Black Book Bash 2025 Author Line-Up | 150+ Black Authors

The Lineup Is Legendary

It’s Giving Grown, Black, and Booked.

These are the storytellers turning pages and heads — 150+ Black authors across every genre, from debut voices to fan faves. From indie to hybrid to traditionally published, they’re pulling up with heat, heart, and whole book clubs behind them. We’re talking New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, viral favorites, and voices you’ll be bragging about discovering first.

Some haven’t made it to this page yet because… well, they’re on deadline 😅 and we’re still gathering bios and headshots.

This lineup? Yeah… it’s the one.

Be a B3 Author

Our Stories, Our Terms

Real Talk, Real Life

Love Jones & Situationships

Black to the Future

Don't Go in There!

Coming in Hot, Coming of Age

Katrina M Adams Own the Arena

Real Talk,
Real Life

Katrina M. Adams is a trailblazing sports executive, former pro tennis player, and author of Own the Arena. She was the first African American and former athlete to serve as USTA Chair and President (2015–2018). A global speaker and equity advocate, she leads the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program and serves on several boards. In 2024, she received an honorary doctorate from Northwestern University for her leadership and impact.

Esme Addison An Intrigue of Witches

Black to the Future

Esme Addison is an Amazon and BN.com bestselling author and Agatha Award nominee for Best First Book. A member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Crime Writers of Color, she lives in central North Carolina with her family. Learn more at esmeaddison.com and follow her on social media @EsmeAddison.

Kaia Alderson In a League of Her Own

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Kaia Alderson writes historical women’s fiction with a focus on uncovering “hidden figures” in African-American women’s history. She is the author of Sisters In Arms (2021) and In A League of Her Own (2024). Kaia is an alumna of Spelman College, the University of West Georgia, and several renowned creative writing workshops.

Danielle Allen Plus Size Player

Love Jones &
Situationships

Danielle Allen is a USA TODAY bestselling author, educator, and life coach who writes sexy romance full of heart, humor, and heat. Her background in social sciences fuels her passion for helping people grow and find love. Her latest novels include Curvy Girl Summer (2024) and Plus Size Player (2025), which celebrate confident women, real romance, and happily ever afters.

Book cover for A.C. Arthur / Lacey Baker

A.C. Arthur / Lacey Baker A Lifetime in 30 Days

Love Jones &
Situationships

A.C. Arthur writes contemporary and paranormal romance. As Lacey Baker, she’s written Hallmark novelizations. She’s also the founder of the One Love Reunion literary event.

Aubry J. Hoop Session

Love Jones &
Situationships

Aubry J. is a prolific urban romance author, known for her heartfelt stories and strong emotional themes. Recent books include Hoop Session and Hood Legacy.

ML Bash Nobody to Love You Better

Love Jones &
Situationships

ML Bash is a 28-year-old writer from southern Louisiana with degrees in psychology and addiction studies. Her work explores how love shows up in all its forms—monogamous, poly, and everything in between. Writing for nearly a decade, she crafts imperfect characters who still find and deserve love. When she’s not at her laptop, you’ll find her baking, reading, or hanging out with her two beloved cats.

Daniel Black Isaac’s Song

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Daniel Black is a professor of Africana Studies at Clark Atlanta University and author of The Coming, Perfect Peace, Black on Black, and Isaac’s Song.

Barbara Brandon-Croft Where I’m Coming From

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Award-winning cartoonist Barbara Brandon-Croft made history in 1989 as the first Black woman to cross into the mainstream press with her syndicated cartoon Where I’m Coming From. By 1991, it was distributed nationally and internationally by Universal Press Syndicate until 2005. In 2023, Drawn & Quarterly published a compilation of her work and journey, earning a NABJ Award for Outstanding Book and an Eisner Award nomination.

Denny S. Bryce The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Denny S. Bryce is a bestselling historical fiction author, NPR book critic, and writing professor. Her latest novel releases in 2026.

D. Camille Black Magic

Our Stories,
Our Terms

For over a decade, award-winning author D. Camille has penned and self-published over 60 titles, across 14 series, and in 5 genres. All focused on Black Love, Black Life, and Black Knowledge. As a consistent Amazon #1 Best-selling author in several categories, the D. Camille Universe and D. Camille Books brand is unrivaled in mystery, suspense, history, and of course, Black romance!

Paula Chase Keeping It Real

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

Co-founder of The Brown Bookshelf, Paula Chase is a YA and middle-grade author known for writing honest, tough-topic books for young readers.

Monica Chenault-Kilgore The Jewel of the Blues

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Monica Chenault-Kilgore writes historical fiction to illuminate resilient women who blaze trails despite insuperable odds. Her debut novel, Long Gone, Come Home, a 1930s coming-of-age story, appeared on several “most anticipated” lists in 2023. The Jewel Of The Blues (pub. 2024) is a tale of the hard scrabble life of African American entertainers along the 1920s vaudeville circuit. Monica is a graduate of The Ohio State University School of Journalism and resides in Edison, NJ.

