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Virginia Black
Virginia Black 0000000112712687 Virginia Black is a California-born writer, now living in the Pacific Northwest. Known for her love of whiskey, loud music, and dark speculative fiction, she spends he...
Virginia Deberry and Donna Grant
Virginia Deberry and Donna Grant MULTIPLE Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant are best friends turned successful authors, known for their enduring collaboration in African American fiction. Both started...
Lamar Giles
Lamar Giles 0000000514184709 L.R. Giles is a renowned author and speaker from Virginia, known for his commitment to diversity in publishing. A founding member of We Need Diverse Books, Giles made his...
Larry Linwell Rowe
Larry Linwell Rowe NONE Larry Linwell Rowe is a lawyer, historian, and former West Virginia legislator with degrees from West Virginia University. Based in Old Malden, he's known for his research on ...
Virginia Hamilton
Virginia Hamilton 0000000114915488 Growing up on a small farm near Yellow Springs, Ohio, in the 1940s, Virginia Hamilton was lovingly embraced by the sights, sounds and smells of rural...
Ronnie Sidney, II
Ronnie Sidney, II MULTIPLE Ronnie Sidney, II, MSW, is a Virginia-based therapist, entrepreneur, speaker, author, and social advocate with a passion for social justice and youth work. Despite early ac...
Menah Adeola Eyaside Pratt
Menah Adeola Eyaside Pratt NONE Menah Pratt, born in Pittsburgh, is a highly educated leader recognized as one of Virginia's Top 50 Women Leaders. She serves as the Vice President for Strategic Affai...
Vernon Kitabu Turner
Vernon Kitabu Turner NONE Vernon “Kitabu” Turner, an African-American spiritual guru, Zen master, and martial artist, was raised Christian but became a Zen initiate after meeting master Nomura Roshi ...
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...
Wyatt Tee Walker
Wyatt Tee Walker 0000000082666762 Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker was a pastor, civil rights leader, theologian, and historian, best known for his work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the SCLC. He hel...
Justene Hill Edwards
Justene Hill Edwards NONE Justene Hill Edwards is an associate professor of history at the University of Virginia. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia. Justene Hill Edwards is an associate profess...
Edward P. Jones
Edward P. Jones 0000000109223233 Edward P. Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and educated at Holy Cross College and the University of Virginia. Known for h...
Daryl Cumber Dance
Daryl Cumber Dance 000000011473816X Dr. Daryl Cumber Dance is a Professor of English at Virginia Commonwealth University. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, is a Ford Foundation Fello...
Shannon Wright
Shannon Wright 0000000049194273 Shannon Wright, based in Richmond, Virginia, is an illustrator and cartoonist known for her work on books like “My Mommy Medicine” and “Twins.” She also designs cover ...
Kiki Petrosino
Kiki Petrosino NONE Kiki Petrosino, a Professor of Poetry at the University of Virginia, is the author of four poetry books, including “White Blood: a Lyric of Virginia.” Her work has been featured i...
Christopher C. Bell Jr.
Christopher C. Bell Jr. NONE Chris Bell Jr., a Black poet, essayist, educationist, novelist, and retired army Major, holds a Doctorate in Education. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia during racial...
Elizabeth Murphy Oliver
Elizabeth Murphy Oliver NONE Elizabeth Murphy Oliver Abney, former city editor and columnist for the Baltimore Afro-American and granddaughter of its founder, has died at 85. A respected journalist a...
Melvin Patrick Ely
Melvin Patrick Ely 0000000030403653 Melvin Patrick Ely is an acclaimed author and historian specializing in African American and Southern history. His prize-winning book, 'Israel on the Appomattox', ...
Robert Deane Pharr
Robert Deane Pharr 0000000063320993 “…I would let white people look at the black man as he lives when the white man is not looking or listening.” Robert Deane Pharr, born 1916, was ...
Amy Watkins
Amy Watkins NONE Amy Watkins, an award-winning author and physician, is known for her fictional works addressing social issues. A former Navy physician, she now practices family medicine in Virginia....
