AALBC Search
Cynthia Freeman Gibbs
Cynthia Freeman Gibbs NONE Cynthia Freeman Gibbs is a Michigan-born author, MBA holder, and former Merck Pharmaceutical corporate worker. She launched her writing career in 2016 and published her boo...
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...
Antonio Michael Downing
Antonio Michael Downing 0000000117037422 Antonio Michael Downing is the author of the acclaimed memoir Saga Boy and children’s book Stars in My Crown. Antonio Michael is the current [2025] host of t...
Christopher D. Burns
Christopher D. Burns NONE Christopher D. Burns, from Memphis, served in the US Navy as an electrician before becoming a QA analyst and basketball coach. He wrote his first book after an injury halted...
Jasmine L. Harris
Jasmine L. Harris NONE Dr. Jasmine L. Harris is an associate professor at the University of Texas, San Antonio, specializing in African American Studies. Her research focuses on the experiences of Bl...
Nathan Hare
Nathan Hare 0000000116200187 Dr. Nathan Hare, known as “the Father of Black Studies,” was the first coordinator of a black studies program in the US. Despite being fired for his role in a student-led...
N. K. Jemisin, Genevieve Valentine, Eric San Juan, Zaki Hasan, and Stephen H. Segal
N. K. Jemisin, Genevieve Valentine, Eric San Juan, Zaki Hasan, and Stephen H. Segal MULTIPLE "N.K. Jemisin, Genevieve Valentine, Eric San Juan, Zaki Hasan, and Stephen H. Segal are renowned authors r...
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...
Glodean Champion
Glodean Champion NONE Glodean Champion is a multifaceted artist, educator, and coach based in Monterey, CA. She is a published author, whose work explores themes of sexuality, gender, and African Ame...
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 ...
William H. Grier and Price M. Cobbs
William H. Grier and Price M. Cobbs MULTIPLE William H. Grier, ex-chairman of Psychiatry at Meharry Medical College & professor at Wayne State University, resides in San Diego. Price M. Cobbs is a Ps...
George McCalman
George McCalman NONE George McCalman is a San Francisco-based artist, graphic designer, and creative director. He runs McCalman.co studio, teaches graphic design at California College of Art, and wri...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
Adam Henig
Adam Henig NONE Adam Henig, San Francisco native and author of “Alex Haley’s Roots: An Author’s Odyssey”, has been featured in numerous book reviews and publications. His upcoming book, “Under One Ro...
Jayson Blair
Jayson Blair 0000000049735885 Jayson Blair, born in 1976, is a former New York Times journalist who resigned in 2003 following a plagiarism and fabrication scandal. Post-scandal, Blair wrote a memoir...
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...
Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson
Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson MULTIPLE Matt Barnes scrapped and clawed his way through fourteen NBA seasons, which included a championship in 2017 with the Golden State Warriors. He is a father of...
Ashanté M. Reese
Ashanté M. Reese 0000000493895041 Dr. Ashanté M. Reese is a writer, anthropologist, and associate professor of African and African Diaspora Studies at The University of Texas at Austin. She earned a...
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 ...
Diane Givens Moffett
Diane Givens Moffett NONE Diane L. Givens Moffett, a native of Oakland, is a well-educated pastor with degrees from UC Berkeley and San Francisco Theological Seminary. Author of notable sermons publi...
Asa G. Hilliard III
Asa G. Hilliard III 0000000067598829 Asa Grant Hilliard III, also known as Nana Baffour Amankwatia II, was a renowned professor of educational psychology specializing in ancient African history. He s...
Wade Nobles
Wade Nobles 0000000082420463 Dr. Wade W. Nobles is a professor emeritus at San Francisco State University and founder of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Black Family, Life and Culture, Inc. A...
Rashad Harrison
Rashad Harrison NONE Rashad Harrison, a skilled writer educated at San Francisco State, Columbia, and NYU, is a recipient of the Jacob K. Javits Fellowship. He's taught creative writing and authored ...
Sara Palacios
Sara Palacios NONE Sara Palacios, a Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor recipient known for “Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match”, has illustrated numerous picture books. Holding graphic design, BFA, and MFA d...
Keith Knight
Keith Knight 0000000036407698 “Well, you know… cats have better representation in the comics than Black people.” Keith Knight, a Boston-born cartoonist, is recognized for his unique...
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...
Marvin X
Marvin X 0000000023827167 Marvin X, born in 1944, is a renowned poet, playwright, and essayist associated with the Black Arts Movement. Known for co-founding the Black House and Black Arts/West Theat...
Natalie Baszile
Natalie Baszile NONE Natalie Baszile, author of Queen Sugar, is a scholar with an M.A. in Afro-American Studies from UCLA and a graduate of Warren Wilson College's MFA Program. Her work has won award...
