AALBC Search
Blanche Richardson
Blanche Richardson NONE Blanche Richardson, a seasoned book editor and manager of Marcus Books, one of the oldest African American owned bookstores in the US, has contributed significantly to literat...
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...
Robin DiAngelo
Robin DiAngelo 0000000043595922 DiAngelo Actively Supports Black-Owned Bookstores Robin DiAngelo, PhD, is a seasoned academic, author, and lecturer specializing in racial and social justice. She has o...
Char Adams
Char Adams NONE Char Adams is a reporter for NBC News' BLK, specializing in race, gender, and class issues. She has covered a wide range of topics, with her work featured in major publications includ...
Albert B. Cleage, Jr.
Albert B. Cleage, Jr. MULTIPLE Albert B. Cleage Jr., also known as Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman, was a Black nationalist Christian minister, author, and political organizer. He founded the Shrine of the Bl...
Carl Weber
Carl Weber 0000000111497479 Carl Weber, born in 1964, is a New York Times bestselling author and renowned African American author with over 20 novels. He's also the CEO of Urban Books LLC, one of the...
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...
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...
Lauren Lacey
Lauren Lacey NONE Lauren Lacey, an indie Romance author and digital strategist, has optimized global brands including PwC. She's the former marketing lead for Mastercard and AMEX gift cards, and a Fo...
George E. Johnson with Hillary Beard
George E. Johnson with Hillary Beard MULTIPLE George Ellis Johnson Sr. (born June 12, 1927) is the founder of the Johnson Products Company, the maker of Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen, the first Black-o...
George E. Johnson
George E. Johnson NONE George Ellis Johnson Sr. (born June 12, 1927) is the founder of the Johnson Products Company, the maker of Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen, the first Black-owned company to trade o...
Noel Hankin
Noel Hankin NONE Noel Hankin, founder of The Best of Friends, Inc., pioneered disco nightlife in NYC, paving the way for the disco explosion of the '70s. A retired executive from Moët Hennessy USA 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...
Jackie Ormes
Jackie Ormes 0000000055572904 Jackie Ormes, the first nationally syndicated African-American woman cartoonist, revolutionized the portrayal of black characters in the 1930s-50s. Her four comic strips...
Mellody Hobson
Mellody Hobson NONE Mellody Hobson is co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, the first African American-owned mutual fund company in the United States. Priceless Facts about Money was her first c...
Margaret Busby
Margaret Busby 0000000384780261 Margaret Busby, UK's youngest and first black female publisher, co-founded Allison & Busby Ltd and was a director at Earthscan Publications. An award-winning writer, e...
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...
Seina Wedlick
Seina Wedlick NONE Seina Wedlick is an avid reader and writer, often found exploring or at the beach with her family. She loves pairing books with snacks, visiting bookstores, and collecting postcard...
Stacey Lyn Evans
Stacey Lyn Evans NONE Stacey Lyn Evans, a renowned author and poet, has written for stage and TV, and performed her poetry nationwide. Her book REAL SOUL FOOD has made its way into major bookstores a...
Christine Pauls
Christine Pauls NONE Christine Pauls, from Wilmington, DE, is an accomplished author of novels including her latest release “One Good Thing” (2017). Besides being a writer, she's an accountant in the...
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...
The Black Dot
The Black Dot NONE The Black Dot is renowned for his insight into the metaphysical aspects of Hip Hop, contributing to various media outlets and authoring the game-changing book, “Hip Hop Decoded.” A...
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...
Hisani P. Dubose
Hisani P. Dubose NONE “The Best Black Director of 2005” —Kam Williams Hisani DuBose is a Seton Hall University graduate, former dancer and singer turned screenwriter. She's directed ...
Kasi Lemmons
Kasi Lemmons 0000000118746394 Karen “Kasi” Lemmons is a celebrated actress, writer, and director, known for roles in films like “Silence of the Lambs”, and for directing the highest-grossing independ...
De’Andre Salter
De’Andre Salter NONE De'Andre Salter is a prominent Black executive, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and bishop. He's celebrated for his 19-year insurance career and building the world's ...
Akilah Monifa
Akilah Monifa NONE Akilah Monifa, a lesbian freelance writer and independent journalist of African descent, works as a media trainer at SPIN Project and as a features editor for Arise Magazine. She l...
