AALBC Search
Azarel
Azarel NONE Tressa “Azarel” Smallwood, former teacher and now CEO of Life Changing Books, is a successful author and publisher. With over 31 titles including the popular 'Teenage Bluez' series, her w...
Tiffany Rose
Tiffany Rose NONE Tiffany Rose, a teacher and author/illustrator, is known for her book 'M is for Melanin'. Passionate about creating art and stories that reflect underrepresented children, she also ...
Aracelis Girmay
Aracelis Girmay 0000000038001720 Aracelis Girmay, born December 10, 1977, is a renowned poet, author of multiple books including 'Teeth' and 'Kingdom Animalia', and a finalist for several awards. She...
Cara Page
Cara Page NONE Cara Page is a Black Queer Feminist and abolitionist with 30 years of experience in liberation movements. She leads Changing Frequencies, an initiative to heal generational trauma, co-...
Jonathan Anthony Burkett
Jonathan Anthony Burkett NONE Jonathan Anthony Burkett, born in 1987, is an inspirational writer who persevered through life's trials and a life-changing surgery in 2005. Despite lack of formal educa...
Randy Kearse
Randy Kearse NONE Randy Kearse, a Positive Life Strategist, uses his experience as a former inmate to develop solution-based strategies for positive change. He offers educational programs and multime...
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...
We Need Diverse Books
We Need Diverse Books NONE We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) began in April 2014 as the viral #WeNeedDiverseBooks hashtag, bringing together writers, illustrators, publishers, educators, and readers seek...
Marita Kinney
Marita Kinney NONE Dr. Marita L Kinney is a successful publisher, metaphysical practitioner, and entrepreneur who has helped thousands overcome adversity. She coaches people to become published autho...
Veronica Chambers
Veronica Chambers 0000000063184848 Veronica Chambers is a celebrated author known for her memoir, Mam's Girl. Born in Panama and raised in Brooklyn, her Afro-Latina heritage often influences her work...
Bernette Ford
Bernette Ford 0000000038486553 Bernette Ford, founder of COLOR-BRIDGE BOOKS, was a renowned children's book packager and consultant, and an advocate for diversity in children's literature. She held s...
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...
Chianti Lomax
Chianti Lomax NONE Chianti Lomax, “The Chief Happiness Curator”, is a renowned speaker, coach, and strategist, dedicated to transforming mental health in communities of color. Founder of wellDistrict...
Ronda Racha Penrice
Ronda Racha Penrice NONE Ronda Racha Penrice, an expert in African American history and culture, studied at Columbia University and NYU, focusing on African American literature. She contributed to Th...
Teri Ijeoma
Teri Ijeoma NONE Teri Ijeoma is a globally recognized financial educator, trading expert, and bestselling course creator dedicated to helping individuals build a freedom-based lifestyle through trad...
Brianna-Christine Alicea
Brianna-Christine Alicea NONE Brianna-Christine Alicea, raised in South Bronx, is the first-generation college student on her mother's side, currently studying at Medgar Evers College after overcomin...
Karen D. Bradley
Karen D. Bradley NONE Karen D. Bradley was born and raised in Chicago and while she had a creative mind, English and Grammar were never her strongest subjects. As life would have it, her weakest lin...
Daisy Copelin
Daisy Copelin NONE Daisy Copelin, a graduate of Nyack College and self-made author, uses her personal experiences of overcoming adversity to inspire young people through her writings. She founded the...
Hassan A. Akinbiyi
Hassan A. Akinbiyi NONE Dr. Hassan A. Akinbiyi is a seasoned Rehabilitative Medicine expert who actively partakes in health policy initiatives. He is the founder of DrHassanRehab.com, a platform for ...
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...
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 ...
Susan Moore
Susan Moore 0000000081813898 Rev. Dr. Susan Moore is a seasoned pastor, teacher, and author with a 36-year career focused on urban America's challenges. Ordained in 1983, she has served as a communit...
Denise Bolds
Denise Bolds NONE Denise Bolds, a Harlem-born single mother, author, and community activist, uses her platform to empower underserved women and children. Known for her book on raising black sons and ...
V. Brooks Dunbar
V. Brooks Dunbar NONE Dr. V. Brooks Dunbar is a renowned author, speaker, and leadership consultant. Known as the Confidence Commander, she empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their pote...
Lana Reid
Lana Reid 0000000530613016 Lana Reid, author and relationship advocate, hosts “The Male Perspective” podcast and leads transformative workshops nationwide. Best known for her “Loving Him Better†...
Deborah E. McDowell
Deborah E. McDowell 0000000108645514 Deborah E. McDowellis Alice Griffin Professor of English at the University of Virginia and is the co-editor and author of many books. Deborah E. McDowell (born 19...
