AALBC Search
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...
Mia E. Bay, Farah Jasmine Griffin, Martha S. Jones, and Barbara D. Savage
Mia E. Bay, Farah Jasmine Griffin, Martha S. Jones, and Barbara D. Savage MULTIPLE Mia E. Bay, Farah J. Griffin, Martha S. Jones, and Barbara D. Savage are renowned authors with significant contribut...
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...
Deborah Day
Deborah Day 0000000066839686 Deborah Day, Founder and CEO of Ashay by the Bay, a publishing company specializing in African American and Multi-Cultural children's and adult books. Established in 1997...
Keyshawn Johnson
Keyshawn Johnson NONE Keyshawn Johnson, a former first overall NFL pick and Super Bowl winner, enjoyed a successful 11-season career with the Jets, Buccaneers, and Cowboys. Now, he co-hosts an ESPN r...
Tony Dungy
Tony Dungy 0000000036530143 Tony Dungy, the first African American coach to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl victory, has an impressive coaching history with multiple teams. Prior to coach...
Brian Peterson
Brian Peterson 0000000026606618 Brian Petersen is a notable figure who appeared alongside Faith Cottrell at the 2000 National African American Cultural Expo in Philadelphia. Brian Petersen is picture...
Dorothy M. Hazzard
Dorothy M. Hazzard NONE "Dorothy M. Hazzard, pictured with author Tracy Grant at the 2000 National African American Cultural Expo at the Philadelphia Convention Center.” Dorothy M. Hazzard is picture...
Deborah G. Plant
Deborah G. Plant 0000000055229006 Deborah G. Plant is a respected scholar and critic, specializing in African American literature and Africana Studies, particularly the works of Zora Neale Hurston. P...
Bonnie J. Glover
Bonnie J. Glover NONE Born in Alabama and raised in Brooklyn, Bonnie J. Glover is a graduate of Florida A&M University and Stetson University College of Law. She has worked for the Housing Authority ...
She Nell
She Nell NONE Nell is a devoted wife and mother living in Tampa, Florida. Blessed with three daughters, she cherishes her role as a child of the King. She Nell is a wife, mother, and daughter of the ...
Casey Curry
Casey Curry NONE Casey Curry, Director of Creative Writing at a fine arts school in Tampa, has a rich life experience of moving 13 times due to her husband's military career. A mother of four, she en...
Pamala McCoy
Pamala McCoy NONE Pamala L. McCoy, CEO of BONA5D Credit Consultants, is a credit industry expert with over 25 years' experience. Honored as a top professional, she's been nominated for Tampa Business...
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...
Gigi Best
Gigi Best NONE Gigi Best, a prolific author, historian, and genealogist, is also the owner of Best Books & Rich Treasures. She possesses rich academic credentials and is a member of various historica...
Ashley Lynch-Harris
Ashley Lynch-Harris NONE Ashley Lynch-Harris is a renowned author known for her modern mysteries echoing Golden Age detective fiction. A member of the International Association of Crime Writers and a...
Andre Polite
Andre Polite NONE Andre Polite, CEO & Founder of Polite Visions, reinvented himself after personal struggles, leading to his transformation as a mindset coach and author of T.I.P.S. “Taking Initiativ...
Melissa Koby
Melissa Koby NONE Melissa Koby, a Jamaican-born illustrator based in Tampa, uses art as a form of self-healing. Her faceless figures encourage viewers to see themselves in her work, focusing on emoti...
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...
Eric Deggans
Eric Deggans NONE Eric Deggans, NPR's first full-time TV critic, has served as a critic across various mediums and regularly comments on TV for National Public Radio. Raised in Indiana with a journal...
John Harris
John Harris 0000000114527290 John Harris is a seasoned journalist, experienced in covering sports, culture, and race. He has written for major publications and networks. Co-author of 'From Gold Teeth...
Andre R. Thornton
Andre R. Thornton NONE Andre R. Thornton, an African American poet and visual artist, aims to challenge common misconceptions through his work. Based in Columbia, Maryland, his diverse creations rang...
Kirsti Jewel
Kirsti Jewel NONE Kirsti Jewel, a former Bay Area school leader, is the current Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at a Manhattan school. A 2020 Kweli Fellow, she writes nonfiction centered...
Kai Harris
Kai Harris NONE Kai Harris is a Detroit-born writer and educator based in the Bay Area. She uses her talent in realistic fiction to uplift the Black community. In addition to being an author, she is ...
