AALBC Search
Samson Dempsey
Samson Dempsey NONE "Samson Dempsey, also known as 'Lucifer', 'Sammy D.', and 'The Midtown Playa', is a vibrant author known for selling his books on Harlem's 125th street.” Samson Dempsey aka “Lucif...
Katherine Dempsey
Katherine Dempsey NONE Go On Girl! Book Club, Unpublished Writer Award 2021 Winner Atlanta-born author Katherine Dempsey aims to illuminate Southern Gothic themes and Black mysticism in her writing. A...
Reginald C. Adams and Samson Bimbo Adenugba
Reginald C. Adams and Samson Bimbo Adenugba MULTIPLE Reginald C. Adams and Samson Bimbo Adenugba are renowned authors with a wealth of experience and knowledge. They have made significant contributio...
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...
Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith
Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith MULTIPLE Randy Roberts is distinguished professor of history at Purdue University. An award-winning author, he focuses on the intersection of popular and political cul...
K.L. Reeves
K.L. Reeves NONE Harvard graduate Kevin “K.L.” Reeves is a dedicated Chicago-based artist and writer, striving to illuminate the complexities of the human experience through his work. Despite persona...
Zuri Day
Zuri Day NONE Zuri Day is a successful author and hopeful romantic, known for her contributions to the romance genre. Inspired by her love for Harlequin romances, she's now a full-time author, dividi...
Eric Jerome Dickey
Eric Jerome Dickey 0000000063940201 Born and raised in Memphis, TN, the author graduated from the University of Memphis and worked various jobs before becoming a stand-up comedian and actor. He's als...
Paulette Harper
Paulette Harper NONE Paulette Harper, an award-winning author and founder of WNL Coaching and Marketing Services, is an ordained Pastor and renowned inspirational speaker. She empowers women through ...
Joylynn M. Jossel
Joylynn M. Jossel NONE Check the “Act Like an Author, Think Like a Business” 2018 Conference presented by Joylynn’s Path To Publishing (September 20 – 22, 2018) Joylynn M. Joss...
E. N. Joy
E. N. Joy NONE BLESSEDselling Author E.N. Joy, previously known as Joylynn M. Jossel, is an Essence Magazine Bestselling Author known for her “Soap Operas in Print” Divas series. The author, who has ...
Naleighna Kai, Renee Bernard, J.L. Woodson, Joyce A Brown, D. J. McLaurin, Candy Jackson, Janice Pernell, Valarie Prince, Martha Kennerson, Susan D. Peters, Tanishia Pearson-Jones, and L. A. Lewis
Naleighna Kai, Renee Bernard, J.L. Woodson, Joyce A Brown, D. J. McLaurin, Candy Jackson, Janice Pernell, Valarie Prince, Martha Kennerson, Susan D. Peters, Tanishia Pearson-Jones, and L. A. Lewis MUL...
Cheryl Robinson
Cheryl Robinson NONE Cheryl Robinson, a Detroit-born author, transformed her life from a career in marketing to writing. She began with self-publishing, before transitioning to Penguin Books' imprint...
Ibi Zoboi, Tracey Baptiste, Coe Booth, Dhonielle Clayton, Brandy Colbert, Jay Coles, Lamar Giles, Leah Henderson, Justina Ireland, Varian Johnson, Kekla Magoon, Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone, Renée Watson, Rita Williams-Garcia, and others
Ibi Zoboi, Tracey Baptiste, Coe Booth, Dhonielle Clayton, Brandy Colbert, Jay Coles, Lamar Giles, Leah Henderson, Justina Ireland, Varian Johnson, Kekla Magoon, Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone, Renée Watso...
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...
Adrienne Thompson
Adrienne Thompson NONE Adrienne Thompson, a mother and divorcee by 24, overcame adversity to complete her college degree and earn her nursing license. Now a successful author, she draws from her life...