Patrice Caldwell
Patrice Caldwell NONE Patrice Caldwell, a Wellesley College alumna, is the founder of People of Color in Publishing. She's an ex-children's book editor, current literary agent, and author, known for ...
Caroline Randall Williams
Caroline Randall Williams 0000000371378337 Caroline Randall Williams, born in 1987, is a multi-genre writer and educator based in Nashville, Tennessee. She's well-recognized for her award-winning wor...
Wade Hudson
Wade Hudson 0000000067647969 Why I Publish Children’s Books Wade Hudson, born in 1946, is an author, journalist, and civil rights activist. Known for his children's books promoting positive Afri...
Kristen Uroda
Kristen Uroda NONE Kristen Uroda is a design researcher at Civilla and an editorial illustration specialist. She debuted with her first picture book in 2023, advocating for innovative changes in publ...
Rufus and Jenny Triplett
Rufus and Jenny Triplett MULTIPLE Rufus and Jenny Triplett, Ebony Magazine’s Couple of the Year 2012, are a professional husband and wife team thriving in various fields together. With over 25 years ...
John O’Neal
John O’Neal NONE John O'Neal, co-founder of the Free Southern Theater and Junebug Productions, is a prominent playwright and activist. His work, which spans over 50 years, focuses on reviving the mem...
Sheree Whitfield
Sheree Whitfield NONE Shereé M. Whitfield, born in 1970, is a TV personality, socialite, and fashion designer best known for The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She is also an executive producer for the...
Tumika Patrice Cain
Tumika Patrice Cain NONE Tumika Patrice Cain is an award-winning author and media personality, known for her work in women's contemporary fiction and poetry. She's a champion for indie authors, a res...
Tom Burrell
Tom Burrell 0000000078076508 Thomas J. Burrell, a pioneer in marketing communications, revolutionized the portrayal of African Americans in TV advertising. He acknowledged their purchasing power, cha...
The Black Dot
The Black Dot NONE The Black Dot is renowned for his insight into the metaphysical aspects of Hip Hop, contributing to various media outlets and authoring the game-changing book, “Hip Hop Decoded.” A...
Michael W. Twitty
Michael W. Twitty 0000000048281199 Michael W. Twitty is a renowned culinary and cultural historian, creator of Afroculinaria, a blog focusing on African American historic foodways. Celebrated as one ...
Bryant Terry
Bryant Terry 0000000036406863 Bryant Terry, NAACP Image and James Beard Award-winning chef and author of Afro-Vegan and Vegetable Kingdom, is celebrated for his contributions towards a sustainable fo...
Camryn Garrett
Camryn Garrett 0000000495483219 Camryn Garrett, a New York-based author, started her writing career at 13 and has since been featured on MTV, HuffPost, and Rookie magazine. Selected as one of Teen Vo...
The Editors of Life Magazine
The Editors of Life Magazine NONE Life Magazine, an American publication, ran from 1883-2002, initially as a humor and general interest magazine. Bought by Time founder Henry Luce in 1936, it became ...
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...
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...
Michael Taylor
Michael Taylor 0000000109322362 Michael Taylor is a motivational speaker, author, and radio host committed to empowering men. Rising from adversity and challenges, he overcame a difficult upbringing,...
Nellie Y. McKay
Nellie Y. McKay 0000000081108566 Nellie Y. McKay, an influential figure in American literature, co-edited the Norton Anthology of African American Literature. Her work highlighted the scholarly study...
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 ...
Karen Lynn Williams
Karen Lynn Williams 0000000063701972 Karen Lynn Williams, born in 1952, is a renowned author of over a dozen children's books, including the acclaimed 'GALIMOTO'. She's also a former Peace Corps volu...
Iyanla Vanzant
Iyanla Vanzant 0000000110419866 Iyanla Vanzant, a Yoruba priestess and spiritual life coach, overcame adversity to become a New York Times best-selling author and host of OWN's Iyanla: Fix My Life. H...
Richard Wright
Richard Wright 0000000079803105 Richard Nathaniel Wright (1908-1960), born in poverty and racial discrimination in Mississippi, was a prolific writer aiming to unite Black and White worlds. Known ini...
Kekla Magoon
Kekla Magoon 0000000040185776 Kekla Magoon, an award-winning author of eight YA novels, including The Rock and the River and X: A Novel, also pens non-fiction on historical topics. She's won an NAACP...
Tracy Sherrod
Tracy Sherrod NONE Tracy Sherrod, editorial director of HarperCollins' Amistad, has worked with award-winning authors and published numerous bestsellers. She has held editorial positions at Simon and...
