AALBC Search
Melica Niccole
Melica Niccole NONE Melica Niccole, a Columbus-native author, poet, and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, has a passion for writing which she uses to explore various subjects. She created an annua...
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...
Phillip Thomas Duck
Phillip Thomas Duck NONE Phillip Thomas Duck is a distinguished author known for his debut, Playing With Destiny, and YA novels, Dirty Jersey and Dirty South, both recognized as Quick Picks for Reluc...
Zonie Felder
Zonie Felder NONE Zonie Felder, an erotic fiction writer from Jersey City, New Jersey, is a former Catholic school girl and Girl Scout who enjoys football, Zumba, dancing, and family time. Zonie Feld...
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 ...
Toni Blackman
Toni Blackman 0000000036920264 Toni Blackman, an international champion of hip-hop culture, is known for her captivating performances and powerful presence. She's the first hip-hop artist to work as ...
Jael Richardson
Jael Richardson NONE Jael Ealey Richardson is a Toronto-based author and educator with an MFA in Creative Writing. Known for her memoir and children's book, both titled The Stone Thrower, her work re...
LaKesa Cox
LaKesa Cox NONE LaKesa Cox is an award-winning author and screenwriter with over 20 years of experience. She has published four novels and has contributed to two anthologies. She was acknowledged as ...
Donna M. Gray-Banks
Donna M. Gray-Banks NONE Donna M. Gray-Banks, founder of F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival, is a successful author known for her suspense erotic trilogy and a guest columnist for various outlets. She hosts tw...
Kaija Langley
Kaija Langley NONE Kaija Langley, a New Jersey native and Morgan State University alumna, earned her MFA in fiction from St. Mary’s College of California. An accomplished author, she started writing ...
Lola Shoneyin
Lola Shoneyin 0000000041835603 Lola Shoneyin is a renowned Nigerian poet and author, best known for her debut novel, “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives.” Identified as a promising African writer ...
Zuksiwa Wanner
Zuksiwa Wanner NONE Zukiswa Wanner, born to South African and Zimbabwean parents in Zambia, is a celebrated author known for award-nominated novels like “Men of the South.” As an essayist, she focuse...
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...
Rose Brock
Rose Brock 0000000107888362 Rose Brock, a professor at Sam Houston State University, is renowned for inspiring youth to love books. In addition to her career as a librarian and educator, she co-found...
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 ...
Idrissa Uqdah
Idrissa Uqdah NONE Idrissa Uqdah, a New Jersey-based writer, has a diverse background in black media, government communications, and literature. Known for her early fiction and poetry, she now writes...
Randell Pearson
Randell Pearson NONE Randell Pearson, a Jersey City native and Brooklyn-raised graphic designer and illustrator, boasts over 30 years of experience and numerous awards. His education includes The Hig...
Patricia Reid-Merritt
Patricia Reid-Merritt NONE Dr. Patricia Reid-Merritt is a distinguished professor at Richard Stockton College, founder of Afro-One Dance, Drama and Drum Theatre, and an award-winning social worker. K...
Ni-Ni Simone
Ni-Ni Simone NONE Ni-Ni Simone, a Jersey-based author, initially unintentional about writing teen fiction, has found success in the genre. Her first novel, “Shortie Like Mine,” was selected by YALSA ...
Wahida Clark
Wahida Clark 0000000035597565 Wahida Clark, a New Jersey native, began her writing career while incarcerated and has published bestselling novels including the Thug Series. After her release, she bec...
Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams 0000000114422456 Wendy Williams, a New Jersey native and Northeastern University graduate, is a renowned radio personality and author. She has worked at notable stations like WQHT-FM a...
Tiffany Aliche
Tiffany Aliche NONE Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche is an award-winning financial educator, transforming lives of over a million women worldwide. Co-host of 'Brown Ambition' podcast, founder of Live...
Kevin Powell
Kevin Powell NONE Kevin Powell is widely considered one of America’s most important voices in these early years of the 21st century. Legendary feminist Gloria Steinem asserts that "as a cha...
Kim Coleman Foote
Kim Coleman Foote NONE Meet Kim Coleman Foote on Tour Kim Coleman Foote is an award-winning author from New Jersey recognized for her contributions in anthologies and literary reviews. She's earned mu...
Lisa Saxton
Lisa Saxton NONE Lisa Saxton, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, is a distinguished author praised for her humorous and fresh approach to crime-writing. A graduate of Chatham College, Saxton is currently b...
Cassandra Jackson
Cassandra Jackson NONE Cassandra Jackson is a professor of English at the College of New Jersey, where she teaches classes about African American literature and visual culture. Cassandra Jackson is a...
Andrea J. Loney
Andrea J. Loney NONE Andrea J. Loney, a versatile author with African American, Jamaican and Panamanian roots, realized her childhood dream of becoming a writer. After developing her craft in college...