Chiquita Camille Payne
Chiquita Camille Payne NONE Chiquita Camille Payne is an actress, dancer, and author from Chicago, now living in Brooklyn. Inspired by her son, she wrote her first book, Just Because, after years of ...
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...
Kwame Mbalia
Kwame Mbalia 0000000501737490 Kwame Mbalia, previously a part-time pharmaceutical calibration tech, is now a full-time writer and father. Kwame Mbalia is a husband, father, writer, a New York Times b...
Janet Cheatham Bell
Janet Cheatham Bell 0000000114460532 Janet Cheatham Bell, an educator, author, and publishing entrepreneur, has significantly contributed to ethnic studies and African American literature. She has pu...
Yusef Salaam
Yusef Salaam NONE Dr. Yusef Abdus Salaam, part of the Exonerated Five, was wrongly convicted in the Central Park jogger case at 15. After years in prison, his sentence was overturned in 2002. His sto...
Sandra W. Headen
Sandra W. Headen NONE Dr. Sandra W. Headen is a Social and Community Psychologist turned children's historical fiction author. After an accomplished career in public health research and academia, she...
Nuruddin Farah
Nuruddin Farah 0000000121483513 Nuruddin Farah, born 1945 in Somalia, is an acclaimed novelist known for works like “From a Crooked Rib” and “Blood in the Sun” trilogy. His books, translated into 17 ...
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, ...
Naleighna Kai, Pat G’Orge Walker, Lisa Watson, Martha Kennerson, Michelle D. Rayford, Janice Pernell, J. L. Campbell, Kisha Green, and Terri Ann Johnson
Naleighna Kai, Pat G’Orge Walker, Lisa Watson, Martha Kennerson, Michelle D. Rayford, Janice Pernell, J. L. Campbell, Kisha Green, and Terri Ann Johnson MULTIPLE "Naleighna Kai, Pat G’Orge Walker, Li...
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...
Victor McGlothin
Victor McGlothin NONE Victor McGlothin, a bestselling author and filmmaker from Dallas, overcame early reading struggles to complete a Masters degree and leave his banking career for literature. Know...
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...
Russell Freedman
Russell Freedman 0000000373864646 Russell Freedman, an award-winning author of 47 books translated into multiple languages, wasn't always a children's book writer. He worked as a reporter and editor ...
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...
Joan Wright Lewis
Joan Wright Lewis NONE Jamaican-born author Joan Wright Lewis, now a US citizen, is known for her works that inspire youth and young adults to embrace self-love, pursue dreams, and foster genuine fri...
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...
Kelly Starling Lyons
Kelly Starling Lyons NONE Kelly Starling Lyons is a children's book author from Pittsburgh. Inspired by her mother's storytelling and her grandparents' creativity, she started writing at a young age....
Tolá Okogwu
Tolá Okogwu 0000000496748610 Tọlá Okogwu is a British-Nigerian author, journalist, and hair care educator. Known for her picture book series 'Daddy Do My Hair?' and the 'Aziza's Secret Fairy Door' se...
Zoe Johnson
Zoe Johnson NONE Comedy writer and stand-up Zoe Johnson started creating characters at 8. At William & Mary, she brought her humor to the student paper; she now trains at Upright Citizens Brigade (UC...
Portia Cosby
Portia Cosby NONE Portia A. Cosby is a renowned novelist, screenwriter, and poet from Indianapolis, known for her relatable storytelling. With a background in kinesiology and film, she blends her ski...
Cheryl Cloyd Robbins
Cheryl Cloyd Robbins NONE Cheryl Cloyd Robbins is a passionate writer who began her journey in high school. She self-published her first novel in 2006 and its acclaimed sequel in 2008. Despite being ...
Curtis Bunn
Curtis Bunn NONE Curtis Bunn, a successful novelist, broke into the literary scene in 2001 with his hit novel, “Baggage Check,” which topped the Essence bestsellers list. Recognized for his honest po...
