S. novel in 2009. Her journey from foster child to author was shared in her 2009 essay, part of the U.K.'s Quick Reads program. L...
Shadra Strickland
Shadra Strickland NONE Shadra Strickland, an award-winning illustrator and teacher, studied at Syracuse University and the School of Visual Arts. She won the Ezra Jack Keats and Coretta Scott King/Jo...
Osonye Tess Onwueme
Osonye Tess Onwueme 0000000114408785 Dr. Osonye Tess Onwueme, a University Professor of Global Letters at the University of Wisconsin, is a renowned author with several prestigious awards including t...
Millicent Graham
Millicent Graham NONE Millicent A. A. Graham, born in 1974, is a Jamaican poet known for her collections 'The Damp In Things' (2009) and 'The Way Home' (2014). She was a fellow at the Bread Loaf Writ...
Joseph S. Spence
Joseph S. Spence NONE Dr. Joseph S. Spence Sr. is a globally recognized author, poet, educator, and military veteran. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed articles, ten poetry books, and co-founded...
Marissa Monteilh
Marissa Monteilh NONE Marissa Monteilh (Mon-tay), writing as Pynk, is the best-selling author of seven mainstream novels, May December Souls, The Chocolate Ship, Hot ...
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...
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys 0000000110657805 Alicia Keys, born Alicia Augello Cook in 1981, is a renowned artist. Discover more in our 2005 interview with her. Alicia Keys was born Alicia Augello Cook born on Januar...
Jeff Kinney
Jeff Kinney 0000000119480276 Jeff Kinney, online game developer, designer, and a #1 New York Times bestselling author, was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2009. He grew up...
Antwan Floyd Sr
Antwan Floyd Sr NONE Antwan Floyd Sr. is a multifaceted talent, excelling as a poet, author, publisher, and graphic designer. He founded Bleeding Pen Publishing in 2009, offering a unique storytellin...
Tamika Newhouse
Tamika Newhouse NONE Tamika Newhouse is a self-published author and founder of Delphine Publications. Recognized as Self Published Author of the Year in 2009 and 2011, she also received an award for ...
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...
Regina Tisdale
Regina Tisdale NONE Regina Tisdale is the widow of Wayman Tisdale, a renowned basketball player and jazz musician from Oklahoma, who tragically passed away from cancer at age 44 in 2009. Regina Tisda...
Allison Hobbs
Allison Hobbs NONE Allison Hobbs is a prolific author known for her erotic and paranormal novels. Debuting in 2003 with “Pandora’s Box”, she has since written 20 books including the “Eternal Dead” se...
Nah’Sun
Nah’Sun NONE Born in Lilbourn, Missouri, Nah’Sun would later move around the Midwest before temporarily settling in Chicago. An aspiring cartoonist, Nah’Sun never gave writing a thought until him an...
Petina Gappah
Petina Gappah 0000000076949184 Petina Gappah is a Zimbabwean writer and international trade lawyer based in Geneva. Known for her debut book, 'An Elegy for Easterly', which won the 2009 Guardian Firs...
Charisse Carney-Nunes
Charisse Carney-Nunes NONE Charisse Carney-Nunes, writer, speaker and literary advocate, is the award-winning author of the children’s books, I AM BARACK OBAMA (2009), I DREAM FOR YOU A WORLD:...
Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt 0000000120374593 Usain Bolt, born August 21, 1986, is recognized as the fastest person ever timed. He holds world records in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, won six Olympic gold medals, ...
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...
Tanya Shirley
Tanya Shirley NONE Jamaican author and lecturer Tanya Shirley is a graduate from the University of Maryland with an MFA in Creative Writing. Her work is featured in various publications and anthologi...
Dennis Brutus
Dennis Brutus 0000000110570400 Dennis Vincent Brutus (1924-2009) was a crucial figure in the fight against apartheid. Lauded by Archbishop Desmond Tutu for his articulation, credibility, and integrit...
Peter Kimani
Peter Kimani 000000004389720X Dr. Peter Kimani, a renowned African author and poet, has contributed to literature, journalism, and academia. Born in Kenya (1971), he began as a journalist, wrote seve...
Chaun Webster
Chaun Webster NONE Chaun Webster, a poet, publisher, and graphic designer, is influenced by the Black Arts Movement, Jazz, and Graffiti. He founded Free Poet’s Press in 2009 to encourage art producti...
E. C. Osondu
E. C. Osondu NONE E.C. Osondu is a renowned Nigerian author and English professor at Providence College. Known for his short stories, he won the 2009 Caine Prize for African Writing. His debut collec...