Amiri Baraka
Amiri Baraka 0000000446460520 Amiri Baraka, also known as LeRoi Jones, was a prolific 20th-century African American writer, poet, and Obie-winning playwright. Known for works such as “Blues People” a...
Patricia A. Saunders
Patricia A. Saunders NONE Patricia A. Saunders, an author from Connecticut, now based in San Francisco, began her writing journey after her mother's passing. She released her first book in 2012 and i...
Avalon Soulette Brown
Avalon Soulette Brown NONE Avalon S. Brown, a dedicated nurse with 30 years of experience, is a graduate of Essex County College Nursing Program. She is deeply religious and believes in bringing heal...
Anika Malone
Anika Malone NONE Anika Malone, author of the acclaimed “10 Minutes Past Too Late”, is celebrated as a fresh voice in contemporary fiction. She has participated in notable book events across the Unit...
Kellie Magnus
Kellie Magnus 0000000114740104 Kellie Magnus is a Jamaican children's author and media writer. An alumna of Harvard and Columbia Universities, she's the Chair of the Kingston Book Festival and serves...
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...
Alberto O. Cappas
Alberto O. Cappas NONE Alberto O. Cappas, a Puerto Rican-born poet, writer, and community activist, is known for his work in economic development, literature, and advocacy in New York and Buffalo. He...
Vashti Harrison
Vashti Harrison 0000000476987403 Vashti Harrison, born in 1988, is a Virginia-based author, illustrator, and filmmaker with a passion for storytelling. She has degrees in Media Studies, Studio Art, F...
Matthew A. Cherry
Matthew A. Cherry 0000000500418922 Former NFL wide receiver, Matthew A. Cherry, transitioned into filmmaking after his retirement in 2007. He's known for directing over 20 music videos, his feature f...
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...
Thando Mgqolozana
Thando Mgqolozana 0000000071220474 Thando Mgqolozana, born in 1983, is a renowned South African novelist and Mandela Rhodes Scholar. He authored novels like 'Hear Me Alone' and 'Unimportance' and co-...
Louis Edwards
Louis Edwards 0000000028382400 Louis Edwards, a Guggenheim Fellowship and Whiting Award-winning author, has written four novels including Ramadan Ramsey and Ten Seconds. Louisiana-born Edwards is als...
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 ...
justin a. reynolds
justin a. reynolds NONE Justin A. Reynolds is an acclaimed author renowned for his debut YA novel, “Opposite of Always,” and second novel “Early Departures.” His work includes a Marvel graphic novel ...
David Washington
David Washington NONE Dr. David Washington decision to write a graphic novel stemmed from his dissatisfaction with the lack of diversity in the superhero genre. He hoped to provide his children with ...
Regie Gibson
Regie Gibson NONE Regie Gibson is a poet, songwriter, author, workshop facilitator, and educator. Regie has performed, taught, and lectured at schools, universities, theaters and various other ve...
Tony Ginyard
Tony Ginyard NONE Tony Ginyard is a former US Air Force Law Enforcement Specialist from Philadelphia. He has lived in Europe, California, Texas, and New Jersey, and now resides in South Philadelphia ...
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...
Huguens Noel
Huguens Noel NONE Huguens Noel, an author, entrepreneur, and inventor with an engineering background, aims to inspire fresh perspectives and challenge conventional thought. Based in Upper Montclair, ...
Richard C. Loban
Richard C. Loban NONE Richard C. Loban, a New York native, now resides in New Jersey. Known for writing suspense thrillers, Loban also enjoys travel and restoring old vehicles. Richard C. Loban was b...
Tracey Syphax
Tracey Syphax NONE Tracey D. Syphax is a renowned entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and community activist. He leads two firms, Capitol City Contracting, Inc. and The Phax Group, LLC. He holds posi...
Troy CLE
Troy CLE 0000000036353335 Troy Tompkins, aka Troy CLE, is a New Jersey-based fiction writer known for “The Marvelous Effect,” the first installment of The Marvelous World Saga. A Seton Hall Preparato...
Stuart A. Reid
Stuart A. Reid NONE Stuart A. Reid is an executive editor at Foreign Affairs and a seasoned writer for numerous publications including The Atlantic and The New York Times. He resides in New Jersey wi...
Kristina Forest
Kristina Forest 0000000500407772 Kristina Forest, a critically acclaimed author of teen and adult romance books, holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. Based in New Jersey, she enjoys ...
Ann Rinaldi
Ann Rinaldi 0000000114940472 Ann Rinaldi is an acclaimed author, recognized for her talent in animating history through her writing. She resides in Central New Jersey. Ann Rinaldi is an award-winning...
