AALBC Search
Simba Sana
Simba Sana NONE Simba Sana overcame hardships in Washington, D.C. to graduate with degrees in Accounting, Business and Finance, and African Studies. He left his auditing job to join Karibu Books, gro...
A-Dziko Simba Gegele
A-Dziko Simba Gegele NONE A-Dziko Simba Gegele is a prize-winning author, known for her debut novel, “All Over Again” which won the 2014 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature. Born in England of Nigeri...
Sana Butler
Sana Butler NONE Sana Butler, renowned author of 'Children of the Crop', is the daughter of Peter Vertrees, born 1845 in Kentucky. She has been pictured with Lillie Odom in Lebanon, TN. Sana Butler i...
JaNay Brown-Wood
JaNay Brown-Wood NONE JaNay Brown-Wood is a celebrated children's author and educator, known for her award-winning book, “Imani's Moon.” She teaches as an ECE professor at American River College and ...
Olivia Aserr
Olivia Aserr NONE Olivia Aserr is a half-Egyptian, half-Irish American illustrator of A Mermaid Girl by Sana Rafi and Mama in Congress: Rashida Tlaib's Journey to Washington by Rashida Tlaib and Mir...
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...
Jeff Chang
Jeff Chang 0000000367675451 Jeff Chang, renowned cultural critic and author of award-winning books such as 'Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation' and 'Who We Be: The Colorizatio...
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 ...
Nina Revoyr
Nina Revoyr 0000000004707741 Nina Revoyr, a Japanese-American author of five novels, is known for her remarkable storytelling. Born in Japan and raised in Tokyo, Wisconsin, and Los Angeles, she's co-...
Lisa Watson
Lisa Watson NONE Lisa Watson is a national bestselling author based in Washington D.C., known for her work in diverse romance genres. Her debut novel was nominated for Best Contemporary Fiction, and ...
Addie Boswell
Addie Boswell NONE Addie Boswell, a Portland-based author and muralist, is known for her award-winning book, The Rain Stomper. Her works include Go, Bikes, Go!, Go, Planes, Go!, The Snow Dancer, and ...
Lola Jaye
Lola Jaye NONE Lola Jaye, a London-born author, published her first U.S. novel in 2009. Her journey from foster child to author was shared in her 2009 essay, part of the U.K.'s Quick Reads program. L...
Ben Greenman
Ben Greenman 0000000043364577 Ben Greenman, a New Yorker contributor and New York Times bestselling author, writes both fiction and non-fiction. Notably, he collaborated with Questlove on a hip-hop m...
Solomon Northup
Solomon Northup 0000000374327420 Born free, Solomon Northup was kidnapped into slavery in 1841, enduring this for 12 years in Louisiana. Regaining his freedom in 1853, he penned the memoir “Twelve Ye...
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...
asha bandele
asha bandele 0000000385071694 Asha Bandele is an award-winning author and former features editor for Essence Magazine. She's known for her 1999 debut, The Prisoner's Wife, a memoir about her relation...
Bernard N. Lee, Jr.
Bernard N. Lee, Jr. MULTIPLE Bernard N. Lee, Jr., also known as Bernie, is a former military kid whose childhood experiences shaped his memoir series, “A Look Back in Time.” He studied engineering an...
Tembi Locke
Tembi Locke 0000000500051382 Tembi Locke is a writer, entrepreneur, and thought leader in creativity and resilience. She is a New York Times bestselling author, television producer, actor, and scree...
Darius Myers
Darius Myers NONE Darius Myers, a NYC-based fiction writer and former senior executive in media, is known for his thrilling Black Camelot series, praised for its intriguing plot and compelling charac...
Ty Allan Jackson
Ty Allan Jackson NONE Ty Allan Jackson is a celebrated author and publisher, renowned for his children's book 'Danny Dollar Millionaire: The Lemonade Escapade.' Inspired by his son's curiosity about ...
Kwame Onwuachi
Kwame Onwuachi NONE Kwame Onwuachi, winner of the 2019 James Beard Foundation Award, shares his inspiring journey in his memoir. From selling candy on the subway, to running a failed acclaimed restau...
Iceberg Slim
Iceberg Slim 0000000107778710 Iceberg Slim, originally Robert Maupin, was a notorious pimp turned acclaimed author. Known for his icy demeanor and ruthless tactics, he controlled over 400 women durin...
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...
Joseph Earl Thomas
Joseph Earl Thomas NONE Joseph Earl Thomas is an author known for his unique and poignant storytelling. His first major work, Sink: A Memoir, published in 2022, explores his challenging upbringing i...
Elizabeth Nunez
Elizabeth Nunez 0000000080832288 Elizabeth Nunez, a Trinidad-born, award-winning author, wrote ten novels and a memoir, with several recognized by the New York Times and Oprah's book club. Her works,...