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...
Goldie the Poet
Goldie the Poet NONE Goldie the Poet, a Bay-Area native and prominent alumnus of Leimert Park’s World Stage Poets, is a gifted actor and artist. With performances across the U.S. and Europe, his uniq...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
Paula Lennon
Paula Lennon NONE Paula Lennon, an English-born commercial lawyer turned writer, is known for her novel “Murder in Montego Bay.” Raised in a Jamaican family, she spent her teens in Jamaica before pur...
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...
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...
Kaylani Juanita
Kaylani Juanita NONE Kaylani Juanita McCard is an award-winning artist focused on representing the underrepresented. Known for her work featured on Society of Illustrators and BBC, she's also the ill...
Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy
Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy MULTIPLE Debbie Levy is a NY Times bestselling author known for books like 'I Dissent' and 'Imperfect Spiral', and resides in Chesapeake Bay. Jo Ann Allen Boyce, a ...
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...
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...
Lawrence Deron Thomas
Lawrence Deron Thomas NONE Lawrence Deron Thomas, a Bay Area native, was inspired by his parents to pursue strength, courage, and success. After a brief stint as a rapper, he found his passion for wr...
Aaron Foley
Aaron Foley NONE Aaron Foley is a seasoned journalist and author with a passion for amplifying Black voices in media. Currently serving as senior digital editor for PBS NewsHour, he is also the found...
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...
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...
Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay 0000000434301581 Roxane Gay, renowned writer and editor, has contributed to numerous publications and anthologies. She's co-editor of PANK, essays editor for The Rumpus, and teaches writin...
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...
Kazembe
Kazembe NONE Lasana Kazembe is a renowned poet, essayist, and lecturer, recognized for his performances at literary venues across Chicago. Garnering accolades such as the 1st Place Winner of the Gwen...
Faye Childs
Faye Childs NONE Faye Childs, born 1956, was a literary agent committed to promoting Black literature. She founded the Black Board Bestsellers list, a platform that increased visibility for Black aut...
Stephanie Powell Watts
Stephanie Powell Watts 0000000123378514 Stephanie Powell Watts, a former Jehovah’s Witness minister and factory worker, is a celebrated writer and teacher of fiction and creative nonfiction. With a B...
Nahum Thermidor
Nahum Thermidor NONE Nahum Thermidor is a University of South Florida alumnus, with a focus in Social Sciences (Criminology) and minors in International Business and Financing. He has a 13-year caree...
Marlon McCaulsky
Marlon McCaulsky NONE Award-winning American author and screenplay writer, Marlon McCaulsky, is celebrated for his Fiction, Romance, and Science Fiction works that often highlight contemporary Africa...
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...
Geri Spencer Hunter
Geri Spencer Hunter NONE Geri Spencer Hunter is an award-winning writer and co-founder of The Sacramento Black Nurses Association. A retired nurse from Iowa, she has authored two novels and contribut...
Hallema
Hallema NONE Hallema, a Miami-born writer and lawyer, holds degrees from Florida State University and Stetson University College of Law. Known for her spoken word poetry in South Florida, she's also ...
Sumiko Saulson
Sumiko Saulson NONE Sumiko Saulson is a Californian author known for her work in sci-fi, horror, and fantasy genres. She's also the editor of 'Black Magic Women' and creates an annual list highlighti...
Troy Johnson
Troy Johnson 0000000530602616 “I lead the world's oldest and largest online platform dedicated to books by and about people of African descent.” Troy Demetrius Johnson, founder and President of AALBC....
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...
Deborrah Cooper
Deborrah Cooper NONE Deborrah Cooper, pen name “Ms. HeartBeat”, is an established authority on dating and relationships since 1993. She founded AskHeartBeat!, a pioneer website focused on Black and i...
Beauty Bragg
Beauty Bragg 0000000125620829 Beauty Bragg is a Professor of African American Literature at Georgia College with a BA from USC and a MA and Ph.D from UT Austin. She authored a book exploring black wo...
John Oliver Killens
John Oliver Killens 0000000081741003 “The Godfather of the Black Arts Movement” John Oliver Killens was an important figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s, Killens was a close ...
Brenda M. Greene
Brenda M. Greene 000000008095850X Dr. Brenda M. Greene is a respected professor, writer, and scholar, leading the Center for Black Literature and the National Black Writers Conference. She has contri...