Fanita Pendleton
Fanita Pendleton NONE Fanita “Moon†Pendleton, originally from Oakland, is a parole officer based in Norfolk, Virginia. She's an experienced criminal justice instructor with a Masters in Public A...
Ruth P. Watson
Ruth P. Watson NONE Ruth P. Watson is a Virginia-born author and educator, now living in Atlanta. Known for bestsellers like Blackberry Days of Summer, she also writes children's books and is a docum...
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...
Tressie McMillan Cottom
Tressie McMillan Cottom 0000000459857682 Tressie McMillan Cottom, a sociology professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and author of “Lower Ed”, is renowned for her insights on for-profit educat...
Kamaryn Hunt
Kamaryn Hunt NONE Kamaryn Hunt, a Virginia native and Southern University graduate, is an emerging author inspired by her mother, La Jill Hunt. Known for her passion for reading, she also enjoys phot...
Kristen Green
Kristen Green NONE Kristen Green is a New York Times bestselling author and reporter, recognized for her non-fiction work. She has a 20-year writing career with newspapers like the Boston Globe. Gree...
Janelle Washington
Janelle Washington NONE Janelle Washington, a self-taught paper cut artist from Virginia, has work in the Smithsonian National Museum and Downing-Gross Community Arts Center. She is a member of The G...
Micah L. McCreary
Micah L. McCreary NONE Rev. Dr. Micah L. McCreary, from Detroit, Michigan, is the 12th president of New Brunswick Theological Seminary since 2017. He has degrees in Engineering, Divinity, and Counsel...
Tamara Mayo
Tamara Mayo NONE Tamara Mayo, a Virginia-native author, developed her love for reading at a young age. She moved to California at 19, where she pursued a writing career including ghostwriting and edi...
Nikki Grimes
Nikki Grimes 0000000029034029 Recipient of the 2022 Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award Nikki Grimes is a renowned author, poet, and journalist from Harlem, New York. Known for her children a...
MaKshya Tolbert
MaKshya Tolbert NONE MaKshya Tolbert practices poetry and placemaking in Virginia, where her grandmother raised her. She is the 2025 Art in Library Spaces Artist-in-Residence at the University of Vi...
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...
J. A. Faulkerson
J. A. Faulkerson NONE J.A. Faulkerson is a Northern Virginia-based writer known for classics like Adinkrahene and Real Men Raise CHAMPIONS. He's a Phillis Wheatley Book Award finalist and has recentl...
Anne Spencer
Anne Spencer 0000000458445176 Anne Bannister Spencer was a lauded American poet, civil rights activist, and librarian during the Harlem Renaissance. Born in 1882, she was the first African-American w...
Carter G. Woodson
Carter G. Woodson 0000000108766551 “Only when lions have historians will hunters cease being heroes.” —African Proverb Carter G. Woodson, the son of former slaves, became a renowned scholar, earning a...
Rachel Renée Russell
Rachel Renée Russell 0000000116442848 “Black writers should not be typecast into having only black characters.”—Shonda Rhimes Rachel Renee Russell, attorney and bestselling author of...
Joshua L. Mitchell
Joshua L. Mitchell NONE Joshua L. Mitchell, an ordained Baptist minister, serves as a youth and college students' leader at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. He holds degrees in Communications, Divinity...
Charles S. Johnson
Charles S. Johnson 0000000108707076 Charles Spurgeon Johnson was a prominent 20th-century black sociologist, key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, and a Ph.D. graduate from the University of Chicago....
Jewell Parker Rhodes
Jewell Parker Rhodes 0000000120252879 Jewell’s New Book Will’s Race for Home Debuted at #6 on the NY Times Bestsellers List! Jewell Parker Rhodes is an esteemed author and artistic directo...
Tequitia Andrews
Tequitia Andrews NONE Tequitia Andrews, based in Richmond, Virginia, is an accomplished artist and illustrator known for her work in 'Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls' and several YA novel covers. ...