Suyi Davies Okungbowa
Suyi Davies Okungbowa 0000000509720941 Suyi Davies Okungbowa (born Osasuyi Okungbowa in 1989) is an award-winning author of various novels for adults, the latest of which are Lost Ark Dreaming (Igny...
Carl Patterson
Carl Patterson NONE Carl Patterson started writing at 45, inspired by his late wife's positive outlook on life. Initially a poet, he transitioned into novel-writing upon her suggestion. His works, in...
Michelle Sumrall
Michelle Sumrall NONE Michelle Sumrall was born in Columbus, Georgia, and now resides in Macon, Georgia, with her daughter, Aleisha. She attended the University of Georgia and Columbus State Univers...
Johanna Sparrow
Johanna Sparrow NONE “Sometimes your tragedy is your best feature.” Antoinette M. Watkins, pen name Johanna Sparrow, is an experienced author of over 31 books ranging from children's liter...
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...
Albert “Prodigy” Johnson
Albert “Prodigy” Johnson NONE Albert “Prodigy” Johnson was a globally recognized rapper, part of the duo Mobb Deep. Known for his reality-based music, he sold millions of albums worldwide. Prodigy al...
Tony Rose
Tony Rose 000000005879297X AALBC Mourns the Passing of Tony Rose Tony Rose (October 11, 1950 – May 27, 2025) was the Publisher and CEO of Amber Communications Group, Inc. the nation’s large...
Margaree K. Mitchell
Margaree K. Mitchell NONE Margaree K. Mitchell is an award-winning author of children's, teen, and adult books. Known for titles like Uncle Jed’s Barbershop and Granddaddy’s Gift, she uses history to...
Sylvia L. Walker
Sylvia L. Walker NONE Sylvia L. Walker, a Pasadena-born artist, is renowned for her children's fashion illustrations and book illustrations. She has worked with major clients like Simplicity, McCalls...
Marcus Dewan Williams
Marcus Dewan Williams NONE Marcus Dewan Williams, more than just the owner of Nubian Books bookstore, is an active advocate for African and African-American culture and education. As a publisher and ...
Vicki L. Hubbard
Vicki L. Hubbard NONE Vicki L. Hubbard, a Montgomery Alabama native, is a published author inspired by motherhood and life's struggles and successes. Having graduated from Apollo College as a Compute...
Kevin M. Weeks
Kevin M. Weeks NONE Kevin M. Weeks is an acclaimed self-published Urban Fiction author known for his debut, The Street Life Series. Honored as the Best New Urban Author of 2007, his fresh approach te...
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...
Brittany Johnson
Brittany Johnson NONE Brittany Johnson is a proud Black, African American, queer woman who was raised in both the Northeast and Southeast regions of the United States—but that wasn’t always the case...
Al-Saadiq Banks
Al-Saadiq Banks NONE Al-Saadiq Banks is a best-selling author of nine urban fiction and crime drama books. He entered the literary scene in 2002, co-founding True 2 Life Publications with his brother...
Mumia Abu-Jamal
Mumia Abu-Jamal 0000000117671001 Mumia Abu Jamal, an award-winning journalist and best-selling author, was convicted for allegedly killing a cop in 1981. His trial was denounced by Amnesty Internatio...
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...
Paschal Beverly Randolph
Paschal Beverly Randolph 0000000080818187 The Mystical Black Genius Time Erased Paschal Beverly Randolph was a key figure in African-American history, renowned for his work as an author, spiritual lea...
Nelson George
Nelson George 0000000115805862 Nelson George, born in 1957, is a renowned columnist, critic, journalist, filmmaker, and author of 21 books, including bestseller 'The Michael Jackson Story'. A pioneer...
Yusef Komunyakaa
Yusef Komunyakaa 000000011440862X Yusef Komunyakaa the first African American male to win the Pulitzer Prize for poetry Yusef Komunyakaa, born on April 29, 1947, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet recog...
Ina Yalof
Ina Yalof NONE Ina Yalof, a sociologist and author, has penned numerous cultural articles and books over 30 years. She has taught writing at Dartmouth College's ILEAD program and has 14 published boo...
Tracy K. Smith and John Freeman
Tracy K. Smith and John Freeman MULTIPLE Tracy K. Smith is a Pulitzer-winning poet, author of four books, including 'Life on Mars', and editor of 'American Journal'. She served as the US Poet Laureat...
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,” ...
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...
London Ladd
London Ladd NONE London Ladd, a Syracuse University graduate and accomplished illustrator, uses acrylic paint and paper to bring his vibrant colors to life. His work, often recognized by prestigious ...