Jacqueline Bishop
Jacqueline Bishop 0000000041919671 Born in 1971, Jacqueline Bishop is an accomplished Jamaican writer and visual artist. She's the founding editor of Calabash: A Journal of Caribbean Arts & Letters a...
Ayobami Adebayo
Ayobami Adebayo 0000000468271405 Ayá»Ì€baÌmi AdeÌbaÌyá»Ì€ is a Nigerian author, best known for her debut novel, “Stay with Me.” Her work, published across the globe, has been shortlisted for the...
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...
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o 0000000065421480 Lupita Nyong'o, born March 1, 1983, is a Kenyan-Mexican actress. Raised in Kenya and educated in the U.S., she began her career in Hollywood, made her acting debut in ...
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...
Jennifer Rahim
Jennifer Rahim 0000000122103674 Jennifer Rahim is an awarded critic, poet, and short-story writer with four volumes of poetry and a collection of short stories to her credit. Co-editor of two essay c...
Walter E. Massey
Walter E. Massey 0000000023739132 Walter E. Massey, born in 1938, is a gifted mathematician and physicist. He was the first African American physics professor at Brown University and served as the Ch...
Alverne Ball and Stacey Robinson
Alverne Ball and Stacey Robinson MULTIPLE Alverne Ball, a renowned author from Joliet, Illinois, holds an MFA in fiction writing from Columbia College Chicago. He received the Glyph Rising Star Award...
Winfred Rembert
Winfred Rembert 0000000034199338 Winfred Rembert (1945-2021) was a renowned artist from Georgia, celebrated for his unique leather paintings. Compared to greats like Lawrence and Bearden, his work ha...
Nita Wiggins
Nita Wiggins NONE Nita Wiggins is a Paris-based American author, speaker, and journalism instructor. She is recognized for her expertise in journalism strategies and regularly appears on TV networks,...
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...
Beverly Jenkins
Beverly Jenkins 000000011691928X Beverly Jenkins, a USA TODAY bestselling author, is renowned for her African-American historical romance fiction, mainly set in the 19th century. With over thirty nov...
Desmond Tutu
Desmond Tutu 0000000108644191 Desmond Mpilo Tutu, former Archbishop of Southern Africa, was a renowned advocate for justice and racial reconciliation. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and the Pr...
Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi
Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi NONE "Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi, born in Ibadan, Nigeria, is an accomplished author and professor. A PEN/Studzinski Award finalist, her work has been published in Ploughshares a...
K’wan
K’wan 0000000417519140 K'wan Foye, born to a poet and painter, faced numerous rejections before his debut novel, Gangsta, was published in 2002. His subsequent novels caught the attention of St. Mart...
Kwei Quartey
Kwei Quartey NONE Kwei Quartey is a renowned crime fiction writer and practicing physician based in Pasadena, California. Known for his bestselling novels and medical expertise, he balances early mor...
Roy DeCarava
Roy DeCarava 0000000083496240 Roy DeCarava (1919-2009) was an American artist known for his black-and-white photography of modern life. His unique and intimate approach to subject matter displayed a ...
Laurie Halse Anderson
Laurie Halse Anderson 0000000120318276 Laurie Halse Anderson, a New York Times bestselling author, is renowned for her sensitive, humorous approach to tough subjects. A two-time National Book Award f...
Jason Mott
Jason Mott 0000000077544509 Jason Mott, an author from North Carolina, holds a BFA in Fiction and an MFA in Poetry. His works have been featured in literary journals and he was a 2009 Pushcart Prize ...
Debra Lee
Debra Lee NONE Debra Lee, a recognized figure in entertainment, serves on multiple boards including Warner Bros. Discovery and Marriott International. As the former CEO of Black Entertainment Televis...
Sean Pittman
Sean Pittman NONE Sean Pittman is a Radio Talk Show Host, Television Talk Show Host, Political Analyst and Media Consultant, and Attorney Sean Pittman is an attorney and political advisor passionate ...
Valjeanne Jeffers
Valjeanne Jeffers NONE Valjeanne Jeffers, a graduate of Spelman College and North Carolina Central University, is a member of the Carolina African American Writer’s Collective. She is a published poe...
Stacy Gueraseva
Stacy Gueraseva NONE Born in Moscow, Stacy Gueraseva immigrated to NYC in 1981, growing up in the Bronx amidst diverse cultures and music. She became editor-in-chief of Oneworld magazine at 24, after...