Nathan Hare and Julia Hare
Nathan Hare and Julia Hare MULTIPLE Here is information about the husband and wife team of Dr. Nathan Hare & Dr Julia Hare, founders of the Black Think Tank Dr. Nathan Hare Dr. Nathan Hare...
Cathy Finch White
Cathy Finch White NONE Cathy Finch White, a former medical professional turned author, advocates for child education through reading. She has written four award-winning books, including “Anna Learn's...
Jetta Grace Martin
Jetta Grace Martin NONE Jetta Grace Martin is a author from the San Francisco Bay Area. Jetta is also a dancer, performer, and choreographer who has performed nationally and internationally. Jetta Gr...
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...
Patricia Spears Jones
Patricia Spears Jones 0000000031494569 Patricia Spears Jones, born in Arkansas, is the 2024 New York State Poet Laureate, a Jackson Poetry Prize laureate, and a cultural activist. An esteemed poet, p...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
Craig Rex Perry
Craig Rex Perry NONE Craig Rex Perry, a renowned American fashion artist, is known for his unique style and illustrations. Trained at prestigious institutes, including the School of the Art Institute...
Yosef Ben-Jochannan
Yosef Ben-Jochannan 0000000084792068 Born in Gondar, Ethiopia, Dr. Yosef Alfredo Antonio ben-Jochannan (December 31, 1918 - March 19, 2015), or “Dr. Ben”, as he is affectionately known devoted th...
Ishion Hutchinson
Ishion Hutchinson NONE Ishion Hutchinson, a Jamaican-born poet and English professor at Cornell University, is acclaimed for his poetry collection, 'Far District'. His work has earned him several awa...
Faith Ringgold
Faith Ringgold 0000000078615604 Faith Ringgold was a multi-disciplinary artist and professor emeritus at the University of California, San Diego. Known for her work in painting, writing, and sculptur...
Rafael López
Rafael López 0000000430746276 Rafael López is a renowned illustrator of NYT bestsellers and award-winning books. He's won Pura Belpré medals and other prestigious awards, including the Tomás River...
Reggie Brown
Reggie Brown NONE Reggie Brown is a San Diego-based artist and illustrator with a corporate graphic design background. His debut picture book, Santa In The City, was published by Dial Books in Novemb...
Al Young
Al Young 0000000063058737 Al Young, born in 1939, is a respected author and poet from Mississippi. He attended the University of Michigan before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area and graduating fr...
W. Kamau Bell
W. Kamau Bell 0000000478245710 W. Kamau Bell, Emmy-nominated host of CNN's United Shades of America, is a socio-political comedian renowned for his FX comedy series Totally Biased. Also an NAACP Imag...
Ernest J. Gaines
Ernest J. Gaines 0000000114766881 Ernest J. Gaines, born in Louisiana in 1933, is a celebrated author known for his unique historical resonance. His works, which earned him numerous awards including ...
Jamie Walker
Jamie Walker NONE Jamie Walker, Ph.D. is a freelance journalist, and poet. She is also president and CEO of J.D. Publishing Group. Originally from Oakland, California, Walker graduated magna cum lau...
d. E. Rogers
d. E. Rogers NONE D.E. Rogers is an accomplished author of 13 heartfelt, relatable novels and a screenwriter. He's directed short films, has project management certification from Stanford University,...
Keith Mallett
Keith Mallett 0000000033964456 Keith Duncan Mallett, born in 1948, is a prominent artist trained in New York City. He spent 15 years as the in-house artist for Frontline Art Publishers and now works ...
EA Luetkemeyer
EA Luetkemeyer NONE EA Luetkemeyer, an author informed by his prison experiences, explores America's class and racial divides. He is a Lesley University MFA graduate and author of novels including 'P...
Opal Palmer Adisa
Opal Palmer Adisa 0000000109299318 Dr. Opal Palmer Adisa is a Jamaica-born award-winning poet, novelist, and educator, known for her work in over 100 publications. She holds degrees from NYU, San Fra...
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...
Emily Raboteau
Emily Raboteau 0000000036573661 Emily Raboteau, author of 'The Professor’s Daughter' and 'Searching for Zion,' is an award-winning writer renowned for her fiction and essays. She has received numerou...
Terry E. Hill
Terry E. Hill NONE Terry E. Hill, a renowned author compared to E. Lynn Harris and Eric Jerome Dickey, has a rich background in social services, spanning over 15 years. A native of Southern Californi...
Traci Brooks
Traci Brooks NONE Traci Brooks is a San Francisco State University graduate, poet, public speaker, and writer dedicated to empowering Black people through her works. Her first published piece, 'Stepp...
Michael Warr
Michael Warr 0000000046890548 Michael Warr, born in 1955, is an award-winning author from Baton Rouge, LA, notable for his work 'Tracing Poetic Memory'. He serves as the deputy director of the Museum...
