Black Literature

Hey y'all! A few years ago I joined AALBC in order expose my writing to more black readers. After falling off a few years, I'm back. Black Speculative Fiction, or what many call Afrofuturism these days, has been growing steadily during that time, so much so that many of the recent winners of such prestigious scifi and fantasy awards such as the Hugo and Nebula have been black writers, specifically black female writers. And with the release of Black Panther in February, many black readers have been asking where they can find books with the same feel as the movie. It's my hope to expose you to such books and the authors who write them. I hope that eventually AALBC will…

New release--VICTORS: A Novel of Love, War and Jazz by Heather Buchanan. Based on the true story of the Harlem Hellfighters, an all-black military regiment in World War I who were also jazz musicians. Hero Sgt. David Pierce must choose between love and duty. He battles racism from his American fellow soldiers while also fighting the German enemy. Will he win on all fronts? Order on am*zon: https://www.am*zon.com/Victors-Novel-Love-Jazz-Saga/dp/1734827335/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NO8PRT4RYEST&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ry5f0mAjQrips6l4Ed2aZiZPm9ToxuFKJBfKS72dpD_GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.e_3qxvpkjEYJr96pIJtu3B7SOKh-aZFBcE6atZWEa0E&dib_tag=se&keywords=Victors%3A+A+Novel+o…

I still have to migrate most of the content for all of these authors, but it will give you a sense of the scope of the project. This is about a 90% increase in the number of authors profiled on the current website. Check out the list of profiled authors on our development website: ...and I'm just getting started

Check out THE TEA book club's reading list. They create interesting video of all of their book club discussions. I'll be working with them to help share the content. The folks behind the scenes really care about the subject and the video are high quality. Out goals overalp so I'll be working to help spread the word :-) _____________________ Sometimes I think the conversations on our discussion forum might make make interesting videos given the range of opinions. Logistically it would be a challenge just because of geography. We could do an online video, but I wonder if the dynamic of what we write could translate to video. Then …

Marcus Books and NAACP Raise Their Voice as City Hall Passes Resolution to Support Marcus Books http://thebooklook.com/profiles/blogs/marcus-books-and-naacp-raise-their-voice-as-city-hall-passes?xg_source=activity

PEACE & GHETTOHEAT®! WORLDWIDE, THANKS FOR YOUR LOVE & SUPPORT ALWAYS, 7 FOR WATCHING GHETTOHEAT® TV, AS GHETTOHEAT® TV CELEBRATES ITS 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY! :0) FOLKS, MAKE SURE YOU'RE ALL SUBCRIBED TO GHETTOHEAT® TV ON YOUTUBE, & OF COURSE FOLLOW @‌GHETTOHEATTV ON MOST MAJOR SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS: GHETTOHEAT® TV AIRS ON 7 NETWORKS TO DATE! MORE TO COME, & STAY TUNED.... HICKSON: CEO of GHETTOHEAT® & GHETTOHEAT® TV! GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTIONS: GHETTOHEAT®, CONVICT’S CANDY, HARDER, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, LONDON REIGN, SONZ OF DARKNESS, TANTRUM, THICKNESS, LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY, GHOST TOWN HUSTLERS, TOUGH, SOME SEXY, ULTRAFABNABULOUS, SKATE ON!, & GH…

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Warner Bros. Discovery Exploring Overhaul of DC Entertainment EXCLUSIVE: The new owners of all things Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman are exploring an overhaul of DC Entertainment, multiple sources close to the situation told Variety. https://twitter.com/i/events/1514677905246208004 IN AMENDMENT I listened to the new CRO of Warner Bros. Discovery and he said, like Discovery , they will not try to outspend so projects that are not going well will not be continued I think. He didn't mention any names but I am certain the DC universe is in for some layoffs. Batman will be fine, Aquaman will be fine, but I think Wonder woman or Suicide Squad will or Super…

When you sit back and recall the funny things that come out of a child's mouth, you can't help but laugh. The innocence is priceless as you sit back and watch them try to figure out how to navigate this world. what I find even funnier is listening to them as they near adulthood - the conversations that take place as they now try to figure out how to navigate the world that they 'think' they're ready for. then, the conversations that take place as adults when they reflect about the past and share how they interpreted words, conversations, and phrases that they heard in their younger years - even they have to laugh at themselves. Of course there are those un…

Makeda, a novel by Randall Robinson is available, Buy it TODAY for $1.99 (offer is goo today only, May 16th 2013) e-book http://bit.ly/buymakeda Makeda was published by Open Lens an imprint of Akashic books. The imprint is run by three brilliants ladies Marva Allen, Regina Brooks and Marie D. Brown. The imprint debuted with l debuted with Makeda, by Randall Robinson who, as you probably know is the founder of the human rights organization TransAfrica. Open Lens goal is to provide quality Black literature. I'm sure you'll enjoy the book!