Cheryl Willis Hudson
Cheryl Willis Hudson 0000000037209335 Cheryl Willis Hudson, editorial director of Just Us Books, focuses on publishing Black interest books for children. Co-founder of the company in 1988, she's a re...
Dwayne Ferguson
Dwayne Ferguson NONE Dwayne Ferguson, also known as Hunter Wolf, is a versatile artist who's created work for Walt Disney, Sony Music, Warner Bros. and more. As a writer, he's known for his comic boo...
Katura J. Hudson
Katura J. Hudson NONE Katura J. Hudson, a marketing professional and editor from New Jersey, is known for leading marketing campaigns for numerous children's books. A Rutgers University graduate and ...
Ezrah Aharone
Ezrah Aharone NONE Ezrah Aharone, a New Jersey native, is a respected author, political science professor at Delaware State University, and consultant on African affairs. His international experience...
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...
Rhonda McKnight
Rhonda McKnight NONE Rhonda McKnight, owner of Legacy Editing and Urban Christian Fiction Today, is a dedicated fiction writer and editor based in Atlanta. Originating from New Jersey, her passion li...
Benilde Little
Benilde Little NONE Benilde Little is a bestselling author known for challenging African American stereotypes through her groundbreaking fiction. A former People reporter and Essence senior editor, s...
Kristin Hunter
Kristin Hunter 000000008098402X Kristin Hunter, also known as Kristin Lattany, was an acclaimed author, advertising copywriter, and a senior lecturer in English at the University of Pennsylvania. Bes...
Audrey Vernick
Audrey Vernick NONE Our students thoroughly enjoyed meeting Audrey Vernick; her presentation kept the kids engaged and energized! She helped them make real-life connections, and she reinforced writi...
Linda Janet Holmes
Linda Janet Holmes 0000000036823341 Linda Janet Holmes is an accomplished writer, scholar, and women's health activist. Known for her work on African American midwifery practices, she has also author...
Tracey Baptiste
Tracey Baptiste 0000000037347738 Tracey Baptiste, a Trinidad-born author, made her debut with 'Angel’s Grace', lauded by NYC librarians. Once a teacher and ballerina, she now writes and edits childre...
Jim Brown
Jim Brown 0000000072514239 James Nathaniel Brown, born February 17, 1936, is a former American football player and actor. Renowned for his time as a fullback with the Cleveland Browns (1957-1965), he...
James McIntosh
James McIntosh NONE James C. McIntosh, M.D. is a Queens-based psychiatrist and graduate of Hunter College and University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He serves as chairman of the BEPAA, f...
Neil Baldwin
Neil Baldwin 0000000108910963 Dr. Neil Baldwin, born in New York City, is a renowned author and scholar with a Ph.D. in Modern American Poetry. He has authored various poetry, textbooks, and biograph...
Dexter Palmer
Dexter Palmer 0000000040043719 Dexter Clarence Palmer, a Princeton-based author, is known for his acclaimed debut novel, 'The Dream of Perpetual Motion'. His second novel, 'Version Control', was publ...
Troy Legette
Troy Legette NONE Troy Legette is a gifted poet and writer from New Jersey, now residing in Florida. Known for his inspiring anthology, Legette's captivating written expressions are a tribute to his ...
Kem Joy Ukwu
Kem Joy Ukwu NONE Kem Joy Ukwu is a Bronx-born author, currently based in New Jersey. Her fiction has been featured in various magazines and her short story collection, Locked Gray / Linked Blue, was...
Donneil D. Jackson
Donneil D. Jackson NONE Donneil D. Jackson, a Jersey-born writer, found an escape in writing from her sheltered childhood. With a lifelong passion for storytelling, she has a knack for creating vivid...
Lisa Sheppard Stewart
Lisa Sheppard Stewart NONE Lisa Sheppard Stewart is a New Jersey-based, award-winning writer and designer, known for her culturally-inspired books. She promotes creative expression through relevant t...
Debbie Rigaud
Debbie Rigaud NONE YA author Debbie M. Rigaud, known for her work in magazines like Seventeen and CosmoGIRL!, has also co-authored Alyssa Milano's Hope series and penned Truly Madly Royally. Now base...
Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen NONE Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen is a prolific children's author based in New Jersey. She has written both fiction and nonfiction, including titles like “Pirate Princess”, “Hampir...
Niña Mata
Niña Mata NONE Niña Mata, New York Times bestselling illustrator, graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Known for illustrating books by Laurie Hernandez, LeBron James, and Kelly Starlin...
Eric M. Cooper
Eric M. Cooper NONE Eric Mann Cooper is a New Jersey-based Sci-Fi/Superhero author known for his Knight Seeker series set in the modern Tri-State area. He recently started a new series, Star Enforcer...
Philemona Williamson
Philemona Williamson NONE Philemona Williamson, a renowned contemporary artist based in New Jersey, is known for her solo shows and group exhibitions. Her work, often exploring interpersonal relation...
