AALBC Search
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...
Sarah Bird
Sarah Bird 000000011726115X Sarah Bird, acclaimed author of ten novels, is recognized for her literary contributions through awards like Texas Writer of the Year and the Texas Institute of Letters Li...
Joye M. Carter
Joye M. Carter NONE Dr. Joye Carter, M.D., first female and African American Chief Medical Examiner in the U.S, served in Washington, DC and Houston, Texas. Now a forensic pathology consultant and au...
Martha Kennerson
Martha Kennerson NONE Martha Kennerson, a bestselling and award-winning author, uses her passion for reading and writing to create heartfelt stories. Known for her novels Choices and Consequences and...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
Timothy B. Tyson
Timothy B. Tyson 0000000110713432 Timothy B. Tyson, born in 1959, is a renowned North Carolina author and historian specializing in Civil Rights Movement topics. He holds appointments at Duke Univers...
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...
Melania Luisa Marte
Melania Luisa Marte NONE Melania Luisa Marte is a New York-based writer, poet, and musician, known for her viral poem “Afro-Latina.” With over nine million views, her work is recognized by platforms ...
Kevin Coval
Kevin Coval 0000000053723529 Kevin Coval, author of ALA “Book of the Year†finalist Slingshots: A Hip-Hop Poetica, is the Artistic Director of Louder Than a Bomb: The Chicago Teen Poetry Festival...
Reginald C. Adams
Reginald C. Adams NONE Reginald C. Adams is a Houston-based public artist known for his award-winning murals and sculptures in historic and underserved US communities. His art is featured in the 2023...
Charles Henry Rowell
Charles Henry Rowell NONE Charles Henry Rowell is the founder of Callaloo, a leading literary journal of the African diaspora. He's also an English professor at Texas A&M University in College Statio...
Zetta Brown
Zetta Brown NONE Zetta Brown, owner of the successful L-L Publications based in Scotland, boasts an impressive portfolio including acclaimed books and a sister imprint, Logical-Lust. Also a Developme...
Teffanie Thompson
Teffanie Thompson NONE Teffanie Thompson, a Texas native and Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction program graduate, has written numerous stories for children, teens, and ballerinas. Curren...
Chris Barton
Chris Barton 0000000082953972 Chris Barton, an award-winning, best-selling author, has written numerous children's books, drawing from a lifelong passion for storytelling. He grew up in Texas, nurtur...
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...
Alan B. Govenar, Francis Edward Abernethy, Patrick B. Mullen
Alan B. Govenar, Francis Edward Abernethy, Patrick B. Mullen MULTIPLE Francis E. Abernethy was a notable English professor and editor at the Texas Folklore Society. Patrick B. Mullen is an English pr...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
Randall Kenan
Randall Kenan 0000000108991919 Randall Kenan (1963-2020) was a notable author and professor born in Brooklyn and raised in North Carolina. He has taught at numerous esteemed universities and is known...
Neal Shirley and Saralee Stafford
Neal Shirley and Saralee Stafford MULTIPLE Neal Shirley and Saralee Stafford are active North Carolina residents involved in anti-prison initiatives, publishing projects, and advocating for street or...
Nancy Churnin
Nancy Churnin NONE Nancy Churnin is a celebrated children's book author, known for inspiring kids to be heroes through her stories. She's a Eureka Silver Award winner and has been recognized with the...
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...
Daniel Henderson
Daniel Henderson 0000000016295318 Daniel B. Henderson Sr., also known as Smokey 'D', is a poet residing in Ashdown, AR. Born in 1956, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force Reserves. He hol...
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...
Varian Johnson
Varian Johnson 0000000049306941 Varian Johnson is an award-winning author of children and young adult novels, including 'The Parker Inheritance' and 'The Great Greene Heist'. His works have received ...
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...
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...
Beyoncé
Beyoncé 0000000114914936 Beyoncé Knowles, born September 4, 1981, is a Grammy-winning singer and actress from Houston, Texas. Known as the lead singer of Destiny's Child, she has also had a successfu...
Nicola Yoon
Nicola Yoon 0000000445354582 Nicola Yoon, a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author known for her debut novel, 'Everything, Everything', is a proud member of We Need Diverse Books team. Residing in Los ...
Arlington R. Callies
Arlington R. Callies NONE Arlington R. Callies, born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, is an author, experienced AAU Basketball and Track coach, and real estate broker. He has written a book about AA...
Nathan Harris
Nathan Harris 0000000047365403 A 2021 National Book Foundation “5 Under 35” Honoree Nathan Harris, an award-winning author, holds an MFA from the University of Texas and lives in Austin. K...