K. Reshay
K. Reshay NONE K. Reshay is a versatile author, poet, and playwright, known for her thought-provoking book series 'Appearances'. She is the Founder of Me Time Book Club, aimed at promoting literacy a...
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...
Nate Parker
Nate Parker 0000000050528453 Actor and humanitarian Nate Parker rose to fame with his role in “The Great Debaters” and has starred in films like “Non-Stop” and “Ain't Them Bodies Saints.” Recognized ...
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...
Dane Reid
Dane Reid NONE Dane Reid is a professional African American male voiceover talent who offers voiceover and commercial production services for brands, agencies, and producers seeking high-quality voi...
Albert French
Albert French 0000000054146305 Albert French, a Vietnam war veteran and former US Marine, turned his distressing war experiences and emotional struggle into powerful memoirs and novels. His works inc...
Chris Washburn
Chris Washburn NONE "Ex-high school basketball star, Chris Washburn, shares his journey from NBA fame to losing everything due to a 14-year crack addiction in his upcoming memoir. His redemptive stor...
Mark Mathabane
Mark Mathabane 0000000108774033 "Mark Mathabane is a South African author and human rights activist, known for his memoir 'Kaffir Boy' which sheds light on his life under apartheid. His works, transl...
Debra Owsley
Debra Owsley NONE Debra Owsley, avid reader and hairstylist, transformed her passion into a business, Simply Said Reading Accessories and LitVersation. She collaborates with bestselling authors, book...
R.L. Byrd
R.L. Byrd NONE R.L. Byrd, born in Brunswick, Georgia, was raised by his grandparents and developed an “old soul” from their stories, shaping his writing style. Pursuing interests in Architecture and ...
Sarah Gordon Weathersby
Sarah Gordon Weathersby NONE Born in a Virginia rectory, Sarah Weathersby attended segregated schools before moving to DC, graduating from Drew University, and raising two sons in North Carolina. Aft...
MK Asante
MK Asante NONE MK Asante, Jr., a bestselling author, award-winning filmmaker, and professor, uses his talent for storytelling to overcome personal struggles. Known for his memoir 'Buck,' Asante's wor...
James F. Daniels
James F. Daniels NONE James F. Daniels, author of 'Metamorphosis: From Cotton Picker to Community Leader', shares his journey from growing up as a sharecropper in the Jim Crow South to becoming a com...
Caron Butler
Caron Butler NONE Caron Butler is a former two-time NBA all-star who played for fourteen seasons. He is currently [2024] an assistant coach for the Miami Heat. He has written a memoir and children's ...
Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander 0000000042691031 “He truly is a renaissance man.”—Nikki Giovanni Kwame Alexander is a bestselling author, poet, and educator, known for his award-winning book “The Cr...
Blacc Topp
Blacc Topp NONE Blacc Topp, an award-winning author born in Benton Harbor, MI, and raised in South Dallas, used his love for writing to navigate personal loss and a challenging upbringing. From journ...
Sarah L. Delany and A. Elizabeth Delany
Sarah L. Delany and A. Elizabeth Delany MULTIPLE Sarah Delany, the last of the Delany sisters, passed away at 109. Born to a former slave, she was the first colored woman to teach home economics in w...
Tanya Smith
Tanya Smith NONE “What Does It Take to Become a Prodigy Scam Artist?” — The New York Times (Aug. 28, 2024) Tanya Smith, a Minneapolis native, grew up in a theater that fostered Princ...
Thumper
Thumper 000000011496815X Thumper Unveiled? Not Quite Yet by Leah Mullen For as long as I’ve been writing about the publishing industry, interviewing authors, editors, publicity people and o...
Cynthia Eileen Johnson
Cynthia Eileen Johnson NONE Cynthia Eileen Johnson is a prolific writer, best known for her work “Stop the Music, Vol. 1.” Cynthia Eileen Johnson is the author of Stop the Music, Vol. 1
E. D. Arrington
E. D. Arrington NONE E.D. Arrington, also known as Lois, was raised by her grandparents in Greene County, North Carolina. After a successful career at the National Education Association, she turned t...
Hans J. Massaquoi
Hans J. Massaquoi 0000000078269078 Hans Massaquoi, former Ebony magazine editor and author, notably known for his memoir on his unique childhood in Germany, passed away at the age of 87 in Jacksonvil...
James McBride
James McBride 0000000121485295 James McBride is a celebrated author and musician, known for his memoir 'The Color of Water' and his novel 'Miracle at St. Anna'. He has written for notable publication...
Dedrick Moone
Dedrick Moone NONE Dedrick L. Moone, COO of The Rules of a Big Boss LLC, is an author, philanthropist, and motivational speaker offering empowerment products and services. He authored 'The Unexpected...