Hello AALBC, I’m delighted to introduce my latest children’s picture book, At the Edge of a Leaf. I'm reaching out to request a review and to share more details with you: Title: At the Edge of a Leaf Ages: 3 to 5 years Author: Vincent L. Johnson ISBN-13: 978-0-9891150-8-7 Publication Date: September 17, 2024 Synopsis: At the Edge of a Leaf is a charming story set under the gentle moonlight in Grandma's backyard. Follow Mia, a lively little girl, as she meets a firefly she lovingly names Glow. The two enjoy a whimsical adventure in the soft night air, celebrating the magic of new friendshi…

FOLLOW GHETTOHEAT®'S ARTIST, PRINCE OSIRIS ON TWITTER: @PRINCEOSIRIS365 PRINCE OSIRIS IS AUTHOR OF INTRIGUING URBAN TALE, TOUGH! TOUGH--A GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTION

Found on Instagram: * Always avoid annoying alliterations.* Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.* Parenthetical phrases (the ones that break the flow of a sentence, no matter how relevant or insightful) are not necessary.* Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “I hate quotations. Tell me what YOU know.”* Don’t be redundant; don’t use more words than necessary; don’t go on and on and on and on; just say it and move on.* Be more or less specific when writing about most things.* One word sentences? Reject. Eliminate. Avoid.* It’s not cool to use colloquialisms, and I ain’t whistling Dixie.* Even if a mixed metaphor sweetens the pot, t…

The program for the Black Caucus of the American Library Association 9th Conference I've been teaching at the Queens Library for almost 2 years and an increasingly impressed by what this library system does to improve the community.

Suntext Publishing would like to submit for review, Nightmare Detective: The Skeleton King (ISBN:978-1-7325432-0-1), a debut fantasy novel for middle school children by Monk Inyang. Publication Date: September 18, 2018 Synopsis Uko Hill is a twelve year old black boy in Newark suffering from the same nightmare every night - an army of terrifying skeletons breaking into his home and destroying everything. He's given up hope of ever having normal sleep until one night, in the middle of his nightmare, he meets Toni. She's part of a group called the Nightmare Detectives - a trained squad of middle schoolers that can jump into the nightmares of ot…

Book Review: Telling It Like It Is: The Remarkable Life Experiences of My Aunt Edna “We all deserve an Aunt Edna in our life and if you are not of of those lucky ones who has one, her biography is a good option.”—Carol Taylor I have 802 more book reviews to migrate to the website's new format, once that is done I plan to ramp up our publication of reviews. I hope to have that done this week. Look out for even more critical reviews of books written by Black writers!

“The Two Foot Shelf of Negro Literature“ Composed of books, selected with care and discrimination, with the idea of offsetting the silence of our educational system regarding twelve million American citizens. Add these volumes to your library. Reading them will increase your respect for the Negro race.” —Kathryn M. Johnson This list is almost 90 years old and is (you know what I'm gonna say) as relevant today as it was back then. Sad but true. Kathryn M. Johnson, who compiled the reading list wrote, The Dark Race in the Dawn: Proof of Black African Civilization in the America’s Before Columbus, which discusses the African presence in America long before Colu…

The full story can be read here Instagram has demonstrated that it’s more than just a waste of time. I was able to find Kenlyn to be the Reader of my first Audiobook.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Lynda Johnson Co-Founder/Co-Chair Go On Girl! Book Club lyndajgog@gmail.com 917-923-8035 Go On Girl! Book Club Hosts 25th Annual Author Awards GALA Saturday, June 3rd in Chicago, Illinois NEW YORK – May 17, 2017 – Go On Girl! Book Club (GOG!), one of the largest national reading organizations in the U.S. dedicated to supporting the work of authors of the African Diaspora, will host its 25th Annual Author Awards Gala on Saturday, June 3rd at 4pm at the Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. The Annual Author Awards event is the highlight of a weekend of activities for club…