William L. Ingram
William L. Ingram NONE William “Bill” L. Ingram, a retired entrepreneur, and successful small business owner, is now a writer focused on spiritual and personal growth. A resident of Tampa Bay, Florid...
Jamal Joseph
Jamal Joseph 0000000049459104 Jamal Joseph, once a fiery advocate for the Black Panther Party, transitioned from the streets of Harlem and prison stints to becoming the chair of Columbia University's...
Dana Marie Miroballi
Dana Marie Miroballi NONE Dana Marie Miroballi, a biracial ex-teacher now speech-language pathologist, authors books for young readers. With experiences from Germany, Uzbekistan, and now Chicago, she...
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...
Heather McTeer Toney
Heather McTeer Toney NONE Heather McTeer Toney, an attorney and environmentalist, was the youngest and first Black female mayor of Greenville, MS. Appointed by President Obama as the EPA's Southeast ...
Michelle V. Agins and Julia Chance
Michelle V. Agins and Julia Chance MULTIPLE Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Michelle V. Agins, renowned for her work with The New York Times and publications like Essence and Sports Illustrate...
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...
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...
Balogun Ojetade
Balogun Ojetade NONE Balogun Ojetade, the Technical Director of Afrikan Martial Arts Institute, is a best-selling author renowned for his work in Afroretroism. He has written 18 novels and gamebooks,...
Ronald Fair
Ronald Fair 0000000116782340 Chicago-born African-American author, Ronald L. Fair, inspired by Richard Wright, carved his own literary path. Born in 1932, Fair served in the U.S. Navy before becoming...
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...
Alice Randall and Caroline Randall Williams
Alice Randall and Caroline Randall Williams MULTIPLE Alice Randall, a New York Times bestselling author and Harvard graduate, resides in Nashville where she's a songwriter and Writer-in-Residence at ...
Chigozie Obioma
Chigozie Obioma 000000007886845X “the heir to Chinua Achebe” (New York Times) Chigozie Obioma, born in Nigeria, is an award-winning author and professor of English at the University of Neb...
Moshood Ademola Fayemiwo and Margie Marie Neal
Moshood Ademola Fayemiwo and Margie Marie Neal MULTIPLE Moshood Ademola Fayemiwo, a former Nigerian newspaper publisher/editor and author of five books, and Margie Marie Neal, a former university pro...
Thomas Glave
Thomas Glave NONE Bronx-born author Thomas Glave, educated at Bowdoin College and Brown University, is recognized for his contribution to LGBT literature. A Fulbright Scholar, he co-founded Jamaica's...
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 ...
Wil Clay
Wil Clay NONE Wil Clay, a renowned artist, began his journey in art at a young age. He studied at prestigious art institutions before establishing studios in Providence and Houston. Initially focusin...
Reality Way
Reality Way NONE Reality Way, a Queens-born author, faced several life obstacles leading him to prison. It was there he developed a passion for writing, leading to his first published work, “Young Go...
China Robinson
China Robinson NONE China Robinson is a motivational speaker and author who uses her personal experiences to inspire others towards self-empowerment and overcoming obstacles. Managing her supermodel ...
Dame DaVohn
Dame DaVohn NONE Damon DaVohn Hopkins, a Flint, MI native now living in Dallas, TX, is an author, poet, and speaker passionate about the black community. His work, including his acclaimed debut novel...
Jervey Tervalon
Jervey Tervalon NONE Jervey Tervalon is an award-winning author, poet, and screenwriter, known for titles like 'All the Trouble You Need' and 'Dead Above Ground'. Originally from New Orleans, he now ...
Delaney Diamond
Delaney Diamond NONE Delaney Diamond, a USA Today Bestselling author, pens sweet and passionate romance novels. Originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, she now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Apart fro...
Ayana Gray
Ayana Gray NONE Ayana Gray, a speculative author known for her love of monsters and myths, hails from Atlanta and now resides in Florida. She is a passionate reader, Formula One fan, and caretaker of...
