AALBC Search
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...
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...
Frederick Joseph and Porsche Joseph
Frederick Joseph and Porsche Joseph MULTIPLE Frederick Joseph and Porsche Joseph are renowned authors known for their insightful writings. Their work significantly influences the literary world, refl...
Peniel E. Joseph
Peniel E. Joseph 0000000115111895 Peniel E. Joseph, historian and professor at The University of Texas, is the founding director of the LBJ School’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy. Specia...
Zakiya N. Jamal
Zakiya N. Jamal NONE Zakiya N. Jamal is a storyteller shaped by New York—born in Queens, raised on Long Island, and now based in Brooklyn. She holds a B.A. in English from Georgetown University and ...
Joseph S. Spence, Sheila M. Parrish-Spence, and Jonathan Clarence Parrish-Spence
Joseph S. Spence, Sheila M. Parrish-Spence, and Jonathan Clarence Parrish-Spence MULTIPLE The Spence family, consisting of Joseph, Sheila, and Jonathan, use poetry and various other forms of artistic...
Jamal Eric Watson
Jamal Eric Watson NONE Dr. Jamal Watson is an award-winning author and lecturer, known for his biography on Al Sharpton. He's a senior writer for Diverse Issues in Higher Education, with work feature...
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...
Dwayne S. Joseph
Dwayne S. Joseph NONE Dwayne S. Joseph, acclaimed for his dramatic storytelling since age 13, has penned 10 novels and contributed to four anthology collections, including the Essence bestseller, Aro...
Angel M. Hunter, Dwayne S. Joseph, and La Jill Hunt
Angel M. Hunter, Dwayne S. Joseph, and La Jill Hunt MULTIPLE Angel M. Hunter, Dwayne S. Joseph, and La Jill Hunt are renowned authors known for their exceptional storytelling skills and captivating n...
William Leo Hansberry and Joseph E. Harris
William Leo Hansberry and Joseph E. Harris MULTIPLE "William Leo Hansberry, a distinguished scholar of African history, and Joseph E. Harris, a renowned editor, have made significant contributions to...
Carl Weber, Angel Hunter, Dwayne S. Joseph, and La Jill Hunt
Carl Weber, Angel Hunter, Dwayne S. Joseph, and La Jill Hunt MULTIPLE "Carl Weber, Angel Hunter, Dwayne S. Joseph, and La Jill Hunt are distinguished authors known for their contributions to literatu...
Dwayne S. Joseph, Roy Glenn, and Jihad Shaheed Uhuru
Dwayne S. Joseph, Roy Glenn, and Jihad Shaheed Uhuru MULTIPLE "Dwayne S. Joseph, Roy+Glenn, and Jihad are renowned authors known for their impactful storytelling and unique writing styles, captivatin...
Frederick Joseph
Frederick Joseph 000000011448266X Frederick Joseph, an award-winning marketer and writer, is recognized for his advocacy in media representation. Included in Forbes 30 Under 30, he's also a recipient...
Porsche Joseph
Porsche Joseph NONE Porsche Joseph is a writer & development professional with a rich experience in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Her debut book is 'Better Than We Found It: Conversations to...
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 ...
Joseph E. Harris
Joseph E. Harris 0000000021360081 Joseph E. Harris, a history professor at Howard University, is a renowned author of numerous academic books on African history. He resides in Silver Spring, Maryland...
Maxime Madhere, Joseph Semien Jr., and Pierre Johnson
Maxime Madhere, Joseph Semien Jr., and Pierre Johnson MULTIPLE "Maxime Madhere MD, Joseph Semien Jr. MD, and Pierre Johnson MD are accomplished professionals in the medical field, utilizing their exp...
Linsey Davis and Joseph Bottum
Linsey Davis and Joseph Bottum MULTIPLE Linsey Davis and Joseph Bottum are renowned authors known for their compelling narratives. Davis is an Emmy-winning ABC News correspondent, while Bottum is an ...
Charlie Jane Anders, Lesley Nneka Arimah, Charles Yu, Victor LaValle, and John Joseph Adams
Charlie Jane Anders, Lesley Nneka Arimah, Charles Yu, Victor LaValle, and John Joseph Adams MULTIPLE Charlie Jane Anders, Lesley Nneka Arimah, Charles Yu, Victor LaValle, and John Joseph Adams are re...