Albert J. Raboteau
Albert J. Raboteau 0000000081058642 Albert J. Raboteau (1943-2021) was a renowned professor of religion at Princeton University. Born into a Catholic family in segregated Mississippi, his experiences...
Ishmael Beah
Ishmael Beah 0000000368812665 Ishmael Beah, a Sierra Leonean author and human rights activist, became known for his memoir, “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier.” A former child soldier, Beah w...
Booker T. Mattison
Booker T. Mattison NONE Booker T. Mattison is an author and filmmaker who wrote the screenplay for and directed the film adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston's classic story "The Gi...
Lawrence Hill
Lawrence Hill 0000000073673418 Lawrence Hill is a renowned Canadian author and professor of creative writing at the University of Guelph. Known for his award-winning novel, “The Book of Negroes”, whi...
Ronald Ancrum
Ronald Ancrum NONE Ron Ancrum, a nonprofit management and organizational development expert, has a diverse career as a professor, consultant, executive, and musician. A graduate of University of Conn...
Fred Beauford
Fred Beauford NONE Fred Beauford is a prolific novelist, essayist, and editor, known for his eight novels, memoir, essay collections, and contributions to notable literary series. He's also the found...
Ron Lacks
Ron Lacks NONE "Ron Lacks, the oldest grandson of Henrietta Lacks, shares a deeply personal memoir in 'Henrietta Lacks The Untold Story', revealing the past 9 years of his family's history. The book ...
Quincy Troupe
Quincy Troupe 0000000376418772 Quincy Troupe, born in 1939, is an award-winning author, recognized for his poetry, children's books, and non-fiction works. His notable titles include a memoir of Earl...
Charles M. Blow
Charles M. Blow 0000000434813325 Charles M. Blow is a renowned journalist and op-ed columnist for the New York Times, appearing regularly on CNN. He is also the author of a bestselling memoir. A magn...
Randall Horton
Randall Horton 0000000048702491 Award-winning author Randall Horton, known for his poetry collections and memoir, is a recipient of the Bea Gonzalez Poetry Award, GLCA New Writers Award, and a Nation...
Mz. Lady P and Lucinda John
Mz. Lady P and Lucinda John MULTIPLE Mz. Lady P and Lucinda John are accomplished authors, renowned for their captivating narratives and profound insights. Their work spans various genres, offering e...
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...
Tiffany M. Davis
Tiffany M. Davis NONE Tiffany M. Davis, a self-proclaimed wordsmith, is known for her novel “Sandtrap” and her work with Aalize.com and BlackWords, Inc. She's also contributed to “Malaria Shots Not I...
Barbara Neely
Barbara Neely 0000000008613515 Barbara Neely (1941-), the only African American in her Pennsylvania school, moved to Pittsburgh in 1971 and earned a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning. She publi...
Cydney Rax
Cydney Rax NONE Cydney Rax, an influential author known for her provocative love triangle novels, has been passionate about books since childhood. Her debut novel, My Daughter's Boyfriend, sparked co...
Mphuthumi Ntabeni
Mphuthumi Ntabeni NONE Mphuthumi Ntabeni is a South African author who lives in Cape Town. He is trained in the economics of the built environment. Mphuthumi Ntabeni is a South African author who liv...
R. Eric Thomas
R. Eric Thomas NONE R. Eric Thomas is the bestselling author of Here for It, a Read with Jenna book club pick featured on Today and a Lambda Literary Award finalist. He is the co-author of Reclaimin...
Jayne Moore Waldrop
Jayne Moore Waldrop NONE Jayne Moore Waldrop is a writer and attorney who loves telling stories about her native western Kentucky. She is the author of A Journey in Color: The Art of Ellis Wilson (S...
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...
Dorothy Koomson
Dorothy Koomson 0000000122756528 Dorothy Koomson, a London-born novelist, started her writing journey at 13. After studying in Leeds and London, she began her career in women's magazines and national...
Alexis E. Jackson
Alexis E. Jackson NONE Alexis E. Jackson is an emerging professional in publishing, known for her poetry and unique book reviews on Goodreads. With a passion for genre-bending literature and diverse ...
Autumn J. Bright
Autumn J. Bright NONE Autumn J. Bright is an acclaimed American fiction writer, known for her debut novel 'Love Sick'. She enjoys family time in Charleston, SC and travelling when not creating recomm...
Joy M. Copeland
Joy M. Copeland NONE Joy M. Copeland, a Harlem-born author with a diverse career in government and business, now focuses on her writing. Notably, she has written two novels and several horror and cri...
Terry McMillan
Terry McMillan 000000011827688X Terry McMillan, born in 1951, is a celebrated author and screenwriter known for her novels, four of which have been adapted into films. She fell in love with books as ...