Faith Knight
Faith Knight NONE Faith Knight also writes under the pen names FM Knight and Tanzy Kohl. She writes contemporary and historical fiction for adults and teens. Faith Knight is an author, wife, and moth...
Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.
Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. MULTIPLE Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., a Philadelphia native, is a respected theologian and pastor. After serving in the military, he completed his higher education at How...
Ndirangu Githaiga
Ndirangu Githaiga NONE Ndirangu Githaiga, a Kenya-born, Virginia-based physician and author, uses the power of storytelling to change perspectives. His debut novel, The People of Ostrich Mountain, wa...
Monda Raquel Webb
Monda Raquel Webb NONE Born in 1968, Monda Raquel Webb is an avid reader and writer who was influenced by notable authors like Zora Neale Hurston and James Baldwin. Raised in multiple states, she gra...
Chad Harbach
Chad Harbach 0000000118922458 Chad Harbach, a Wisconsin native, is an accomplished author educated at Harvard and the University of Virginia. He co-founded and edits n+1. Chad Harbach grew up in Wisc...
Marlon B. Ross
Marlon B. Ross 0000000081773531 Marlon B. Ross is a Professor of English at the University of Virginia, specializing in African American, gender and sexuality studies, and romanticism. He holds a Ph....
Joe Crawford
Joe Crawford 0000000056573781 "Beuford Smith, Joe Crawford, and Ray Francis captured in 1973 photo by Anthony Barboza, housed in Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, funded by Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Willi...
Doris Payne
Doris Payne 0000000109107224 Doris Payne, born in Slab Fork, West Virginia, is the youngest of six and daughter of a coal miner. She is renowned for her six-decade career as an international jewel th...
Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers 0000000108718912 Walter Dean Myers, born August 12, 1937, was an award-winning author from Harlem, known for his dedication to children and young adult literature. He received numer...
S. A. Cosby
S. A. Cosby 0000000496587503 Shawn A. Cosby, an Anthony Award-winning writer from Southeastern Virginia, resides in Gloucester, VA. Apart from writing, he enjoys hiking and playing chess. Shawn. A. C...
Patricia Hruby Powell
Patricia Hruby Powell 0000000045698001 Patricia Hruby Powell, former dancer and now acclaimed children's author, is known for her books such as “Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker”, whic...
Nicole Glover
Nicole Glover NONE Nicole Glover is a UX researcher and author from Virginia. She is an avid reader, tea-lover, and enjoys bicycling, video gaming, and baking. Her debut novel is 'The Conductors'. Ni...
William H. Armstrong
William H. Armstrong 0000000121219974 William H. Armstrong, a celebrated author and educator, taught at the Kent School for over 50 years. Known for his award-winning children's book “Sounder”, he ha...
Amber McBride
Amber McBride NONE Amber McBride, an English literature professor at Northern Virginia Community College, holds degrees in English and Creative Writing. She's published work in various outlets and au...
E.K. Robertson
E.K. Robertson NONE E.K. Robertson is a LA-born author now living in Richmond, Virginia, with her family and pets. A fan of Mexican food and reality TV, she's currently working on her next novel. E.K...
Pam Dawling
Pam Dawling NONE Pam Dawling is an expert in sustainable vegetable farming with over 40 years of experience in diverse climates. She's the author of the best-seller, Sustainable Market Farming, and s...
Anitra E. Butler-Ngugi
Anitra E. Butler-Ngugi NONE Anitra E. Butler-Ngugi is an Associate Professor of Teacher Education in the Department of Early Childhood and Teacher Education at Prince George's Community College, whe...
Oludamini Ogunnaike
Oludamini Ogunnaike 0000000040827310 Oludamini Ogunnaike, PhD, is the Associate Professor of African Religious Thought and Democracy at the University of Virginia. His research examines the philosop...
Susan VanHecke
Susan VanHecke NONE Susan VanHecke, renowned author of the ALA Notable Children's Book 'Raggin’, Jazzin’, Rockin’: A History of American Musical Instrument Makers' and 'An Apple Pie for Dinner.' She ...