Erica Kennedy
Erica Kennedy 0000000361335106 Erica Kennedy Johnson (1970-2012) was an accomplished publicist, special news correspondent, and bestselling author. She worked with top designers like Tommy Hilfiger a...
Quvenzhané Wallis
Quvenzhané Wallis 0000000401748045 Quvenzhané “Nazie” Wallis, born in 2003, is known for her role in 'Beasts of the Southern Wild', making her the youngest Oscar nominee for Best Actress. She also s...
Rosamond S. King
Rosamond S. King 0000000045056762 Rosamond S. King is an award-winning author, performer, and Associate Professor at Brooklyn College. Known for her scholarly work on literature, sexuality, and perfo...
Pamela Thomas-Graham
Pamela Thomas-Graham 0000000120062776 Pamela Thomas-Graham, a Harvard graduate, is currently the president and CEO of CNBC Television, and founder of luxury blog Dandelion Chandelier. She has extensi...
Ashley C. Ford
Ashley C. Ford NONE Ashley C. Ford is a renowned writer, host, and educator based in Indianapolis. She's hosted popular podcasts and shows like The Chronicles of Now, Lovecraft Country Radio, 112BK, ...
Omarion
Omarion 0000000101022998 Omarion Ishmael Grandberry, former B2K lead singer and successful solo artist, is now known as the “King of Unbothered.” A Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and actor, he's...
Kel Mitchell
Kel Mitchell 0000000120210820 Kel Mitchell, born August 25, 1978, is a renowned actor, producer, and comedian known for his roles in Nickelodeon's All That and the film Good Burger. He began his acti...
Kim Taylor
Kim Taylor 0000000111137246 Kim Taylor is a speech language pathologist, Department Supervisor, expert quilter, and author. Her quilts, reflecting African American life, have been exhibited widely, i...
Omar Tyree
Omar Tyree 0000000063866005 Omar Tyree, a.k.a. The Urban Griot is a New York Times best-selling author, journalist, lecturer, poet, screenwriter, songwriter, playwright, host, blogger, publishing con...
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...
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, ...
S.R. Martin
S.R. Martin NONE S.R. “Rudy” Martin Jr. (1935-2016) was a founding faculty of The Evergreen State College, teaching American/African American Studies. He authored a family memoir and a novel before r...
Sterling D. Plumpp
Sterling D. Plumpp 0000000081297870 “You can not ever get free as a result of legislationHellip;you always have to take freedom.” Sterling Dominic Plumpp, born 1940, is an esteemed poet, e...
Shaun Randol
Shaun Randol NONE Shaun Randol, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Mantle, co-editor of Gambit: Newer African Writing. He's a Fellow at the World Policy Institute, New York, and a member of the Natio...
Touré
Touré 0000000382921892 Touré Neblett, born in 1971, is a multifaceted writer, TV host, and podcaster from Brooklyn. Known for co-hosting MSNBC's The Cycle (2012-15), he has also hosted multiple show...
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 ...
Daniel Rasmussen
Daniel Rasmussen 0000000079463702 Daniel Rasmussen is a Harvard University graduate with honors, and a recipient of the Kathryn Ann Huggins Prize, Perry Miller Prize, and Thomas Temple Hoopes Prize. ...
Susan VanHecke
Susan VanHecke NONE Susan VanHecke, renowned author of the ALA Notable Children's Book 'Raggin’, Jazzin’, Rockin’: A History of American Musical Instrument Makers' and 'An Apple Pie for Dinner.' She ...
Uwem Akpan
Uwem Akpan 0000000051528850 Nigerian writer Uwem Akpan, author of award-winning collection 'Say You're One of Them', is known for his academic background in humanities, philosophy and theology, with ...
Chuck Sambuchino
Chuck Sambuchino 0000000051156057 Chuck Sambuchino is an editor and published author who runs the Guide to Literary Agents Blog, one of the biggest blogs in publishing. His site has instruction and ...
Floyd Cooper
Floyd Cooper 0000000063165049 Floyd Cooper (1956-2021) was a celebrated illustrator, recipient of 4 Coretta Scott King Honors, and 10 ALA Notables. From Oklahoma, he pursued his career in NYC post hi...
Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice 000000011071227X Dr. Condoleezza Rice is the Tad and Dianne Taube Director of the Hoover Institution and a Senior Fellow on Public Policy. She is the Denning Professor in Global Bu...
Ai Ogawa
Ai Ogawa 0000000368573553 Ai Ogawa (1947-2010), born Florence Anthony, was a prominent poet and author awarded with the American Book Award and a National Book Award. She authored seven books of poet...