Joseph S. Spence
Joseph S. Spence NONE Dr. Joseph S. Spence Sr. is a globally recognized author, poet, educator, and military veteran. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed articles, ten poetry books, and co-founded...
Joseph Pilates and Judd Robbins
Joseph Pilates and Judd Robbins MULTIPLE Joseph Pilates Born December 9, 1883 in Mönchengladbach, Germany; died October 9, 1967 in New York City. As a sickly child (rickets, asthma, rheumat...
Tia Mowry and Tamera Mowry
Tia Mowry and Tamera Mowry MULTIPLE Tia Mowry-Hardrict & Tamera Mowry-Housley are renowned actresses known for their roles in 'Sister, Sister', Disney's 'Twitches' series, and 'Tia & Tamera'. Tia sta...
Tameka Ellington and Joseph L. Underwood
Tameka Ellington and Joseph L. Underwood MULTIPLE Tameka Ellington is the Interim Assistant Dean for the College of the Arts and Associate Professor of Fashion Joseph L. Underwood is an Assistan...
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...
Ron Kavanaugh
Ron Kavanaugh NONE Ron Kavanaugh is a literary activist who founded Mosaic Books and the Literary Freedom Project (LFP), a non-profit supporting the literary arts. Through LFP, he launched Mosaic Lit...
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 ...
Sister Shiree Sarana
Sister Shiree Sarana NONE Sister Shiree Sarana is a renowned poetess, known for her powerful and enlightening poetry influenced by the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and Louis Farrakhan. She's been fea...
Sister Souljah
Sister Souljah 0000000083868534 Sister Souljah, born Lisa Williamson in 1964, is a multidimensional woman renowned as a community activist, radio and TV personality, hip-hop artist, and bestselling a...
K Kelly McElroy
K Kelly McElroy NONE K Kelly, head of Uptown Media Joint Ventures, helps authors publish and market their stories. He also aids freelance journalists and recording artists in expanding their audience...
Lyah Beth LeFlore
Lyah Beth LeFlore NONE Lyah Beth LeFlore is a seasoned television producer and entertainment executive with ties to prominent entertainers like Sean Combs and Mary J. Blige. She produced hit series l...
Mazaradi Fox
Mazaradi Fox NONE Mazaradi Fox, born Jamal Green, was a childhood friend of 50 Cent and a prominent figure in Queens, New York. Known for his love of cars and “dum out” lifestyle, which he often refl...
Evan J. Roberts
Evan J. Roberts NONE Evan Jamal Roberts is an author, educator, and speaker, dedicated to mentoring individuals on keys to success. He emphasizes the importance of self-education, literacy, clear pur...
V.S. Chochezi
V.S. Chochezi NONE Dr. V.S. Chochezi is a multi-talented author, poet, artist, and professor, known for her work with Straight Out Scribes, a mother/daughter spoken word duo. She has published numero...
Ca Joseph
Ca Joseph NONE Johnathan Smith is a prominent author known for his bestselling novels in the fantasy genre. His books have been translated into 20 languages, showing his global influence. Born and ra...
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...
Julia A. Boyd
Julia A. Boyd NONE Julia A. Boyd is a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, known for her empowering sister circles. She's the author of notable books on Black women's self-esteem and dep...
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...
Matt Meyer and déqui kioni-sadiki
Matt Meyer and déqui kioni-sadiki MULTIPLE Pictured: Sekou Odinga, déqui kioni-sadiki, & Matt Meyer. Photo Credit PM Press Matt Meyer is a NYC-based author, educator, and organizer for human r...
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture 000000040525486X Troy Johnson, founder of AALBC.com, is involved with the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a NYPL research library and ar...
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...
Yolanda Adams
Yolanda Adams 0000000055219713 Yolanda Adams, known as “The First Lady of Modern Gospel,” is a renowned contemporary gospel artist with numerous awards, including five Grammys. Born in Houston on Aug...
Greg Thomas
Greg Thomas 0000000055234489 Greg Thomas is an esteemed jazz writer, editor, educator, and broadcaster. With works published in numerous publications, he was the founding Editor-in-Chief of Harlem Wo...
Janet Mock
Janet Mock 0000000420518704 Janet Mock, a writer, TV host, and advocate, uses storytelling to combat stigma. The NYU journalism graduate and Honolulu native started at People.com, wrote for numerous ...
Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams 0000000114422456 Wendy Williams, a New Jersey native and Northeastern University graduate, is a renowned radio personality and author. She has worked at notable stations like WQHT-FM a...