Hassan A. Akinbiyi
Hassan A. Akinbiyi NONE Dr. Hassan A. Akinbiyi is a seasoned Rehabilitative Medicine expert who actively partakes in health policy initiatives. He is the founder of DrHassanRehab.com, a platform for ...
Q. B. Wells
Q. B. Wells NONE Q.B. Wells, founder of Art Official Media LLC, is a publisher of urban-themed books and media. Wells also writes for various urban literature outlets. An entrepreneur and former educ...
Clarence V. Reynolds
Clarence V. Reynolds NONE Clarence V. Reynolds is an independent editor and journalist, former director of Literary Programs at the Center for Black Literature and editor-in-chief of the Killens Revi...
Terrie Williams
Terrie Williams 0000000117447093 The Terrie Williams Agency, The Premiere Black-Owned PR Firm, is Closing Terrie M. Williams is a social worker by training. She is a public relations professional by ...
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...
Eddie C. Brown
Eddie C. Brown 0000000119429622 Eddie Carl Brown, born in 1940, is a renowned investment manager and founder of Brown Capital Management. Recognized as a pioneer of minority-owned investment firms, h...
Leah Freeman-Haskin
Leah Freeman-Haskin NONE Leah Freeman-Haskin is a debut children's book author, content creator, and founder of BLK Oceans, promoting Black-owned businesses. She resides in Memphis, Tennessee, with h...
Huey P. Newton
Huey P. Newton 000000010924806X Huey P. Newton, born February 17, 1942, was a key figure in the US civil rights and Black Power movements. A co-founder of the Black Panther Party, he championed self-...
Kathy Trusty
Kathy Trusty NONE Kathy Trusty is an independent historian and a Black history educator. She has been conducting presentations, creating displays, and producing Black history programs for more than 2...
Haki Madhubuti
Haki Madhubuti 0000000114735014 Haki R. Madhubuti, a leading figure in Black literature, is a poet, publisher, editor, and educator. With over 30 published books and 3 million copies in print, he's o...
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....
Joel Christian Gill
Joel Christian Gill NONE Joel Christian Gill, chairman of Strange Fruit Comics, is known for his award-winning graphic novels which focus on uncelebrated narratives from Black History. Apart from his...
Herman Malone
Herman Malone NONE Herman Malone, a successful African American entrepreneur, established RMES Communications Inc. in Denver after being forced to leave his hometown in 1969. His company became US We...
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...
Dwayne McDuffie
Dwayne McDuffie 0000000120367289 Dwayne McDuffie (February 20, 1962 – February 21, 2011) was a comic and television writer. He was known for creating the animated television series Static ...
Bridgett M. Davis
Bridgett M. Davis NONE Bridgett M. Davis is a Detroit-born author, professor, and filmmaker. A graduate of Spelman College and Columbia University, she now teaches English at Baruch College. Her film...
W. Paul Coates
W. Paul Coates 0000000029319323 Coates Wins the 2024 Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation W. Paul Coates, founder of Black Classic Press, specializes in republishing significant work...
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...
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 ...
Christopher Myers
Christopher Myers NONE Christopher Myers, son of renowned author Walter Dean Myers, is an award-winning illustrator with a deep appreciation for storytelling through images. Myers extends his family'...
George Jackson
George Jackson 0000000140482524 George Jackson, born September 23, 1941, was a key figure in the Black Power movement and a member of the Black Panther Party. He gained prominence through his activis...
Daniel Black
Daniel Black NONE Daniel Omotosho Black, a Kansas City native, is an accomplished scholar and author. Raised in Arkansas, he studied English at Clark College under a full scholarship, later attending...
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...
Peter Akinti
Peter Akinti NONE Peter Akinti, a London-born author of Nigerian descent, studied Law and worked at HM Treasury Chambers. He founded Untold Magazine, the first independent British magazine for black ...
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...
Kehinde Andrews
Kehinde Andrews 0000000459713136 Kehinde Nkosi Andrews is a Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University, founder and director of the Centre for Critical Social Research, and co-founder o...