Tracy Clark Echo

Don't Go in There!

Tracy Clark, a native Chicagoan, is the award-winning author of the Cass Raines Chicago Mystery and Detective Harriet Foster series. A multi-time finalist for the Anthony, Edgar, Lefty, Macavity, Shamus, and International Thriller Writers Awards, she’s also won the G.P. Putnam’s Sons Sue Grafton Memorial Award (2020, 2022), the Sara Paretsky Award (2022), the Lefty Award for Best Mystery Novel (2024), and the Anthony Award for Best Paperback Original (2024).

Nikki Clarke Taste

Black to the Future

Nikki Clarke is a poet and writer who’s always loved a good love story in books and on film. Her favorite on screen love declarations in no particular order are: Darius and Nina under the viaduct, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in the field (Knightley and MacFadden version), and Dwayne and Whitley at the wedding.

Terreece M. Clarke Chaser

Love Jones &
Situationships

Bestselling author and journalist Terreece M. Clarke writes love stories about courageous Black women in extraordinary circumstances who are loved fully and unapologetically. Her work has appeared in major publications and caught the attention of The New York Times, Disney.com, and Jezebel. Her first book, Olivia’s Potty Adventures, was a #1 Amazon New Release for 16 weeks. Her debut romance series, Courageous Love, became an international bestseller across multiple categories.

Toni Collier Don’t Try This Alone

Real Talk,
Real Life

Toni Collier is a speaker, author, and founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, a global organization helping women heal from brokenness with honesty and hope. She hosts the Still Coloring podcast and is the author of Brave Enough to Be Broken, Don’t Do This Alone, and the children’s book Broken Crayons Still Color. Toni’s mission is simple and powerful: to show that even in your most shattered moments, you are still worthy of joy and purpos

Nia Davenport / N.E. Davenport

Black to the Future

Nia 'N.E.' Davenport writes award-winning science fiction and fantasy and advocates for diversity in literature. She lives in Chicago.

Linsey Davis Girls of the World

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

Linsey Davis is an Emmy Award–winning journalist, ABC News anchor, and New York Times bestselling author. She anchors World News Tonight on Sundays and ABC News Live Prime, and reports across ABC platforms. Linsey is the author of several acclaimed children’s books, including the New York Times bestseller Girls of the World, which celebrates confidence and empowerment. Through news and storytelling, she inspires the next generation to dream boldly and lead with purpose.

Christina Dotson Love You to Death

Don't Go in There!

Christina Dotson is a member of Crime Writers of Color and was a runner-up for the Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award. In addition to writing, she is a licensed clinical social worker and lives in Kentucky.

Michael Eric Dyson Represent

Real Talk,
Real Life

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is a New York Times bestselling author, professor, ordained minister, and one of America’s most influential public intellectuals. He has written over 25 books, including Tears We Cannot Stop, Long Time Coming, and Jay-Z: Made in America, blending cultural commentary with scholarly insight. A dynamic speaker and frequent media guest, Dr. Dyson bridges academia and activism, using words to challenge injustice, amplify Black voices, and inspire transformative dialogue.

Shameka S. Erby The Air Between Us

Love Jones &
Situationships

Shameka Erby writes queer and plus-size inclusive Black romance with gentle vibes and emotional depth. She’s based in Baltimore.

Nicole Falls Rori & Remy

Love Jones &
Situationships

Nicole Falls is a beloved Black indie romance author known for relatable characters and humor. Her books are full of charm and warmth.

Renee Daniel Flagler Unlikely Neighbors

Love Jones &
Situationships

Renee Daniel Flagler is an award-winning author and adjunct professor of creative writing. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and was honored with the division’s Award for Excellence in Writing and Commitment to the Profession. Renee crafts emotionally stirring stories featuring beautifully flawed, resilient characters. She’s also written under the pen name Nicki Night and has been featured in several publications, including Ebony and Woman’s World magazines.

Mo Flames One Ain’t Enough

Love Jones &
Situationships

Atlanta-based indie author Mo Flames delivers bold, unforgettable romances filled with passion, scandal, and suspense. With over 15 years of storytelling, she’s known for vivid characters, jaw-dropping cliffhangers, and fearless drama. Her Enough series and other steamy titles explore love’s temptations and chaos, keeping readers hooked.

Kellye Garrett Missing White Woman

Don't Go in There!

Kellye Garrett’s novels have been featured on the Today Show and named to Time Magazine’s list of 100 Best Mysteries & Thrillers of All Time. Her latest, Missing White Woman, was an Apple Books Staff Pick, Amazon Editors’ Pick, and a CBS New York Book Club and Reader’s Digest selection. It also won the first-ever ITW Thriller Award for Best Standalone Mystery—and was even a $1,000 clue on Jeopardy.