Amina Gautier
Amina Gautier 0000000118109950 Dr. Amina Gautier, an award-winning author of three short story collections, is a scholar and professor specializing in African American literature. She teaches in the ...
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...
Carmen Green
Carmen Green NONE Carmen Green, a National Bestselling author from Buffalo, NY, has sold over 30 novels. Her work includes the award-winning 'Keeping Secrets' and 'Doctor, Doctor', and 'Commitments',...
Ruth P. Watson
Ruth P. Watson NONE Ruth P. Watson is a Virginia-born author and educator, now living in Atlanta. Known for bestsellers like Blackberry Days of Summer, she also writes children's books and is a docum...
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...
Patrisse Khan-Cullors
Patrisse Khan-Cullors 0000000486461392 Patrisse Khan-Cullors, an LA-based artist and freedom fighter, is known for co-founding Black Lives Matter and Dignity and Power Now. A Fulbright scholar and NA...
Antwan Eady
Antwan Eady NONE Antwan Eady, a dreamer turned author from Garnett, South Carolina, is a Clemson University graduate. Currently residing in Savannah, Georgia, he shares his dreams with the world thro...
Gabriel Tuggle
Gabriel Tuggle NONE Gabriel Tuggle, an Atlanta author and former athlete, overcame a life-altering gunshot accident through faith and determination. He now uses his second chance to spread God's mess...
Hunter Hayes
Hunter Hayes 0000000356472077 Author Hunter Hayes returns to the literary scene after a hiatus. Known for his critically-acclaimed novels, Shoes On the Otha' Foot and A Pair Like No Otha', Hayes is n...
Juana Martinez-Neal
Juana Martinez-Neal 0000000115462636 Juana Martinez-Neal, award-winning author-illustrator, received the 2019 Caldecott Honor and 2020 Robert F. Sibert Medal. She was also awarded the 2018 Pura Belpr...
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...
Patricia Raybon
Patricia Raybon 0000000067719627 Patricia Raybon is an award-winning author and essayist known for her works on faith, race, and grace. Her books include the Christopher Award-winning memoir 'My Firs...
Jamar J. Perry
Jamar J. Perry NONE Dr. Jamar J. Perry is a debut author and PhD holder in Literacy Education from the University of Maryland. A former middle school Language Arts teacher, his work now focuses on pr...
Edward Roy
Edward Roy 0000000108894174 Edward Roy, born in 1945, grew up in Harlem, NY, mentored by influential figures including Malcolm X. He served in the US Army’s Medical Corps during the Cold War and Viet...
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...
Andrea Levy
Andrea Levy 000000012139721X Andrea Levy (1956-2019), a London-born author of Jamaican descent, penned award-winning novels like “Small Island” and “The Long Song.” Her works, adapted for TV by the B...
Jamie McGhee
Jamie McGhee NONE Jamie McGhee is a distinguished novelist, playwright, and essayist, recognized with fellowships in France and Brazil. She has received artist residencies in the US, Germany, and Spa...
Andrea Lee
Andrea Lee 0000000009241258 Andrea Lee, born in Philadelphia in 1953, is an acclaimed author of five books including the National Book Award-nominated 'Russian Journal'. A Harvard graduate and former...
Lynnette Khalfani-Cox
Lynnette Khalfani-Cox NONE Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach, is a renowned personal finance expert, television personality, and author of 12 books, including NY Times bestseller 'Zero Debt'. Fo...
Mahogany Star
Mahogany Star NONE Mahogany Star, a Brooklyn-born author, has written four books including the acclaimed 'Where Secrets Lie'. With a degree in Organizational Management, she worked in Healthcare Admi...
Gracey Zhang
Gracey Zhang NONE Gracey Zhang, a Vancouver-born illustrator and animator, is known for her storytelling and verse. She's the author of “Lala’s Words” and illustrator of several books. A Rhode Island...
Tim Ross
Tim Ross 0000000034443994 Tim Ross, born in Inglewood, California, turned from aspiring law enforcement officer to dedicated preacher after giving his life to Jesus Christ in 1996. He has served in v...