Clyde R. Taylor
Clyde R. Taylor NONE Clyde Russell Taylor was a vital figure in African American studies, known for his influential work in film and cultural criticism. He focused on the portrayal of Black people in...
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...
Chari Farmer-Ogogo
Chari Farmer-Ogogo NONE Chari Farmer Ogogo is an author focused on financial security, sharing her personal experiences and lessons in her book, 'Be Savvy live Wealthy'. She emphasizes the importance...
Anita L. Roseboro
Anita L. Roseboro NONE Anita L. Roseboro-Wade, a North Carolina native, emphasizes the importance of education, holding degrees in MIS and Business Administration. Alongside her professional job, she...
Velma Maia Thomas
Velma Maia Thomas NONE Velma Maia Thomas is an award-winning author known for her nonfiction books on African American history. She is also the creator of the Black Holocaust Exhibit. With degrees fr...
J. Everett Prewitt
J. Everett Prewitt NONE J. Everett Prewitt, a distinguished alumnus and Vietnam veteran, has received numerous awards for his novels, including “Snake Walkers” and “A Long Way Back.” His works have b...
Talib Kweli
Talib Kweli 0000000108022237 Talib Kweli, renowned hip-hop artist, has been celebrated for his collaborations, solo works, and top-tier lyricism. Known for his partnerships with Mos Def, Kanye West, ...
Rhone Fraser
Rhone Fraser NONE Rhone Fraser is an independent scholar, the 2023-2024 Visiting Associate Professor of African American Studies at Penn State University. He taught on the faculty of Temple, Princeto...
Robin Walker
Robin Walker 000000006356551X Robin Walker is a London-born author and editor known for his work on Black history and culture. He co-edited the influential Black Community Reports and authored books ...
David T. Boyd
David T. Boyd NONE Chicago-born author David T. Boyd discovered his passion for writing early, penning his first story at nine. Inspired by authors like Stephen King, he developed his short story int...
Earl Douglas, Jr.
Earl Douglas, Jr. MULTIPLE Earl Douglas, Jr. is a key figure in the music industry, renowned for his role with the Black Rock Coalition (BRC). As an executive director, he supports and promotes diver...
Marc Lamont Hill
Marc Lamont Hill 0000000055257314 In November 2017 Marc Opened a boostore in Philadelphia Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is a renowned intellectual voice, anthropologist of e...
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 ...
Gloria Wade-Gayles
Gloria Wade-Gayles 0000000080941716 Gloria Wade Gayles, Ph.D., is an esteemed scholar, literary critic, and essayist. She was honored as the Eminent Scholar's Chair at Spelman College in 2000 for Ind...
Tony Rose
Tony Rose 000000005879297X AALBC Mourns the Passing of Tony Rose Tony Rose (October 11, 1950 – May 27, 2025) was the Publisher and CEO of Amber Communications Group, Inc. the nation’s large...
Andre Seewood
Andre Seewood NONE André Seewood is an acclaimed independent writer, filmmaker, and musician, currently pursuing a PhD in Cinema and Media Studies at Indiana University-Bloomington. André See...
Eric July
Eric July NONE Eric Dewayne July (born April 17, 1990) is a comic book writer, entrepreneur, musician, and media personality. He is the founder of Rippaverse Publishing, an independent comic book co...
Jacqueline Bacon
Jacqueline Bacon 0000000114891017 Jacqueline Bacon, an independent scholar and Ph.D. in English from the University of Texas, focuses on historical language, empowerment, and social justice. Her rese...
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...
Ray Charles Robinson Jr.
Ray Charles Robinson Jr. NONE Ray Charles Robinson Jr., born in 1955, is the son of music legend Ray Charles. A successful independent film producer, he's known for projects like 'Ray Charles: 50 Yea...
Sharon Bennett and Beatrice Moore
Sharon Bennett and Beatrice Moore MULTIPLE Sharon Bennett and Beatrice Moore are accomplished authors with backgrounds in healthcare and education respectively. Bennett, a health care professional fr...
Douglas S. Reed
Douglas S. Reed NONE Douglas S. Reed wins the 2020 BookLife Fiction Prize Douglas S. Reed, a Brooklyn-based screenwriter/novelist, has vast experience in the motion picture industry, including working...