Frederick Preston
Frederick Preston 0000000068026443 Frederick J. Preston is an author and entrepreneur since 1989, leading WordPlay Multimedia, a company specializing in books, clothing, and professional development ...
Oba T’Shaka
Oba T’Shaka NONE Dr. Oba T’Shaka is a distinguished scholar, activist, author, and speaker who has influenced audiences worldwide. His 38-year tenure as a professor at San Francisco State University ...
Jill Watts
Jill Watts 0000000036116073 Jill Watts is an Associate History Professor at California State University, San Marcos. She has held roles as the Director of the History Department and Co-Director of th...
N. H. Senzai
N. H. Senzai NONE Naheed Hasnat Senzai grew up speaking two languages while navigating two cultures—and enjoying the best of both cuisines, from tandoori chicken to hot dogs on the Fourth of July. B...
Raissa Figueroa
Raissa Figueroa NONE Raissa Figueroa, based in San Diego, is a renowned illustrator who enjoys beach-combing for treasures. She has illustrated numerous children's books, including “Oona” by Kelly Di...
Jeanne Walker Harvey
Jeanne Walker Harvey 0000000080644033 Jeanne Walker Harvey, a devoted docent at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, is a Stanford University graduate in literature and psychology. She believes in...
Théophile Obenga
Théophile Obenga 0000000121334075 Théophile Obenga, born in 1936 in Congo, is an eminent professor emeritus at San Francisco State University. He is a dedicated Pan-Africanist, Afrocentrist, Egyptol...
Septima Clark and Cynthia Stokes Brown
Septima Clark and Cynthia Stokes Brown MULTIPLE Cynthia Stokes Brown is an Education Professor at Dominican College, San Rafael, California. She is recognized for her extensive work on Septima Clark,...
Matt De La Peña
Matt De La Peña 0000000439804364 Matt de la Peña, a New York Times Bestselling author, has written six young adult novels and award-winning picture books. He received his MFA in creative writing fro...
Sarah Ladipo Manyika
Sarah Ladipo Manyika 0000000062634157 Sarah Ladipo Manyika is a Nigerian-raised author and literature professor at San Francisco State University. Educated at the University of California, Berkeley, ...
Tomi Adeyemi
Tomi Adeyemi 0000000464681757 Tomi Adeyemi, a Nigerian-American author and creative writing coach, is known for her debut West African YA Fantasy novel “Children of Blood and Bone.” A Harvard graduat...
Ma’Ronda X
Ma’Ronda X NONE Ma'Ronda X, born in San Fernando Valley, is the first in her family to graduate high school and college. With degrees from California State University, she's now pursuing a Master's i...
Kathy Strahs
Kathy Strahs NONE Kathy Strahs, creator of the top-rated blog Panini Happy, left her corporate career to follow her passion for cooking. Her innovative recipes and stunning food photography have been...
Markia Jenai
Markia Jenai NONE Markia Jenai, a Michigan-born illustrator and graduate of Kendall College of Art and Design, is known for her diverse and culturally inspired children's books. She's currently pursu...
Meena Harris
Meena Harris NONE Meena Harris, a lawyer and entrepreneur from a family of influential women, including VP Kamala Harris, founded the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign. She advocates for social causes...
Jacqueline T. Small
Jacqueline T. Small NONE Jacqueline T. Small, a Pennsylvania native, is an accomplished author of two novels and holds degrees from Temple University, Cheyney University, and San Jose State Universit...
Marlon McKenney
Marlon McKenney NONE Marlon McKenney is a San Francisco-based author, illustrator, and Creative Director with extensive experience in animation and advertising. He is passionate about creating inspir...
Tasha Keeble
Tasha Keeble NONE Tasha Keeble, a San Francisco Bay Area writer, activist, and English professor has been recognized in various publications and won several awards. An expert on culturally responsive...
Bernadette Baillie
Bernadette Baillie NONE Bernadette Baillie, a Filipina American writer and speaker, grew up in a sports-loving family, selling signature athlete shoes. A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked...
Jarvis Jay Masters
Jarvis Jay Masters 0000000033485674 Jarvis Jay Masters, a San Quentin inmate since 19, is an award-winning author known for “Finding Freedom.” Convicted for conspiracy in a guard's murder, his case i...
Erin E. Adams
Erin E. Adams NONE Erin E. Adams, a first-generation Haitian American writer/theatre artist, is an award-winning playwright and actor. With degrees from Brown University, The Old Globe/University of ...
Darshana Khiani
Darshana Khiani NONE Darshana Khiani is a Kenya-born author and engineer, now based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for her advocacy for South Asian children's literature, she delights in educat...
Miss Major and Toshio Meronek
Miss Major and Toshio Meronek MULTIPLE Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a renowned figure in global trans/queer communities, runs the House of GG educational retreat in Little Rock, Arkansas. Toshio Meronek...