AALBC Search
Eli Reed
Eli Reed 0000000084169217 Eli Reed, renowned Magnum photographer since 1988, studied illustration and political science, and became famous for his work in Central America. The author of acclaimed boo...
Ishmael Reed
Ishmael Reed 0000000121258332 “A great writer.” —James Baldwin Ishmael Reed, born 1933, is a prominent black American writer known for his engaging novels, poetry, plays, and es...
Annette Gordon-Reed
Annette Gordon-Reed 0000000035723517 Annette Gordon-Reed, a professor of law and history, authored “Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy.” She delves into the complex and intim...
Walter Zacharius
Walter Zacharius NONE Walter Zacharius (1923-2011) was a WWII veteran and a noted philanthropist. He co-founded Kensington Publishing in 1974, expanding the romance genre and supporting diverse reade...
Mildred Pitts Walter
Mildred Pitts Walter 0000000074049983 Mildred Pitts Walter, born on September 9, 1922, in Louisiana, overcame segregation and societal barriers to become a renowned author. Despite limited access to ...
Mark Doty, Martin Espada, Joy Harjo, Marilyn Nelson, Ishmael Reed, Sonia Sanchez, Yusef Komunyakaa, Afaa Michael Weaver, and Rita Dove
Mark Doty, Martin Espada, Joy Harjo, Marilyn Nelson, Ishmael Reed, Sonia Sanchez, Yusef Komunyakaa, Afaa Michael Weaver, and Rita Dove MULTIPLE Prominent authors Mark Doty, Martin Espada, Joy Harjo, ...
Douglas S. Reed
Douglas S. Reed NONE Douglas S. Reed wins the 2020 BookLife Fiction Prize Douglas S. Reed, a Brooklyn-based screenwriter/novelist, has vast experience in the motion picture industry, including working...
Howard Dodson, Amiri Baraka, Gail Lumet Buckley, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Annette Gordon-Reed
Howard Dodson, Amiri Baraka, Gail Lumet Buckley, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Annette Gordon-Reed MULTIPLE Prominent authors Howard Dodson, Amiri Baraka, Gail Lumet Buckley, Henry Louis Gates Jr., an...
Steven L. Reed
Steven L. Reed NONE Steven L. Reed, the first Black Mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, was also the youngest and first Black probate judge. He holds a BA from Morehouse College and an MBA from Vanderbilt ...
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 ...
Walter White
Walter White 0000000081462565 “I am a Negro. My skin is white, my eyes are blue, my hair is blond. The traits of my race are nowhere visible upon me.” Explore A.J. Baime's 2022 autobiograp...
Christina Hammonds Reed
Christina Hammonds Reed NONE Christina Hammonds Reed, an MFA holder from the University of South Carolina's School of Cinematic Arts, is a LA native and published author. 'The Black Kids' is her debu...
Justin Phillip Reed
Justin Phillip Reed 0000000497688533 Justin Phillip Reed is a South Carolina-born author, known for his work in various publications and his MFA in poetry from Washington University. Recognized for h...
Dwayne Reed
Dwayne Reed NONE Dwayne Reed, a renowned rapping teacher from Chicago, is the author of the Simon B. Rhymin' series. Known for viral songs like “Welcome to the 4th Grade”, he also presents at educato...
Louise Story and Ebony Reed
Louise Story and Ebony Reed MULTIPLE Louise Story is a renowned investigative journalist and Yale professor, known for her work at The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and for her investig...
Tamara Shiloh
Tamara Shiloh NONE Tamara Shiloh, a Northern California native, owns the Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts in Richmond. She is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother residing in Point Richmond,...
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 ...
Stan Lee and Walter Mosley
Stan Lee and Walter Mosley MULTIPLE Stan Lee and Walter Mosley are renowned authors known for their contributions to the comic book and mystery genres respectively. Lee, a Marvel Comics pioneer, and ...
Ed McBain, Walter Mosley and Donald E. Westlake
Ed McBain, Walter Mosley and Donald E. Westlake MULTIPLE Ed McBain, Walter Mosley, and Donald E. Westlake are renowned authors known for their influential works in mystery and crime fiction. Ed McBai...