Doni Glover
Doni Glover NONE Doni Glover is the founder of the Original Black Wall Street SERIES and blackwallstreetnews.com. He's an influential voice in Maryland's black community, often sought for insights on...
Karen Hunter
Karen Hunter NONE Karen Hunter, a distinguished radio host and former New York Daily News reporter, is renowned for her Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism and as the first African-American female news...
Tarana Burke and Brene Brown
Tarana Burke and Brene Brown MULTIPLE Tarana J. Burke is a renowned activist, focusing on sexual violence and racial justice, particularly for Black women and girls. She's the founder of the 'me too'...
Albert Tate
Albert Tate 0000000117939653 Albert Tate, a Mississippi native, is a pastor, public speaker, and podcast host. He accepted his call to ministry at 21, graduated from Wesley Bible College, and is purs...
Brene Brown
Brene Brown 0000000034192910 Brene Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston and visiting professor at UT Austin, studies courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. She's authored six...
Dharius Daniels
Dharius Daniels NONE Dr. Dharius Daniels, a renowned communicator, coach, and emotional intelligence specialist, is committed to helping individuals self-optimize. With over 20 years of leadership ex...
Robin L. Smith
Robin L. Smith 0000000052540907 Dr. Robin L. Smith is a licensed psychologist, famed NY Times bestselling author, and media personality, known for appearances on Oprah and Good Morning America. She h...
Leslie Jones
Leslie Jones 0000000447812524 Leslie Jones, born in 1967, is an award-nominated actress known for her work on Saturday Night Live and HBO Max series Our Flag Means Death. She's been recognized as one...
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...
Rainie Howard
Rainie Howard NONE Rainie Howard is a bestselling author, speaker, media personality, and business leader reaching over 10 million globally. She's an award-winning humanitarian and life coach special...
Kalela Williams
Kalela Williams NONE Kalela Williams is a writer, an educator, and a historian. She is the Director of Writing of Mighty Writers, a Philadelphia-based organization that hosts writing workshops for yo...
Sheinelle Jones
Sheinelle Jones NONE Sheinelle Jones is co-host of the 3rd Hour of TODAY and host of “Through Mom’s Eyes”—a digital and broadcast series for TODAY where she interviews mothers of celebrities to disc...
Emelda Kia
Emelda Kia NONE Emelda Kia, an 82-year-old from New Orleans, is a mother of seven, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She made her literary debut with her poetry collection “Soul of A Sister.” Emeld...
Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar
Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar MULTIPLE Amber Ruffin, first black woman to write for a late-night talk show, hosts The Amber Ruffin Show and writes for Late Night with Seth Meyers. Her sister, Lacey La...
Cerece Rennie Murphy
Cerece Rennie Murphy NONE Cerece Rennie Murphy, a science fiction enthusiast since age seven, has a rich background in social work and international relations. She transitioned into creative writing ...
Joe Madison
Joe Madison NONE Joseph “Joe” Madison, born June 16, 1949, is a prominent radio talk-show host and activist. Known as “The Black Eagle,” he can be heard daily on SiriusXM's Urban View station. Joseph...
Danny Simmons
Danny Simmons 000000011447538X AALBC Mourns the Passing of Danny Simmons Daniel “Danny” Simmons is a globally recognized abstract-expressionist painter with works in prominent establishments like the ...
Michele Andrea Bowen
Michele Andrea Bowen NONE Michele Andrea Bowen, a St. Louis native and Durham, NC resident, is a prolific author with degrees in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling Education, US History, and Public ...
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...
Gerald McDermott
Gerald McDermott 0000000063329496 Gerald McDermott (1941-2012) was a renowned filmmaker and children's book author, known for his culturally diverse works inspired by international folktales and myth...
Fat Joe and Shaheem Reid
Fat Joe and Shaheem Reid MULTIPLE Joseph Cartagena, known as Fat Joe, is a platinum-selling rapper, actor, and entrepreneur from the Bronx who founded the Terror Squad label. Shaheem Reid is a season...
Tia Mowry
Tia Mowry 0000000117697252 Tia Mowry-Hardrict, born July 6, 1978, is renowned for her roles in TV series “Sister, Sister”, “The Game”, “Tia & Tamera”, and “Family Reunion.” A two-time NAACP Image Awa...
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 ...
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 ...
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'...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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, ...
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...