Tracy Deonn
Tracy Deonn NONE Tracy Deonn, a North Carolina-based writer and fangirl, combines her love for fantasy and Southern culture in her works. With a master's degree from UNC Chapel Hill, she has experien...
Marilyn Tyner
Marilyn Tyner NONE Marilyn Tyner (1943-2014) was an author from Pittsburgh, PA. An avid reader, Tyner attended Howard University studying psychology and zoology, and worked on the college literary ma...
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...
Charlos Gary
Charlos Gary 0000000040441645 Charlos Gary is an award-winning cartoonist known for the comic strip “Working It Out.” Raised in poverty, he used his artistic talents to rise above his circumstances, ...
S.R. Martin
S.R. Martin NONE S.R. “Rudy” Martin Jr. (1935-2016) was a founding faculty of The Evergreen State College, teaching American/African American Studies. He authored a family memoir and a novel before r...
Jake Lamar
Jake Lamar 0000000042394002 Jake Lamar, a Bronx native, is a renowned author of the memoir, Bourgeois Blues, and novels including The Last Integrationist and Close to the Bone. Residing in Paris sinc...
Lillian McEwen
Lillian McEwen NONE Lillian McEwen, a retired Justice, served in multiple legal roles in Washington, D.C. Her memoir, “D.C. Unmasked & Undressed,” offers a candid look into her personal life, includi...
Michel Marriott
Michel Marriott NONE Michel Marriott was a renowned journalist for over 20 years with The New York Times and other publications. He was also a celebrated memoir workshop instructor at Baruch College,...
Jerald Walker
Jerald Walker NONE Jerald Walker is a distinguished author known for his memoirs and essays, with recognitions like the 2011 PEN New England Award for Nonfiction and honors from the National Book Awa...
Shannon Holmes
Shannon Holmes NONE Shannon Holmes, a Bronx native, turned his life around while serving a prison sentence by penning his first novel. Achieving success with his debut, “B-more Careful,” he secured a...
Sandra L. Manigault
Sandra L. Manigault NONE Sandra L. Manigault, formerly a high school math teacher and college professor, she fell in love with books by African American women and other 20th and 21st century writers,...
Shelia P. Moses
Shelia P. Moses 000000004377316X Shelia P. Moses, a North Carolina-born poet, author, playwright, and producer, is best known as the co-author of Dick Gregory's memoir and the award-winning author of...
Mary Williams
Mary Williams NONE Mary Williams, adopted daughter of Jane Fonda, worked with humanitarian organizations and founded the Lost Boys Foundation. She lived in various locations, including Africa and acr...
Susan D. Peters
Susan D. Peters NONE Susan D. Peters, a Chicago native and DePaul University graduate, lived in Liberia for 11 years. Her experiences during the Liberian Civil War inspired her award-winning memoir, ...
zaji
zaji NONE Zaji is an accomplished author and freelance writer with a B.A. in English and M.S. in Journalism from Iona College. She's written a novel, poetry book, short stories, and is working on her...
Stacey Patton
Stacey Patton NONE Dr. Stacey Patton, an adoptee and child abuse survivor, is a children’s advocate, journalist, historian, and motivational speaker. She authored 'That Mean Old Yesterday: A Memoir' ...
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...
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...
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...
Ingrid M. Ellis
Ingrid M. Ellis NONE Ingrid M. Ellis, a New York-born, California-educated author, turned a passion for writing into a 20-year career. From children’s series to a stirring memoir, she bravely self-pu...
Patricia Storace
Patricia Storace 0000000034695024 Patricia Storace, born in Chicago and raised in Alabama, is an award-winning author educated at Columbia University and Cambridge. She has written a travel memoir, a...
Victoria Rowell
Victoria Rowell 0000000059397373 Victoria Rowell, renowned for her role as Drucilla Winters in The Young and the Restless, is a bestselling author celebrated for her memoir, The Women Who Raised Me. ...
Tiffany Haddish
Tiffany Haddish 0000000475934019 Tiffany Sarac Haddish is a pioneering black female stand-up comedian, popularly known for hosting SNL and her role in 'Girls Trip'. She's also a successful author, wi...
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...
Goldie Taylor
Goldie Taylor 0000000051784985 Goldie Taylor is an accomplished journalist and editor at the Daily Beast, known for her work on news networks, talk shows, and publications like Salon and Ebony. She w...
Elona Washington
Elona Washington NONE Elona Washington, a DC native and best-selling author, is a sexual assault survivor turned advocate who has worked with RAINN since 2011. A successful publisher, TV host, and bl...
Scholastique Mukasonga
Scholastique Mukasonga 0000000073708975 Scholastique Mukasonga, born in Rwanda in 1956, experienced ethnic conflicts and genocide, which claimed 37 of her family members. She later settled in France....