Aileen Muhammad
Aileen Muhammad NONE Aileen Muhammad, born in 1950, is a notable poet and author from Philadelphia. Her poetry appeared in Journal of Black Poetry and Muhammad Speaks in the 1960s. She graduated from...
Lori Nelson Lee
Lori Nelson Lee NONE Lori Nelson Lee, author of children's books like 'Hillary’s Big Business Adventure' and 'Danica Dramatica - Queen Me', introduces entrepreneurship to young readers. Her works are...
Michele Norris
Michele Norris 0000000047566336 Michele Norris, acclaimed host of All Things Considered, is a notable journalist and author recognized with multiple awards, including the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Un...
Robert J. Norrell
Robert J. Norrell NONE Robert J. Norrell, an award-winning author and University of Tennessee professor, has written numerous books, including the acclaimed biography “Up from History: The Life of Bo...
Anthony Browder
Anthony Browder NONE Anthony T. Browder, a cultural historian, artist, and educational consultant, is renowned for his extensive research on ancient Egyptian history and culture. A founder of IKG Cul...
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...
Warren L. Maye
Warren L. Maye NONE Warren L. Maye is the Editor in Chief of SACONNECTS and a prolific author, having co-written books with his wife and authored others independently. He's a member of ASME, EPA, and...
Amos Ferguson
Amos Ferguson 0000000078904406 Amos Ferguson, born in 1920, was a self-taught Bahamian artist best known for his vibrant Bible and Bahamian scenes. He started painting in his 40s, inspired by a nephe...
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-...
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...
Tara Sullivan
Tara Sullivan NONE Tara Sullivan, born in Calcutta and raised across South America and the Caribbean, is a global-minded author with a dual Master's degree in Non-Profit Management and International ...
Brian W. Smith
Brian W. Smith NONE Brian W. Smith, an award-winning author of 15 novels and former U.S. Army member, turned full-time author after being laid off. His personal trauma inspired his first novel, leadi...
Natalie Y. Moore
Natalie Y. Moore 0000000041217426 Natalie Y. Moore is an award-winning journalist and author, known for her work in Essence, Black Enterprise, and the Chicago Tribune. She co-authored books on Black ...
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...
Carlotta Arradondo
Carlotta Arradondo NONE Carlotta Arradondo, a Minneapolis-born novelist, poet, and storyteller, discovered her passion for writing at nine. She is the author of the novel “Yearning” and co-author of ...
C. Alexandra Allen
C. Alexandra Allen NONE C. Alexandra Allen was born in Mount Vernon, New York and raised in the borough of Queens, New York. In 1992, she began her studies at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georg...
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,...
Douglas A. Blackmon
Douglas A. Blackmon 0000000040628274 Doug Blackmon, a Mississippi native, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and chair of the Miller Center Forum at the University of Virginia. He's a correspondent f...
Carleen Brice
Carleen Brice NONE Carleen Brice, a prolific author and editor, is known for the books 'Orange Mint and Honey' and 'Lead Me Home'. With over 100,000 copies sold of 'Walk Tall: Affirmations for People...
Carrolyn Pichet
Carrolyn Pichet NONE Carrolyn Pichet is a Washington native with a diverse career spanning from the Parole Board to the FBI. She holds degrees from Howard University and the University of Maryland an...
Marie NDiaye
Marie NDiaye 0000000121280783 Marie NDiaye, a French author of Senegalese descent, began writing at a young age and published her first work at 18. She studied linguistics at the Sorbonne and has won...
Chris Gardner
Chris Gardner 0000000040093476 Chris Gardner is an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and single parent who overcame homelessness to become a best-selling author. His memoir, The Pursuit of Happyn...
Ashish J. Thakkar
Ashish J. Thakkar NONE Ashish J. Thakkar, CEO and Founder of Mara Group, is a renowned business leader with operations in 21 countries. Recognized by Forbes as one of Africa's most powerful men, he s...
Esther Phillips
Esther Phillips 0000000073657506 Esther Phillips, founder of The Bim Literary Festival & Book Fair and editor of Bim magazine, is a highly decorated poet with an MFA in Creative Writing. She's won pr...
Jean Besson
Jean Besson 0000000108983118 Jean Beason is a renowned researcher and author specializing in cultural history, kinship, gender, and ethnicity among other areas. She published a book on creolization a...
Michael Baisden
Michael Baisden 0000000034966779 Michael Baisden is a popular radio personality, NY Times best-selling author, and film producer. Known for his explosive radio show themes, he began his career sellin...