Lisa-Jo Baker
Lisa-Jo Baker NONE Lisa-Jo Baker, bestselling author and co-host of the Out of the Ordinary podcast, is renowned for her impactful writings in the human rights field and her books including 'Never Un...
Larry Tye
Larry Tye 0000000054373081 Larry Tye, a New York Times bestselling author known for works like 'Bobby Kennedy' and 'Satchel', was previously an award-winning reporter at Boston Globe. A Nieman fellow...
Peter Mutabazi with Mark Tabb
Peter Mutabazi with Mark Tabb MULTIPLE Peter Mutabazi is an entrepreneur, an adoptive dad of three, a foster dad, and the founder of Now I Am Known. A former street kid who has worked for World Vis...
Roland S. Martin
Roland S. Martin 0000000043822953 Roland Martin is a journalist, author, and TV host for TV One's News One Now. Previously a CNN contributor and senior analyst for the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Martin...
Sandy Daley
Sandy Daley NONE Sandy Daley, a versatile talent from Kingston, Jamaica, is an actress, author, and media personality known for her candidness. Her provocative novel, “Whose Vagina Is It, Really?” di...
Malaika Adero
Malaika Adero 0000000384232281 Malaika Adero runs a literary agency, Adero's Literary Tribe, where she works with publishers and individual clients. She is the author of several books including “Up S...
William Loren Katz
William Loren Katz 0000000115886981 Bill Katz (1927-2019) was a prolific author and lecturer, known for his contributions to African American history. A graduate of Syracuse University and New York U...
S.L. Jennings, Naleighna Kai, J.D. Mason, Shakir Rashaan, London St. Charles, Sierra Kay, Karen D. Bradley, Anita L. Roseboro, and MarZé Scott
S.L. Jennings, Naleighna Kai, J.D. Mason, Shakir Rashaan, London St. Charles, Sierra Kay, Karen D. Bradley, Anita L. Roseboro, and MarZé Scott MULTIPLE "S.L. Jennings, Naleighna Kai, J.D. Mason, Shak...
Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew
Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew MULTIPLE Valerie Bolling, an award-winning author and educator, is committed to creating diverse literature for children. Kailei Pew, author of children's books like Ki...
Michelle Lindo-Rice
Michelle Lindo-Rice NONE Michelle Lindo-Rice, bestselling author of the 'Able to Love' and 'On the Right Path' series, focuses on themes of faith, friendship, family, and forgiveness. She was nominat...
Nick Chiles
Nick Chiles 0000000034375194 Nick Chiles is a renowned author and journalist, specializing in African-American culture and celebrity. Co-author of the NAACP Image Awards finalist book 'Justice While ...
Patricia C. Mckissack
Patricia C. Mckissack 0000000108593937 Patricia L'Ann Carwell McKissack (1944-2017) was a renowned children's author who wrote over 100 books highlighting African American history and Southern folklo...
Nicole Dennis-Benn
Nicole Dennis-Benn 000000050158667X Nicole Dennis-Benn, an acclaimed author and Lambda Literary Award winner, is renowned for her debut novel 'Here Comes the Sun' which has received multiple accolade...
Brendan Kiely
Brendan Kiely 0000000427845214 Brendan Kiely, a New York Times bestselling author known for 'All American Boys', 'The Last True Love Story', and 'The Gospel of Winter'. His award-winning work has bee...
Jewell Parker Rhodes
Jewell Parker Rhodes 0000000120252879 Jewell’s New Book Will’s Race for Home Debuted at #6 on the NY Times Bestsellers List! Jewell Parker Rhodes is an esteemed author and artistic directo...
Denny S. Bryce
Denny S. Bryce NONE Denny S. Bryce is an acclaimed author, former dancer, and PR professional. Known for her work in NPR Books, FROLIC Media, and her novel 'Wild Women and the Blues', she's a member ...