Walter Mosley, Christopher Chambers, Michael A. Gonzales, Gar Anthony Haywood, Ron Fortier, Joe R. Lansdale, Gary Phillips, Mel Odom, Tommy Hancock, D. Alan Lewis, Derrick Ferguson, and Kimberly Richardson
Walter Mosley, Christopher Chambers, Michael A. Gonzales, Gar Anthony Haywood, Ron Fortier, Joe R. Lansdale, Gary Phillips, Mel Odom, Tommy Hancock, D. Alan Lewis, Derrick Ferguson, and Kimberly Richa...
Walter E. Massey with Rosalind Kilkenny McLymont
Walter E. Massey with Rosalind Kilkenny McLymont MULTIPLE Walter E. Massey and Rosalind Kilkenny McLymont are renowned authors, known for their insightful writings that span across various fields. Th...
Walter Greason and Danian Darrell Jerry
Walter Greason and Danian Darrell Jerry MULTIPLE Walter Greason, Ph.D. is a renowned US historian, educator, and urbanist with 30 years of speaking experience. Danian Darrell Jerry, MFA, is a writer,...
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...
Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers 0000000108718912 Walter Dean Myers, born August 12, 1937, was an award-winning author from Harlem, known for his dedication to children and young adult literature. He received numer...
Timothy B. Francis, Lisa Jones Johnson, Walter C. Jones, and Lisa Fairchild
Timothy B. Francis, Lisa Jones Johnson, Walter C. Jones, and Lisa Fairchild MULTIPLE Authors Timothy B. Francis, Lisa Jones Johnson, Walter C. Jones, and Lisa Fairchild are recognized for their indiv...
Walter Mosley
Walter Mosley 0000000114370035 Walter Mosley, born in 1952, is a renowned author known for his detective series, including the Easy Rawlins series. Inspired by his parents and authors like Alice Walk...
Walter Milton, Jr. and Joel A. Freeman
Walter Milton, Jr. and Joel A. Freeman MULTIPLE Dr. Walter Milton, Jr., a native of Rochester, NY, holds a Doctorate in leadership and policy. He's a published author, former school superintendent, a...
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...
Walter Greason
Walter Greason NONE Walter Greason is among the most prominent historians, educators, and urbanists in the United States. He has spent the past 30 years speaking to audiences in dozens of states, on ...
Walter Pryor
Walter Pryor NONE Walter Pryor's professional career has spanned a myriad of sectors in the legal arena, having worked in both large and small law firms, the U.S. Department of Justice, Capitol Hill,...
Shirley Neal
Shirley Neal NONE Shirley Neal is a renowned journalist, author, and documentarian specializing in Pop Culture, Africa, and Black Identity. Noted for her Forbes Africa cover story on Oprah Winfrey, s...
Katie Mitchell
Katie Mitchell 0000000368018699 Katie Mitchell is a writer, owner of Atlanta-based online and pop-up Black bookstore Good Books. She's been featured on media outlets like The NYT, Oprah Daily, NPR, a...
Hugh Mulzac
Hugh Mulzac 0000000399996487 Hugh Nathaniel Mulzac (1886-1971), the first African American ship commander, served on British and American ships during WWI. A graduate of Swansea Nautical College, he ...
Walter Rodney
Walter Rodney 0000000098618407 Walter Anthony Rodney was born in Georgetown, Guyana on March 23, 1942. He is recognized as one of the Caribbean s most brilliant minds. Rodney attended Qu...
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...
Nichole Perkins
Nichole Perkins NONE Nichole Perkins, a writer from Nashville, explores pop culture, race, sex, gender, and relationships. She's a recognized fellow from various institutions and a former co-host of ...
Sesali Bowen
Sesali Bowen NONE Sesali Bowen, a Chicago native, is a renowned writer, journalist, and influencer in women's media, politics, and sex education. She's a former editor and writer at NYLON and Refiner...
Bethonie Butler
Bethonie Butler NONE Bethonie Butler is a pop culture writer and former features reporter for The Washington Post. She has covered television and pop culture for nearly a decade and has released a c...
Leah Johnson
Leah Johnson NONE Leah Johnson, a Midwestern writer and editor, is a graduate of Indiana University and Sarah Lawrence College. She teaches writing, authored her first novel in 2021, and owns Loudmou...