Akeem S. Roberts
Akeem S. Roberts NONE Akeem S. Roberts is an illustrator, animator, and cartoonist based in Brooklyn, New York. Versed in many styles, Akeem is passionate about breathing life into stories through a...
Margo Sorenson
Margo Sorenson NONE Margo Sorenson, born in Washington DC, spent her early years in Europe before graduating from UCLA. After teaching and raising two daughters, she became a full-time author of over...
Roderick D. Talley
Roderick D. Talley NONE Roderick D. Talley created this company as a hub for positive-oriented books and artwork, while fostering a welcoming environment for all people. A firm believer in “practici...
ReShonda Tate
ReShonda Tate 0000000116441757 ReShonda Tate is a former reporter and national bestselling author of 21 titles including both adult and teen novels. She's also an executive producer for film adaptati...
Teri Woods
Teri Woods 0000000043564923 Teri Woods, a Philadelphia native and former legal secretary, turned author with her first novel, “True to the Game.” After initial rejections, she self-published and sold...
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...
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...
Denene Millner
Denene Millner 0000000120359035 Why I Wrote the Novel One Blood Denene Millner is a New York Times bestselling author, Emmy-nominated TV host, and award-winning journalist. She has authored over 30 bo...
Charlotte Watson Sherman
Charlotte Watson Sherman 0000000067613072 Charlotte Watson Sherman, a Seattle-born author, is known for her novels, children's books, and short fiction collection. Formerly a librarian, her works inc...
Claudia Alexander
Claudia Alexander NONE Claudia Alexander, Ph.D., was a respected NASA scientist, studying planets and flying spacecraft. She contributed to missions to Jupiter, Saturn, and comets. An author, she wro...
Blanche Richardson
Blanche Richardson NONE Blanche Richardson, a seasoned book editor and manager of Marcus Books, one of the oldest African American owned bookstores in the US, has contributed significantly to literat...
Autumn Allen
Autumn Allen NONE Autumn Allen is a literature educator, senior editor at Barefoot Books, and author known for her contributions to children's literature. She teaches at Harvard Graduate School of Ed...
Maryam Khalifah
Maryam Khalifah NONE Maryam is a digital illustrator, specializing in children’s picture books and cover art for chapter books. Maryam has completed picture book illustrations for several clien...
Carl Weber
Carl Weber 0000000111497479 Carl Weber, born in 1964, is a New York Times bestselling author and renowned African American author with over 20 novels. He's also the CEO of Urban Books LLC, one of the...
David L.
David L. 0000000121374173 David L., a renowned author and publisher, has written notable works like “Over Your Dead Body,” “Chalk Outline Confessions,” “My Life Is A Movie,” and “Represent.” Holding ...
Claude Brown
Claude Brown 0000000116506653 Claude Brown, born 1937, was a former juvenile delinquent who turned his life around after being shot during a burglary at age 13. He attended Howard University, where h...
Tarkisha M. Wallace
Tarkisha M. Wallace NONE Tarkisha M. Wallace is a licensed counselor offering individual, couple, and family counseling, life coaching, and training workshops. With a Master's degree in Counseling an...
Michelle S. Hartzog
Michelle S. Hartzog NONE Michelle S. Hartzog, a Black woman, is a firm believer in family bond. Her book, 'The Beauty of Being a Black Woman', tackles issues and stereotypes that often hinder family ...
Josiah Henson
Josiah Henson 0000000082230213 Josiah Henson (1789-1883) was an author, abolitionist, and minister who escaped from slavery and founded a settlement in Upper Canada for fugitive slaves. His autobiogr...
Anita L. Helm
Anita L. Helm NONE Anita L. Helm is an author and transformational presenter. She allows readers into the intimate and traumatic moments of her life. Her story is raw and transparent in areas of our ...
Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier 0000000116349408 Sidney Poitier, a renowned Hollywood actor and role model, shares inspirational advice and personal stories in his book, “Life Beyond Measure.” The revered icon reflec...
Thomas Long
Thomas Long 0000000376122955 Thomas Long, a self-published poet from Baltimore, transitioned to urban fiction, reflecting his experiences growing up in the inner city. His debut novel, Dayvon’s Story...
Felicia Pearson
Felicia Pearson 0000000036169140 Felicia “Snoop“ Pearson, known for her chilling role in HBO's The Wire, has overcome significant life challenges. Born in difficult circumstances in East Baltimor...
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...
J.B. Vample
J.B. Vample NONE J.B. Vample is an acclaimed author known for her New Adult fiction series, The College Life Series. She published her debut novel, College Life 101: Freshman Orientation, in 2015 and...