One hundred years after the Collapse violence still rages across the region once known as Georgia. Warlords fight for control with deadly mercenaries known as Gunmen, and Moses Prichard is one of the best. Tired of the constant violence he finds solace within the walls of Newlanta, a city struggling to establish an island of peace amidst the chaos. But now the city is threatened by a powerful warlord Moses once served and he is forced to strap on his guns. However, this time he’s fighting for his own reasons. Gunman’s Peace, first novel of an action-packed series by Milton Davis, takes place in a post-apocalyptic world struggling to build a better future by ridding itse…

I'm sure you all know that Ntozake Shange passed away this Saturday. I met her a couple of times. Once at a performance across the street from where I lived -- actually in the same building that serves as the barbershop in the Luke Cage TV series. There were only a handful of people in attendance so I go to socialize a bit with Ntozake, her sister, and their peeps. I have a photo somewhere, but I can't find it now... She struggled with mental health issues. I shot video of her discussing this about a decade ago and just now added it to her page. Shange is best known for her "choreopoem," For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Ra…

Just another well-documented, informative book that shows how black people acquired firearms and used black media (newspapers, magazines, etc.) to unite the people and fight the battle against all odds in a white imperialist society. There were many accounts of white business owners telling black people to get rid of their guns or they could not have a job. But open carry was legal pretty much everywhere back then, and it was simply not safe to walk around anywhere in the USA black and unarmed. Of course many black people who needed white money obliged, and unfortunately, became victims of lynchings. We have to give credit to the brothers who fought in the white World War…

Oprah Winfrey On My Computer Tablet Talking Her New Favorite Book,Underground Railroad By Colson Whitehead.Lots Of Books About Slaves Escaping Slavery ,Present Time Black People Are,Are Self Enslaved,Confined By White Supremacy.

Wow! Every man should read this with shame; every woman with pride. I can count on one hand the number of books that changed my viewpoint and altered my thinking on a subject I felt I knew extensively - The Civil Rights Movement. In response to the #metoo awareness, I wanted to find a read that was geared towards the topic of abuse, rape, degradation and the defilement of women. I had previously read “Women who run with wolves,” so that's where I started my search. A great book, but I wanted something different. And different I found (thanks Goodreads). read more... purchase

In a world where assassinations are legal, The Bloodmen Guild is the best. But many have decided that they are too powerful, and are hell bent on destroying them. There will be no mercy…and nowhere to run! Ngolo Diaspora is an exciting near future African martial arts adventure like you've never seen before. Written by African Martial artist/Black speculative Fiction author Balogun Ojetade and Black speculative fiction author Milton Davis, it's a fast paced story that will keep you engaged and leave you wanting more. Ngolo Diapora: Book One ISBN-13 : 978-1734627961

My buddy, Ron Kavanaugh, who runs the Literary Freedom Project, has just launched a Kickstarter campaign for his upcoming literary conference. Support Mosaic Literary Conferences’s Fundraiser Ron actually started a website dedicated to Black book before AALBC.com launched. He discontinued his website in 2014, for all the reasons reason I've lamented over the years. We met each other back in 1998 at a now defunct bookstore Nkiru Books in Brooklyn. One of the store's booksellers introduced us, because he was aware of both of our websites. Ron actually went to the same high school and graduated the same year I did,…

Over the years we’ve published hundreds of interviews with celebrities. Each one is usually asked, what is now know as the The bookworm Troy Johnson question, “What was the last book you’ve read?” Check out what they are reading: http://aalbc.it/celebrity-reads

Black Girl Dreaming. Poems About A Child's Place In The World ,..Book By Jacqueline Woodson.

Read the full article that the The National Law Review The self-publishing vendors (i.e., Amazon’s Kindle Digital Publishing, Barnes & Noble Nook Press and Smashwords) sought summary judgment asserting that they were not publishers of the book but merely allowed the author to use their systems to distribute it, and that were protected from any liability for third-party content by CDA Section 230. In opposing dismissal, the plaintiffs argued that the vendors worked in concert with the author to provide a platform for publishing books the same way a traditional publishing house does. Siding with the defendants, the court dismissed the claims against the self-p…