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...
Burrel Lee Wilks III
Burrel Lee Wilks III 0000000036967740 Burrel Lee Wilks III Born May 6, 1967 (pictured with AALBC founder in 2006 during Book Expo America) is a life coach, businessman, and the author of Tattoos On ...
Travis Hunter
Travis Hunter 000000001976938X Travis Hunter, author and mentor, gained recognition with his debut novel, The Hearts of Men. His published works include several successful novels and a young adult se...
Bernette Ford
Bernette Ford 0000000038486553 Bernette Ford, founder of COLOR-BRIDGE BOOKS, was a renowned children's book packager and consultant, and an advocate for diversity in children's literature. She held s...
Stacey Marie Robinson
Stacey Marie Robinson NONE Stacey Marie Robinson is the founder of Kya Publishing, where she directs operations including creating and promoting her Urban Toronto Tales novels. She holds degrees in C...
Tamiya Davis
Tamiya Davis NONE Tamiya Davis, a Virginia native, is a longshoreman, fashion entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker. Her achievements include running a rights restoration chapter, owning a f...
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...
Randy Ross, Octavia E. Butler, Erin Aubry Kaplan, Eric Jerome Dickey, and Jervey Tervalon
Randy Ross, Octavia E. Butler, Erin Aubry Kaplan, Eric Jerome Dickey, and Jervey Tervalon MULTIPLE "Explore the works of authors Randy Ross, Wanda Coleman, Stanley Crouch, Gary Phillips, Octavia Butl...
Pearl Cleage, Omar Tyree, Margaret Johnson-Hodge, Timmothy B. McCann, Brandon Massey, Kambon Obayani, Earl Sewell, and Maxine Thompson
Pearl Cleage, Omar Tyree, Margaret Johnson-Hodge, Timmothy B. McCann, Brandon Massey, Kambon Obayani, Earl Sewell, and Maxine Thompson MULTIPLE "Pearl Cleage, Omar Tyree, Margaret Johnson-Hodge, Timm...
Richard Wright, Lorraine Hansberry, Nikki Giovanni, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and Gwendolyn Brooks
Richard Wright, Lorraine Hansberry, Nikki Giovanni, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and Gwendolyn Brooks MULTIPLE Prominent authors including Richard Wright, Lorraine Hansberry, Nikki Giovanni, ...
Dudley Randall
Dudley Randall 0000000114554651 Dudley Randall (1914-2000), a prominent Detroit poet and publisher, began his career at 13 with his first publication. He founded Broadside Press in 1965, promoting Af...
Tracy Price-Thompson and TaRessa Stovall, with Pearl Cleage, Donna Hill, Parry Brown, Omar Tyree
Tracy Price-Thompson and TaRessa Stovall, with Pearl Cleage, Donna Hill, Parry Brown, Omar Tyree MULTIPLE Explore the works of acclaimed authors Tracy Price-Thompson, TaRessa Stovall, Pearl Cleage, D...
J.L. Woodson
J.L. Woodson NONE J.L. Woodson is an award-winning author and graphic designer from Chicago. He started his literary career at 16 and later shifted to graphic design, creating book covers and marketi...
Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon
Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon MULTIPLE Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Y...
Tiffeny L. Marsh
Tiffeny L. Marsh NONE Tiffeny L Marsh, born in 1973, is a Milwaukee native, Concordia University graduate, and author known for her inspiring work, 'Overcoming Obstacles'. In her role at the City of ...
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...
Aya de León
Aya de León NONE Aya de León is an award-winning author, activist, and educator at UC Berkeley. She's known for her Justice Hustlers series and has written for numerous publications. A Harvard alumn...
Rosa Guy
Rosa Guy 0000000111564547 Rosa Guy, born in Trinidad in 1925, was an influential Harlem-based writer and activist. A co-founder of the Harlem Writer's Guild, she was also a member of the Black nation...
Cheryl Willis Hudson and Wade Hudson
Cheryl Willis Hudson and Wade Hudson MULTIPLE Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson, parents based in Northern NJ, founded Just Us Books in 1988 to address a lack of quality Black-interest children's ...
m. mick powell
m. mick powell NONE m. mick powell is a queer Black Cape Verdean femme, a poet, an artist, an Aries, and author of the chapbooks threesome in the last Toyota Celica and chronicle the body. Their poe...