Kymone
Kymone NONE Kymone Freeman is an award-winning writer, activist, and entrepreneur known for his works in poetry, playwriting, and media. He co-founded We Act Radio, a progressive station in Washingto...
Nia Damali
Nia Damali NONE Nia Damali, owner of Medu Bookstore and a prominent figure in the Black Book Ecosystem, is dedicated to promoting literacy and knowledge within the Black community. Editor of historic...
Victoria Scott-Miller
Victoria Scott-Miller NONE Victoria Scott-Miller is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and owner of North Carolina's first black-owned children's bookstore. She's notable for creating 'The Museum Liv...
Itah Sadu
Itah Sadu NONE Itah Sadu, an award-winning author and bookstore owner, is known for sharing diverse oral traditions and creating youth programs. She's a founder of several initiatives like the Emanci...
Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Walter Dean Myers, Haki Madhubuti, Lucille Clifton and 8 others
Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Walter Dean Myers, Haki Madhubuti, Lucille Clifton and 8 others MULTIPLE
Hester Bass
Hester Bass NONE Hester Bass, an award-winning author, was influenced by her upbringing near Atlanta and time in Mississippi. Her diverse experiences, from singing in a rock band to appearing on game...
William Melvin Kelley
William Melvin Kelley 0000000108984997 William Melvin Kelley was a notable American novelist and short-story writer, known for using African American comedy to critique racial attitudes. He taught li...
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Malcolm-Jamal Warner 0000000072500865 AALBC Mourns the Passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, July 20, 2025 Malcolm-Jamal Warner (August 18, 1970 – July 20, 2025) was an American actor, musician and po...
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...
Guy LeCharles Gonzalez
Guy LeCharles Gonzalez NONE Guy LeCharles Gonzalez is a publishing professional and poetry enthusiast with a diverse background, including service in the US Army and political campaigns. A firm belie...
Danyel Smith
Danyel Smith 0000000034269092 Danyel Smith, born in 1965, is an accomplished journalist, editor, and author. A 2014 John S. Knight Journalism Fellow, Smith is known for her work with prominent outlet...
Gil Robertson
Gil Robertson NONE Gil L. Robertson IV is a renowned authority on African-American pop culture. A journalist, author, lecturer, and media consultant, he provides platforms for social change through h...
Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara 0000000458778456 Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara is a Barcelona-based author and creative director specializing in children's books. With over 15 years' experience in top adve...
Derrick Ferguson
Derrick Ferguson NONE "Derrick Ferguson, a Brooklyn native, is an author and podcast co-host with a love for classic pulps, comic books, and pop culture. Married for over 30 years, he enjoys explorin...
Mikki Kendall
Mikki Kendall 0000000496148631 Mikki Kendall is a renowned writer, speaker, and blogger who has contributed to numerous publications and has been featured on various media outlets discussing race, fe...
Elayne Fluker
Elayne Fluker NONE Elayne Fluker is a seasoned media entrepreneur with a 20-year career in journalism at top outlets like Condé Nast and Huffington Post. She's an expert in media, pop culture, and w...
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 ...
Dawnie Walton
Dawnie Walton NONE Dawnie Walton, a celebrated fiction writer & journalist, explores identity & pop culture. She's an MFA graduate from Iowa Writers' Workshop, a recipient of fellowships from MacDowe...
Jimmie Allen
Jimmie Allen 0000000465260495 Jimmie Allen is a multi-platinum American recording artist and the first Black artist to achieve two consecutive #1 hits on country radio and win the ACM New Male Artist...
Omar Holmon
Omar Holmon NONE Omar Holmon, a Rutgers University recognized Distinguished Alumnus Poet, is renowned for his nerdy references and humor-laced social commentary. Author of 'We Were All Someone Else Y...
Keli Goff
Keli Goff NONE Keli Goff is a renowned journalist and fiction writer, known for exploring politics, pop culture, race, and gender in America. Her work has featured in leading publications like Time, ...
Zeba Blay
Zeba Blay NONE Zeba Blay is a film and culture critic with a career spanning nearly a decade. She has contributed to various publications like The New York Times and was a Senior Culture Writer at Hu...
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...