J.M. Benjamin
J.M. Benjamin NONE Allow me to introduce you to one of the hardest working hustlers in urban lit: J.M. Benjamin J.M. Benjamin is a successful, powerful and impacting ...
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 ...
Junot Diaz
Junot Diaz 0000000121411106 Junot DÃaz, renowned for his debut novel “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” and story collection “Drown”, is celebrated as a distinctive voice in contemporary fiction...
Clarence N.M. Coggins
Clarence N.M. Coggins NONE Clarence N.M. Coggins is a Japanese Anime enthusiast, Kean University Economics graduate, and IT professional. He is a Radio Personality, known for hosting “A New Day is He...
Edel Rodriguez
Edel Rodriguez 0000000367958056 Edel Rodriguez is a Cuban-born illustrator, known for his award-winning work, including the Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators. Notably, he served as Time mag...
Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen
Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen MULTIPLE Bruce Springsteen, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and recipient of 20 Grammy Awards, is the acclaimed author of NYT bestseller “Born to Run.” Honored with an ...
De’Andre Salter
De’Andre Salter NONE De'Andre Salter is a prominent Black executive, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and bishop. He's celebrated for his 19-year insurance career and building the world's ...
Alliah L. Agostini
Alliah L. Agostini NONE Alliah L. Agostini is a joyful writer, dedicated to representing diversity in literature. She's the founder of Grownesque, a blog for Xennial women, and a member of SCBWI. Wit...
Marcus Major
Marcus Major 0000000038042522 Marcus Major, born in Fort Bragg, followed a transient childhood due to his father's military career. He studied Literature and African-American Studies at Richard Stock...
Lisa D. Brathwaite
Lisa D. Brathwaite NONE Lisa D. Brathwaite is a creative self-expression enthusiast and author of children's book, “Miles of Style.” She holds a degree in Community Studies from the University of Mar...
Michael B. Jackson
Michael B. Jackson NONE Michael B. Jackson, a retired juvenile corrections worker, is an author of 4 books and a passionate advocate for the rights of formerly incarcerated people. He's also an inspi...
Kellye Garrett
Kellye Garrett NONE Kellye Garrett, award-winning author of “Like a Sister” and “Hollywood Homicide”, is known for her thrilling mystery novels. Prior to writing, she spent eight years in Hollywood, ...
Celestine Martin
Celestine Martin NONE New Jersey native, Celestine Martin, crafts whimsical romance novels inspired by everyday magic. When not writing or researching, she enjoys life in New York, indulging her daug...
Cleyvis Natera
Cleyvis Natera NONE Cleyvis Natera, originally from the Dominican Republic, is a NYC-raised author with a BA from Skidmore College and an MFA from NYU. Known for her award-winning writing, she now re...
Sadeqa Johnson
Sadeqa Johnson NONE Sadeqa Johnson, originally from Philadelphia, is a former PR manager who worked with renowned authors and co-founded 12th Street Press. Now a meditation teacher, inspirational blo...
Colin Channer
Colin Channer 0000000066632589 Colin Channer, born in Jamaica, is a celebrated author and editor known for his poetry collection 'Providential' and bestselling novel 'Waiting in Vain'. He's also the ...
Kadija Sesay
Kadija Sesay NONE Kadija George is a renowned literary activist, poet, and publisher of Sierra Leonean descent. She's known for her debut poetry collection, Irki, and has edited numerous anthologies....
Rondall Brasher
Rondall Brasher NONE Rondall Brasher is a passionate poet with a love for words that spans over three decades. Inspired by great names such as Dr. Seuss and Kahlil Gibran, he seeks to express his sub...
Amanda Robinson
Amanda Robinson NONE Amanda Robinson, born in Brooklyn to Jamaican parents, is a gifted writer who discovered her passion for words at a young age. Initially studying nursing, she shifted to English ...
Ciera Burch
Ciera Burch NONE Ciera Burch is a lifelong writer and ice cream aficionado. She has a BA from American University and an MFA from Emerson College. Her fiction has appeared in The American Literary M...
Joy Deja King
Joy Deja King NONE Joy Deja King, raised in various states across the US, is a modern author known for her young and edgy street-life novels. A journalism graduate from North Carolina Central Univers...
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...
Sharon M. Draper
Sharon M. Draper 0000000374578086 Sharon M. Draper, acclaimed author of the Sassy series and numerous teen novels, is a New York Times bestseller and multiple Coretta Scott King Award winner. A forme...
Wanjiku Wa Ngugi
Wanjiku Wa Ngugi NONE Wanjikũ Wa Ngũgĩ, author of 'The Fall of Saints', is a former director of the Helsinki African Film Festival. Her short stories and essays are featured in various publications i...