Bernardo Wade
Bernardo Wade NONE Born & raised in New Orleans, Bernardo Wade tries at poems, catches elbows on the court, wanders around the Bay—occasionally on Stanford’s campus as a Wallace Stegner Fellow. ...
Tracy Sherrod
Tracy Sherrod NONE Tracy Sherrod, editorial director of HarperCollins' Amistad, has worked with award-winning authors and published numerous bestsellers. She has held editorial positions at Simon and...
Walter Mosley, Christopher Chambers, Michael A. Gonzales, Gar Anthony Haywood, Ron Fortier, Joe R. Lansdale, Gary Phillips, Mel Odom, Tommy Hancock, D. Alan Lewis, Derrick Ferguson, and Kimberly Richardson
Walter Mosley, Christopher Chambers, Michael A. Gonzales, Gar Anthony Haywood, Ron Fortier, Joe R. Lansdale, Gary Phillips, Mel Odom, Tommy Hancock, D. Alan Lewis, Derrick Ferguson, and Kimberly Richa...
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jhumpa Lahiri, and 21 Other Authors
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jhumpa Lahiri, and 21 Other Authors MULTIPLE Discover the remarkable works of 23 authors including renowned writers Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Jhumpa Lahiri. Explore diver...
Joy Deja King, Electa Rome Parks, Cheryl Robinson, and Meta Smith
Joy Deja King, Electa Rome Parks, Cheryl Robinson, and Meta Smith MULTIPLE Joy King, Electa Rome Parks, Cheryl Robinson, and Meta Smith are renowned authors known for their significant contributions ...
Linda A. Duggins
Linda A. Duggins NONE Linda A. Duggins is the Director of Multicultural Publicity at Hachette Book Group and Co-founder of the Harlem Book Fair. She's a board member of several literacy organizations...
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...
Gary Phillips, Kimberly Richardson, Joe R. Lansdale, Michael A. Gonzales, Milton J. Davis, Balogun Ojetade, D. Alan Lewis, A. K. Kuykendall, Sean Taylor, and Christopher Chambers
Gary Phillips, Kimberly Richardson, Joe R. Lansdale, Michael A. Gonzales, Milton J. Davis, Balogun Ojetade, D. Alan Lewis, A. K. Kuykendall, Sean Taylor, and Christopher Chambers MULTIPLE Gary Phill...
Kiki Swinson
Kiki Swinson NONE “Kiki captures the heat of the streets.” —Wahida Clark KiKi Swinson, born in Portsmouth, Virginia, discovered her writing talent while in federal prison, resulting ...
Frederick Douglass, Solomon Northup, Harriet Jacobs, Booker T. Washington, Olaudah Equiano
Frederick Douglass, Solomon Northup, Harriet Jacobs, Booker T. Washington, Olaudah Equiano MULTIPLE "Explore the works of acclaimed authors Frederick Douglass, Solomon Northup, Harriet Jacobs, Booker...
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...
Gillian Royes
Gillian Royes NONE Gillian Royes, creator of the Shad detective series set in Jamaica, is also the author of nonfiction books. Born in Jamaica, she earned her doctorate from Emory University and now ...
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...
Carol Denise Mitchell
Carol Denise Mitchell NONE Carol Denise Mitchell, an acclaimed author and journalist, has a 30-year writing career and is known for her award-winning book, “What Happened to Suzy.” Born and raised in...
Olive Senior
Olive Senior 0000000110714769 Jamaican-born Olive Senior is an accomplished scholar, journalist, and editor. Educated at Carleton University and the Thomson Foundation, she's held roles at the Daily ...
Robert Liu-Trujillo
Robert Liu-Trujillo NONE Robert Liu-Trujillo is a California-based author and illustrator, co-founder of The Trust Your Struggle Collective and founder of Come Bien Books. He uses his art to tell cul...
Safiya Sinclair
Safiya Sinclair 0000000500999106 Safiya Sinclair is a Jamaica-born author known for her award-winning poetry book, Cannibal. She holds numerous accolades including the Whiting Writers’ Award, Pushcar...
Olivia Amoah
Olivia Amoah NONE Olivia Amoah is a children's book illustrator with an animation background. Known for the “Little People, BIG DREAMS” series, her art humorously connects to her African roots. She r...
Candice Bradley
Candice Bradley NONE Candice Bradley is a self-taught author and illustrator from the San Francisco Bay Area. Her passion today has evolved into a love for storytelling in all its various forms and ...