Kiyah Wright and Shirley Neal
Kiyah Wright and Shirley Neal MULTIPLE Kiyah Wright, a two-time Emmy Award-winning hairstylist and entrepreneur, has over 20 years of experience in hair care. Shirley Neal is a renowned journalist an...
momowilly
momowilly NONE Monique A. Williams, also known as momowilly, is an author known for her unique writing style and deep understanding of human behavior. Influenced by her love for literature and pop cu...
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...
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 ...
Tenia Davis
Tenia Davis NONE Dr. Tenia Davis is a distinguished Human Resources Executive and Leadership Development expert whose journey began in the executive suites of world-renowned organizations including ...
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'...
Christina Benton
Christina Benton NONE Christina Benton is a Las Vegas-based crime author, forensic anthropologist, and bookstore owner. She penned the debut novel featuring Noel Patterson, a forensic anthropologist ...
R. Gregory Christie
R. Gregory Christie 000000011492849X R. Gregory Christie is a seasoned commercial artist with over 20 years of experience. He's illustrated 50+ children's books, designed album covers and worked with...
Kimberly Jones
Kimberly Jones 0000000072499091 “They are lucky that what Black people are looking for is equality, not revenge!” Kimberly Latrice Jones, born March 18, 1976, is a former bookstore manager...
Phyllis R. Dixon
Phyllis R. Dixon NONE Phyllis R. Dixon, acclaimed author of notable works including Intermission and Down Home Blues, is a contributor to various publications. A graduate of the University of Wiscons...
camika c. spencer
camika c. spencer NONE Camika C. Spencer, a Dallas native, is a best-selling author known for her unique storytelling. After studying broadcasting, she discovered her writing talent at Black Images B...
Louise Borden
Louise Borden 0000000067578502 Louise Borden, a Cincinnati native, is a history enthusiast turned writer and speaker, inspired by her grandmother's love for history. Prior to writing, she worked in e...
Clara Villarosa
Clara Villarosa 0000000060242379 Clara Villarosa, a celebrated entrepreneur and business coach, founded Hue-Man Experience Bookstore in Denver and New York. She's also co-founder of Villarosa Media, ...
Isis Asare
Isis Asare NONE Isis Asare is the CEO/Founder of Sistah Scifi, the first Black-owned US bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy in the US. She also serves as Exec. Director of Aunt Lute Book...
Jeannine A. Cook
Jeannine A. Cook NONE Jeannine A. Cook (left) is the founder and owner of three avant-garde bookshop concepts: Harriett’s in Philadelphia, Ida’s in South Jersey, and Josephine’s, a literary installa...
Marie Brown
Marie Brown 0000000376893266 Marie Brown is the first inductee into the Publishing Hall of Fame Marie Dutton Brown, President of Marie Brown Associates, is a highly experienced literary agent with ove...
Willis Nathaniel Huggins
Willis Nathaniel Huggins 0000000064958315 Willis Nathaniel Huggins, Ph.D. (1886-1940) was a renowned historian, activist, and mentor. He owned the Blyden Bookstore in Harlem and was a key member of t...
DuEwa M. Frazier
DuEwa M. Frazier NONE DuEwa Frazier is an accomplished writer, educator, and poet, renowned for her literary contributions and educational initiatives. Born in Brooklyn and raised in St. Louis, she f...
Wayétu Moore
Wayétu Moore 0000000474741880 Wayétu Moore is the founder of One Moore Book, a non-profit publishing culturally relevant books to promote literacy in countries with low rates. She opened her first b...
Meredith Davis and Rebeka Uwitonze
Meredith Davis and Rebeka Uwitonze MULTIPLE Meredith Davis, a former bookstore worker and children's book writers' society founder from Austin, Texas, holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. ...
David Ruggles
David Ruggles 0000000078894447 David Ruggles was a pioneer in black activism, journalism, and entrepreneurship in the 1800s. He led 600+ slaves to freedom, including Frederick Douglass, and owned the...
Danielle Jackson
Danielle Jackson 0000000485185680 Danielle Jackson, a contemporary romance author and avid reader, balances her love for books with hosting a podcast and coordinating author events at an indie bookst...
Aimée Felone
Aimée Felone NONE Aimée Felone, Founder and Managing Director of Knights Of, a multi-award-winning inclusive children's publisher, focuses on amplifying underrepresented voices. Her team, primarily w...