Hello, I am an indie author and am interested in having my book reviewed by your services. I hope I am putting this in the right place. Below is the information that was required for submitting. Hope to hear from someone regarding this soon, Than you in advance. Lorine S. Thomas Author Name: Lorine S. Thomas Book Title: Beauty and Bloodshed ISBN 13: 978-1546672050 Date of Publication: June 21, 2017 Synopsis: What happens when you mix the city that never sleeps, the world’s oldest profession, and a methodical killer? You have the ingredients for one hell of a roller coaster ride. When Det. Joseph Hall gets call…

Hello AALBC Community, My name is Danielle Jackson, I am a newly self-published juvenile fiction author. My first title is Lettuce Turnip at the Farmers Market: A story encouraging healthy foods and communities. Currently available on am*zon, Ingram Sparks, and coming soon to The Listening Tree in Decatur, Georgia. I hope you all enjoy. Thank you for your time. Happy Reading, Danielle M. Jackson

Barbara Elaine Smith, died of complications from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, on February 22, 2020, at her home on Long Island. February 22, 2020. Smith pubbed several books, mostly notably, and this moment, Before I Forget, which details her battle against Alzheimer's. She published several books I've been to her restaurants in the NYC's Theater District, DC's Union Station, and the one in Sag Harbor,LI. She would greet you with a smile and treat you warmly, like a friend. May she R.I.P.

Name of Book: BLACK CYANIDE / white pill Author: Anonymous From: TRANS(form)ed Press, Boise, Idaho Proposed Publication Date: February 2020 ISBN-13: 978-1-734-1079-4-4 Looking for a book review from AALBC: SYNOPSIS: A hundred pages. A hundred chapters. A hundred years. Concise but ambitious, BLACK CYANIDE / white pill is raw America swallowed whole‒to flower or shatter‒or both. The inimitable coming-of-age tale of Amos Sideways, his beloved mother once a slave, BLACK CYANIDE / white pill grapples with race, love, & religion, for a complete century, from the Deep South to …

It was soooo tempting to name this book something else because the title has been used before in music and literature But Coleman Hawkins' 1939 jazz classic is so prevalent in the story, I thought, WHY NOT? I wrote this while stuck at at home for the last 3.5 years since my 30-year-old handicapped van died on me, and I live in rural USA, seven miles from the closest public transportation. Also, my electric wheelchair wouldn't make it that far. So, I escaped into this world of tragedy and good fortune mixed together, and now I invite you to join me on this journey from Louisiana to California. AND NOW, THE INTRODUCTION OF BODY AND SOUL Adam Dan…

Read the entire ranking here Sorry to make you follow another link.

Please consider a review for Historical Creative NonFiction "More Than A Fraction" by Dr. Kerri Moseley-Hobbs. ISBN13: 978-1547055395 . Published May 30, 2017 Synopsis: Based on a true story, rediscover an extraordinary story with ordinary roots. Thomas and Othello Fraction are brothers and best friends who had heard, and let no one forget that they were descendants of an African nobleman whose tribal scars looked like tiger stripes. But here they were in America, considered three-fifths a person, and fighting two battles: one for the Nation and one for themselves. Read the story that leads up to a “guns drawn” standoff, and learn how the Fraction family …

Anyone read Paul Beatty. What do you think of his work?

Hello! I’d like to recommend Black in Blue (ISBN-13: 978-1400230617) , by Black-woman author, Carmen Best, former Seattle Chief of Police, supporter of Black Lives Matter, U.S. Army veteran, and mother. Whatever your position is on Black Lives Matter, defunding the police, and equity in law enforcement, former police chief Carmen Best shares the leadership lessons she learned as the first Black woman to lead the Seattle Police Department - a personal insider story that will challenge your assumptions on how to move the country forward. In the words of Trevor Noah: ”‘There are bad apples in these police departments who are doing these thing…

...they bloom again, of course? My name is Carmen Hendrix and I am the author of the independently published book series entitled When Honeysuckles Fall. The first book in the series, is entitled When Honeysuckles Fall and is a collection of short stories based loosely on my life. I am now introducing the second book in the series, entitled Eight Moments (ISBN 978-0-9978080-2-1) on September 19th, 2017. I am both excited an nervous as this book follows the character, Donna Catchings (the second short story in the book). It not only follows her initial story, as it picks up where the short story left off, it explains Donna's character and why she is the way…

FOLLOW GHETTOHEAT®'S ARTIST, JAY BEY ON TWITTER: @JAYBEY100 JAY BEY IS AUTHOR OF THE INTRIGUING STREET THRILLER, CLUB AVENUE! CLUB AVENUE—A GHETTOHEAT® PRODUCTION