Samson Bimbo Adenugba
Samson Bimbo Adenugba NONE Samson Bimbo Adenugba, a Houston-based Nigerian painter/illustrator, is known for his contributions to the 2023 children's book 'Juneteeth' and the Juneteenth mural in Texa...
Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey
Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey MULTIPLE Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey are award-winning authors and illustrators known for works like 'The Old Truck' and 'There Was a Party for Langston'. Jerome ...
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...
Raúl the Third
Raúl the Third NONE Raúl the Third, a three-time Pura Belpré Award winner, is known for illustrating the bestselling Stuntboy and writing the popular Lowrider series. His work, including contributi...
Kimberly Thacker Webb
Kimberly Thacker Webb NONE Kimberly Thacker Webb, a Dallas native, is a Howard University and Texas Wesleyan School of Law graduate. An accomplished author and powerful speaker, she's also had a succ...
Casey Gerald
Casey Gerald NONE Casey Gerald is the author of There Will Be No Miracles Here, a memoir that was named a Best Book of 2018 by NPR and The New York Times, a finalist for the LAMBDA Literary Award, a...
Gwen Richardson
Gwen Richardson NONE Gwen Richardson, co-founder of Cushcity.com, the largest African-American internet retailer, is a successful entrepreneur and writer with a marketing degree from Georgetown Unive...
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...
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 ...
D.T. Pollard
D.T. Pollard NONE D.T. Pollard, an Essence Bestselling author from Texas, discovered his passion for writing at a young age but paused during college. After a 25-year career in technology sales, he r...
Jacqueline • Jones
Jacqueline • Jones NONE Jacqueline Jones, born in 1948, is a distinguished professor of history at the University of Texas, Austin. She's the author of notable works including 'Saving Savannah', 'Ame...
Daina Ramey Berry
Daina Ramey Berry 0000000035859190 Dr. Daina Ramey Berry is an award-winning historian and professor at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in gender and slavery history in the US. A Dist...
Evelyn Palfrey
Evelyn Palfrey NONE Evelyn Palfrey, a native Texan, is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas Law School. As an attorney and writer, she's known for her romantic susp...
Allen Bernard West
Allen Bernard West NONE Allen Bernard West is a decorated military veteran, former US Congressman, and notable contributor to media and policy organizations. His military legacy spans four generation...
Courtney Kelly
Courtney Kelly NONE Courtney Kelly, originally from New Orleans, is a civil engineer and project manager with a career in infrastructure projects. She holds degrees from Southern Methodist University...
Erin Nielson
Erin Nielson NONE Erin Nielson is a Texas-based freelance illustrator known for her whimsical artwork often featuring animals. She has clients like BYU Independent Study and Cincinnati Children’s Hos...
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 ...
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...
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-...
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...
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...
Terrill North
Terrill North NONE Terrill North is a neurodivergent writer and nonprofit strategist. He is the Amazon #1 bestselling author of Still Waters and other works of historical fiction. A Howard Universit...
Cecil Brown
Cecil Brown 0000000081696206 Cecil Brown, born 1943, is a North Carolina native and accomplished author with degrees from North Carolina A&T State University and UC Berkeley. Known for his novels, sh...
Stacy Spikes
Stacy Spikes NONE Stacy Spikes, co-founder of MoviePass and founder of Urbanworld Film Festival, is an award-winning entrepreneur and former film marketing executive. Recognized as one of the most in...
William Byrd
William Byrd 0000000109367704 Dr. William “Super” Byrd, a Newark native, is an acclaimed author and educator specializing in Sports Education. A holder of multiple degrees and professional licenses, ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
Jacquelin Thomas
Jacquelin Thomas NONE Award-winning author Jacquelin Thomas has published over 50 titles across romance, women’s fiction, inspirational, and young adult genres. She's received multiple awards includi...
Dan Jakana
Dan Jakana NONE Dan Jakana was born on July 4, 1955, in Kampala, Uganda, where he attended both elementary and high school. In 1973, he enrolled in the University of Texas at El Paso College of Busi...
Joshunda Sanders
Joshunda Sanders NONE Joshunda Sanders is an accomplished journalist, federal speechwriter, and educator based in the Bronx. She's worked for top US news organizations and served as Press Secretary i...
Opal Lee
Opal Lee NONE The “Grandmother of Juneteenth” Opal Lee is a living legend whose tireless activism and infectious determination helped turn the long-held dream of a national Juneteenth holiday into re...
Yani
Yani 0000000118166410 Yani, an Amazon Best Selling Author from Philadelphia, is renowned for her six novels and unique storytelling style. She's celebrated in genres like African American Fiction-Ur...