Ran Walker
Ran Walker NONE Ran Walker, award-winning author of 30 books and 2019 Indie Author of the Year, teaches creative writing at Hampton University. He lives in Virginia with his family. Connect with him ...
Ashley Bryan
Ashley Bryan 0000000063847832 Ashley Bryan (1923-2022) was a celebrated illustrator, recognized for his contributions to children's literature. His accolades include the Coretta Scott King—Virginia...
Banke Awopetu-McCullough
Banke Awopetu-McCullough NONE Banke Awopetu-McCullough is a Rochester-born author with degrees in Drama and African studies from University of Virginia, and Adolescent Education from Roberts Wesleyan...
Princess Joy L. Perry
Princess Joy L. Perry NONE Princess Joy L. Perry is the recipient of a Virginia Commission for the Arts Fellowship and a winner of the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Award. Her short stories have...
Douglas A. Blackmon
Douglas A. Blackmon 0000000040628274 Doug Blackmon, a Mississippi native, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and chair of the Miller Center Forum at the University of Virginia. He's a correspondent f...
Angel Mechelle
Angel Mechelle NONE Author Angel Mechelle, a military brat turned acclaimed writer, has a passion for storytelling. She resides in Virginia and began her literary journey as a contributing author in ...
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...
W. Ralph Eubanks
W. Ralph Eubanks 0000000078505050 W. Ralph Eubanks is a renowned author known for his memoirs about the American South. He formerly edited the Virginia Quarterly Review and directed publishing at the...
Ni-Ni Simone
Ni-Ni Simone NONE Ni-Ni Simone, a Jersey-based author, initially unintentional about writing teen fiction, has found success in the genre. Her first novel, “Shortie Like Mine,” was selected by YALSA ...
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...
Celeste O. Norfleet
Celeste O. Norfleet 0000000044260796 Celeste O. Norfleet is a bestselling author of over 20 acclaimed novels, winner of six Romance Slam Jam awards, and recipient of the BRAB 2016 Frances Ray Lifetim...
Remica Bingham-Risher
Remica Bingham-Risher NONE Remica Bingham-Risher, an esteemed Affrilachian poet and Cave Canem fellow, is known for her three award-winning poetry volumes. Her work is featured in prominent publicati...
Natashia Deón
Natashia Deón 0000000497327471 Natashia Deón is an NAACP Image Award nominee, attorney, professor, and author of the acclaimed novel, Grace. She has received numerous fellowships, including from PEN...
Christina Proenza-Coles
Christina Proenza-Coles NONE Christina Proenza-Coles is a scholar with a dual doctorate in sociology and history from the New School for Social Research. With experience in Miami, New York, Havana, a...
Henrietta Mays Smith
Henrietta Mays Smith 0000000066593663 Dr. Henrietta M. Smith, Ph.D, is a distinguished scholar and editor with a background in English, History, and Library Science. She's known for her editorial wor...
Deborah Juniper-Frye
Deborah Juniper-Frye NONE “A grieving heart is full of emotions, struggles, and great despair. Hold on to Love, Hope, and Faith.” —Deborah Frye Deborah Juniper-Frye, with 20 years of...
Anthony Grooms
Anthony Grooms 0000000034968192 Anthony Grooms, award-winning author of Bombingham: A Novel and Trouble No More: Stories, hails from Charlottesville, Virginia. He has taught writing and American li...
Tracee Lydia Garner
Tracee Lydia Garner NONE Tracee Lydia Garner is a best-selling, award-winning author from Virginia. Known for her engaging presentations, she writes inspirational fiction and nonfiction, teaching abo...
John Holyfield
John Holyfield NONE John Holyfield is a renowned artist noted for his depictions of family, spirituality, and culture, showcasing a distinctive southern rural essence. He resides in Rosemont, West Vi...
Jane Friedman
Jane Friedman 0000000036696549 Jane Friedman, a publishing industry veteran with 20 years of experience, specializes in author and publisher business strategies. She edits The Hot Sheet, an essential...