Elizabeth Dowling Taylor
Elizabeth Dowling Taylor 0000000120815969 Elizabeth Dowling Taylor is a PhD holder from UC Berkeley with a 22-year career in museum education and historical research. She directed interpretation at M...
Poet On Watch
Poet On Watch NONE Poet On Watch is a renowned performance poet and multimedia artist, who collaborates globally as an independent art director. She's authored two poetry collections and has contribu...
LaShawnda Jones
LaShawnda Jones NONE LaShawnda Jones is an independent author and publisher at Spirit Harvest Publishing, known for her focus on spiritual growth and social justice. She is a national speaker on self...
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...
Gloria Naylor
Gloria Naylor 0000000117658077 Gloria Naylor, a prize-winning author, known for her novels like 'The Women of Brewster Place', 'Linden Hills', and 'Mama Day', also wrote essays, screenplays, and stag...
Jomo Kenyatta
Jomo Kenyatta 0000000121015234 Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, born in 1897, was a prominent leader of African nationalism. He studied anthropology at the London School of Economics. As the first native-born Pre...
Erin Nielson
Erin Nielson NONE Erin Nielson is a Texas-based freelance illustrator known for her whimsical artwork often featuring animals. She has clients like BYU Independent Study and Cincinnati Children’s Hos...
Meta Smith
Meta Smith NONE "MÑta Smith is a multi-talented individual from Chicago with experience in acting, dancing, DJing, and writing. Having served in various roles in music, film, and philanthropy, she h...
Aliona L. Gibson
Aliona L. Gibson NONE Aliona L. Gibson is an author and filmmaker with a passion for creativity and service. She published her first book, Nappy, and later the self-published For Black Writers. Inspi...
Denise Turney
Denise Turney NONE Denise Turney is an experienced novelist, journalist, and editor with over 30 years of writing experience. She hosts an internationally recognized radio program and writes for seve...
Janks Morton
Janks Morton NONE Janks Morton is a filmmaker, author, activist, director, producer, editor, and cinematographer. Morton is the founder and CEO of iYAGO Entertainment Group, an independently owne...
Rosalind Kilkenny McLymont
Rosalind Kilkenny McLymont NONE Rosalind Kilkenny McLymont, editor-in-chief of The Network Journal, is an experienced writer and adviser with over 25 years in global business. She made history as the...
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 ...
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...
Richard Jeanty
Richard Jeanty NONE Richard Jeanty is a nationally bestselling author and the founder of RJ Publications, a leading independent publishing house focused on Black literature. As an author, Jeanty has...
Lucille O’Neal
Lucille O’Neal NONE Lucille O’Neal is not just “Shaquille O’Neal’s Mom,” she is the president and founder of the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players Association. She is also a founder board m...
Shonda Buchanan
Shonda Buchanan 0000000500800611 Shonda Buchanan is an award-winning author and professor with over 15 years of teaching experience in various literary fields. She's an Education Specialist for the U...
Itah Sadu
Itah Sadu NONE Itah Sadu, an award-winning author and bookstore owner, is known for sharing diverse oral traditions and creating youth programs. She's a founder of several initiatives like the Emanci...
Sam Anderson
Sam Anderson 0000000119000682 Dr. Sam Anderson, a veteran activist and educator, is a renowned mathematics professor and Senior Editor of NOBO. A founding member of the Network of Black Organizers an...
Shahrazad Ali
Shahrazad Ali 0000000381673970 Shahrazad Ali is an author and social commentator, best known for her provocative views on gender roles within the Black community. She gained significant attention wit...
Teri Woods
Teri Woods 0000000043564923 Teri Woods, a Philadelphia native and former legal secretary, turned author with her first novel, “True to the Game.” After initial rejections, she self-published and sold...
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 ...
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...
Shanna Tiggs
Shanna Tiggs NONE Shanna L. Tiggs is an accomplished author and the proprietor of Serenity Book Shop in Columbus, Ohio. Author Shanna L. Tiggs is also the owner of the Serenity Book Shop in Columbus,...
Analeigh Sbrana
Analeigh Sbrana NONE Analeigh Sbrana is a writer and visual artist. She lives in California with her husband, daughter, and a chonky kitty named Rey. Her favorite things to do include wandering thro...