Peter Kalu
Peter Kalu NONE Peter Kalu is an award-winning poet, fiction writer, and playwright from the UK. He began his writing career at Manchester's Moss Side Write black writers workshop and has produced ei...
Uzoma R. Ezekwudo
Uzoma R. Ezekwudo NONE Uzoma “Uzo” R. Ezekwudo is a graduate of Economics from the University of North Carolina who discovered a love for writing in her adulthood. She's penned a diverse collection o...
Nina Oteria
Nina Oteria NONE Nina Oteria is a New York-based poet, known for her work on sight, perception, and nature. An alumna of Wake Forest University and NC State University's writing workshops, she's now ...
Melvin Patrick Ely
Melvin Patrick Ely 0000000030403653 Melvin Patrick Ely is an acclaimed author and historian specializing in African American and Southern history. His prize-winning book, 'Israel on the Appomattox', ...
Gwen Richardson and Sylvia Richardson
Gwen Richardson and Sylvia Richardson MULTIPLE Sylvia Richardson, an honors student at North Carolina Central University, is pursuing a double major in accounting and hospitality management. Her moth...
Ben Philippe
Ben Philippe 0000000483249062 Ben Philippe is a New York-based writer, originally from Haiti. He has degrees from Columbia University and The Michener Center, and teaches screenwriting at Barnard. He...
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 ...
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...
Jenn M. Jackson
Jenn M. Jackson NONE Jenn M. Jackson, PhD, is a respected political science professor at Syracuse University, Teen Vogue columnist, and author. A queer androgynous Black woman, her work focuses on Bl...
Marley Dias
Marley Dias NONE “Diversity is more than just having one book where a black character is a slave.” Marley Dias, born in 2005, is a young author and literary activist known for launching th...
Judy Allen Dodson
Judy Allen Dodson NONE Judy Allen Dodson is an award-winning librarian, archivist, and children's author dedicated to teaching Black History through stories of unsung heroes. She serves as a regional...
Jeffery Boston Weatherford
Jeffery Boston Weatherford NONE Jeffery Boston Weatherford, an illustrator and poet, founded Triiibe Worldwide. His debut book, You Can Fly: The Tuskegee Airmen, acclaimed by several organizations, e...
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...
Anna Myers
Anna Myers 0000000067526788 Anna Myers, an acclaimed author of 20 youth books and Oklahoma Writers' Hall of Fame member, is a native of west Texas and longtime Oklahoma resident. She holds four Oklah...
Pamela Samuels Young
Pamela Samuels Young NONE Pamela Samuels Young is an award-winning author, attorney, and motivational speaker from Compton, California. Notably, she served as Toyota's Managing Counsel for 15 years a...
Kahran and Regis Bethencourt
Kahran and Regis Bethencourt MULTIPLE Kahran and Regis Bethencourt are Atlanta-based photographers specializing in child and family portraits. The couple captures unique beauty as Canon Explorers of ...
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...
Tia Williams
Tia Williams 0000000037585947 Tia Williams, hailed as a style insider, is a renowned novelist known for her candid style. She's a veteran beauty editor with experience at top magazines, creator of aw...
Jill Robinson
Jill Robinson 0000000084555417 Jill Robinson, a marketing specialist and author, creates content for adult and teen audiences. Her work spans various publications and anthologies, including Dark Matt...
George M. Johnson
George M. Johnson 0000000495895192 George M. Johnson is a New York-based writer and activist. He has contributed to over 40 publications including Essence and Teen Vogue, and is a columnist for AFROP...
Kimberly Drew
Kimberly Drew 0000000495858893 Kimberly Drew is a passionate writer, curator, and activist with a focus on art, fashion, and cultural studies. She's the Social Media Manager at The Met, a board membe...
Sarah Warren
Sarah Warren NONE Sarah Warren is a dedicated author and educator, committed to promoting multicultural heroes in literature for children. She teaches teen writers and conducts workshops for young pe...
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...
Keah Brown
Keah Brown NONE Keah Brown is a renowned journalist, author, and screenwriter, known for creating #DisabledAndCute. Her work, including her debut essay collection 'The Pretty One', has been featured ...
Prince Shakur
Prince Shakur NONE Prince Shakur is a queer, Jamaican-American freelance journalist and cultural essayist. His work has been featured in prominent publications like Teen Vogue and Electric Lit. Shaku...
Jade Adia
Jade Adia NONE Jade Adia, South LA-born author, writes on gentrification and Black teen joy amidst capitalism. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Ethnicity, Race & Migration, a certificate in Human Rig...