I just emailed our latest eNewsletter If you don't get it in your email box please consider subscribing. Below is an email I received in reaction to this mailing. “Troy, I am incredibly proud of all the effort and passion that you have poured into AALBC for all of these years. I discovered your site sometime in the 90s. I was living in my home town which is incredibly small, and at the time, predominantly white. I would sit up until late in the night trying to find a way to connect with literature by my own people. Then, I found your site and enjoyed it so much. I am ashamed that I have used and depended upon your site without ever making a monetary donat…

PROFESSOR, DR. CORNEL WEST HAS A BOOK CALLED THE RADIAL KING,BOOK ABOUT,REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING//DR. KING WAS NON VIOLENT, BUT PASSIONATE- REVOLUTIONARY/CORNEL WEST SAYS...BOOKS HAS NEW COLLECTION OF, EXCERPTS ,FROM DR. KING SEECHES, WRITINGS,.DR. KING RECALLS THE MOST DRAMATIC EPISODES OF CIVIL RIGHTS BATTLES, HIS OPPOSING THE VIETNAM WAR,,GLOBAL IMPERIALISM/FBI,U.S. GOVERNMENT SAID DR. KING WAS THE MOST DANGEORUS MAN IN AMERICA...NOT THE KU KLUX KLAN, BUT DR. KING...THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AND FBI, AT THIS TIME DO NOT SEE KKK,NEO NAZI A PROBLEM,..KKK,NEO NAZI ARE IN THE U.S. MILITARY, U.S. GO…

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Experience the saga of the Twins the way it was meant to be. The Meji 10th Anniversary Special Edition consists of both Meji Book One and Meji Book Two. This hard cover volume is graced with amazing cover art by master artist Mshindo Kuumba, and contains interior illustrations from the upcoming Meji based graphic novel series, Uhuru. Meji is a Sword and Soul classic and a must have for Sword and Soul as well as Sword and Sorcery fans. Meji Special edition is available only directly from MVmedia, and each book is signed by the author, Milton J. Davis. Order your piece of Sword and Soul history today! Click here to order! Meji 10th Anniversary Special Editi…

I'm featured in this article: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/anti-racist-reading-drove-business-to-black-bookstores-owners-hope-thats-not-the-end-of-the-story Basically white folks decided that they were gonna support Black owned independent bookstores (including AALBC) they infused many struggling stores with much needed capital. My biggest take-away from the whole affair is that Black people really need to consider doing this -- permanently.

Facing Christmas in an empty nest, Laura and Stanley Jacobs decide to do something they’ve always dreamed of— rent a massive beach home on Sea Island, South Carolina, their favorite vacation destination. However, a series of unexpected circumstances, finds them with a house full when youngest daughter Shelly shows up from Germany with her new boyfriend Darian, recently divorced middle son Bryce arrives jobless with his twins, and estranged eldest child Terry finally decides to come home after five years with her celebrity chef boyfriend João. The result is a heartwarming holiday among the swaying palmettos of the Low Country. "When something makes you think about …

TEAM GHETTOHEAT®! GHETTOHEAT® – Poetry, Prose, Drama, Sexuality, Street Lit CONVICT’S CANDY – Sexuality, Crime, Womens Interest, Urban Fiction, Suspense HARDER – Street Lit, Crime, Womens Interest, Suspense, Urban Fiction AND GOD CREATED WOMAN – Women’s Interest, Drama, Sexuality, Urban Fiction, Suspense LONDON REIGN – Sexuality, Mystery, Crime, Young Adult, Urban Fiction SONZ OF DARKNESS – Science Fiction, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Supernatural TANTRUM – Politics, Crime, Mystery, Urban Fiction LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY – Street Lit, Crime, Urban Fiction, Suspense HICKSONBELIKE – Art, Photography, Sexuality, Erotica, Poetry & Prose THICKNESS – Romance, Urba…

Author Name: Tiffany Obeng (myself) Title: My Summer Skin is Radiant ISBN 13: 978-1959075028 Publication Date: e-book 8/2022, paperback 8/2022, hardcover forthcoming Book cover image: Attached Synopsis: Through gorgeous art and lyrical text, My Summer Skin is Radiant chronicles two children's summer days and delivers an empowering celebration of their darker summer skin tones. By the end of this book, everyone of all ages will be encouraged to love all shades of themselves and others.