April Harrison
April Harrison NONE April Harrison is an acclaimed folk artist and award-winning illustrator known for Patricia C. McKissack's picture book. Her work is featured in institutions like Vanderbilt Unive...
NoNieqa Ramos
NoNieqa Ramos NONE NoNieqa Ramos is an award-winning author and educator renowned for her books 'The Disturbed Girl’s Dictionary' and 'The Truth Is.' Her work has received acclaim from YALSA, Booklis...
Kwesi Oginga
Kwesi Oginga NONE Kwesi Oginga, born in Guyana, is a renowned dramatist, author, and pastor. He wrote plays for Guyana's top festivals, directed plays for the president's birthday, and has penned sev...
Yasmin Angoe
Yasmin Angoe NONE Yasmin Angoe is a first-generation Ghanaian American writer and editor from Northern Virginia. An experienced teacher and instructional coach, Yasmin also freelances as a developmen...
Gayle Jessup White
Gayle Jessup White NONE Gayle Jessup White, former award-winning TV reporter and PR & Community Engagement Officer at Monticello, is a direct descendant of Thomas Jefferson and two families enslaved ...
June Dade
June Dade NONE June Dade, a Northern Virginia native, is a certified computer analyst and technology teacher based in Washington, D.C. Her passion for writing, which began in her youth, has culminate...
Jocelyn Nicole Johnson
Jocelyn Nicole Johnson 0000000513744479 Jocelyn Nicole Johnson is a prolific writer and public school art teacher based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her work, including her renowned short story “Con...
Edward Roy
Edward Roy 0000000108894174 Edward Roy, born in 1945, grew up in Harlem, NY, mentored by influential figures including Malcolm X. He served in the US Army’s Medical Corps during the Cold War and Viet...
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 ...
Steffi Walthall
Steffi Walthall NONE Steffi Walthall is a Virginia-based illustrator inspired by mythology, history, and sci-fi. Known for her diverse characters and unique stories, she's illustrated books like 'Mov...
Larry C. Fields III
Larry C. Fields III NONE Larry C. Fields III is an actor recognized for his roles in commercials for Samsung, Dave and Buster’s, and Jeep. Born in Detroit, raised in Virginia, Fields is also a vetera...
Celeste Mohammed
Celeste Mohammed NONE Award-winning author Celeste Mohammed is known for her short fiction, earning accolades such as the PEN/Robert J. Dau Prize and the Virginia Woolf Award. A Trinidad and Tobago n...
Taylor Harris
Taylor Harris NONE Taylor Harris is a renowned writer from Charlottesville, Virginia, known for her insightful content on various topics. A mother of three, her work has appeared in TIME, The Washing...
Philip Zelikow
Philip Zelikow 0000000110790868 Philip Zelikow is a professor at the University of Virginia, focusing on American and world history. A former civil rights attorney and diplomat, he served in various ...
David Nicholson
David Nicholson NONE David Nicholson, former editor and book reviewer for the Washington Post Book World, is the author of “Flying Home: Seven Stories of the Secret City.” He's a University of the Di...
Edna Lewis
Edna Lewis 000000006657645X Edna Lewis, one of the greatest American chefs, revived Southern cooking almost single-handedly. Commemorated by a US Postal stamp, she was often referred to as “the Gra...
Ashleigh Shanti
Ashleigh Shanti NONE Ashleigh Shanti, chef-owner of Good Hot Fish in Asheville, North Carolina. She was named an Eater Young Gun in 2019 and was a finalist for the James Beard Rising Star Chef of the...
Monique J. Anderson
Monique J. Anderson NONE Monique Jewell Anderson, a Virginia native, is a devoted Christian, author, and speaker on women's issues and Christianity. Living with her husband and five children, she aim...
Mark Green
Mark Green NONE Mark Green serves as Associate Director/General Manager of Lehman Performing Arts Center, Chairman of Artist Relations for The Hip-Hop Museum (THHM), and maintains ownership of Celebr...