Octavia Grant Cutthroat

Don't Go in There!

Award-winning thriller author Octavia Grant has published over 30 books and been featured at ESSENCE Fest and in media nationwide.

Johnazia Gray He’ll Always Love Me

Love Jones &
Situationships

I’m a national bestselling author with 51 published books and 11 Amazon #1 Bestsellers under my belt. I specialize in writing Urban Fiction, Urban Romance, and Erotica. I published my first novel at 17, and that debut How Deep Is Your Love made its mark by cracking the Top Fifteen in African American Urban Fiction on Amazon in 2015. Currently a Student at FAMU studying Journalism & Public Relations.

Sherelle Green Face Down Fridays

Love Jones &
Situationships

Sherelle Green writes high-stakes mafia romance, blending suspense and sensuality. She’s a USA Today bestselling author.

Rachel Howzell Hall Fog and Fury

Don't Go in There!

Rachel Howzell Hall is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fifteen novels, including Fog and Fury, The Cruel Dawn (forthcoming), and The Last One, a Good Morning America Book Club pick. Her other bestselling titles include What Fire Brings, What Never Happened, We Lie Here, And Now She’s Gone, and These Toxic Things. Rachel is a two-time finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.

Terah Shelton Harris Long After We Are Gone

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Terah Shelton Harris is an author and former librarian who writes upmarket fiction with bittersweet endings. She is the author of One Summer in Savannah and Long After We Are Gone, both recognized as a Target Book Club pick, LibraryReads pick, Kobo Best Book, and more. A Goodreads Choice nominee and Publisher’s Marketplace Buzz Book author, Terah was named Target’s first Author of the Year. Her third novel, Where the Wildflowers Grow, releases February 2026.

Clarence A. Haynes The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery

Black to the Future

Clarence A. Haynes is a freelance editor and author of the adult glam horror urban fantasy novel The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery. He is also the co-writer of Omar Epps’ lauded YA series Nubia: The Awakening and The Reckoning. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Terri J Haynes Daughters of Shiloh

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Terri J. Haynes is a Baltimore native, author, graphic designer, and prolific knitter. A former military wife (she left the Army, not the husband), she now runs a hand-dyed yarn business. She holds a master’s in Theology and a graphic design certificate. Terri lives in Fort Washington, Maryland, just outside D.C., where she enjoys life with her husband and their three adult children.

Helena Haywoode Henry Last Chance Live!

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

Helena Haywoode Henry is a mom of three and former attorney living in the Raleigh-Durham area. Helena graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and from NYU School of Law. Last Chance Live! is her first novel.

Donna Hill I Am Ayah: The Way Home

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Donna is.a multi-published author of contemporary romance, women's fiction, and historical romance with more than 100 titles in print. Three of her novels were adapted for TV. She is the Exec. Director at the Center for Black Literature and Associate Professor at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, NY

Jacinta Howard When Forty Blooms

Love Jones &
Situationships

Jacinta Howard is an Atlanta-based author and culture journalist with over a decade covering the city’s music, food, and art scenes. Her work has appeared in Eater, Atlanta Magazine, Shondaland, BET, and more. She’s a former Rock The Bells editor, and her ASME-nominated piece on Magic City’s wings and hip-hop coverage were featured in Atlanta’s Hip Hop 50 Time Capsule. Her novels have been spotlighted by USA Today and Book Riot.

Kaylynn Hunt Satisfaction Guaranteed

Love Jones &
Situationships

Kaylynn Hunt is a bold, multi-genre author who writes heartfelt, gritty stories across romance, drama, and suspense.

H.D. Hunter Something Like Right

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

Hugh “H.D.” Hunter is an award-winning author from Atlanta. His Futureland series is celebrated nationwide, and his debut novel won the 2025 BCALA Youth Literary Award.

Kosoko Jackson The Macabre

Black to the Future

Kosoko Jackson is the Lambda Literary Award–winning author of the USA Today bestseller The Forest Demands Its Due. When not writing, he’s trying to watch one hundred movies a year, working on his MFA homework, or juggling teaching responsibilities. He lives in New Jersey with his golden retriever, Artemis.

Jahquel J. Capone

Love Jones &
Situationships

Jahquel J. has been writing since 2014, known for her hit urban romance series including The Delgato Family and Confessions of a Hustla’s Housekeeper.

Keira N. James Bodied

Don't Go in There!

Keira N. James is a thriller author hailing from Danville, GA. Her love affair with books started long before her writing journey began. She'd lose herself in the pages of gripping tales, and now, she's the one crafting those thrilling twists, giving readers the same excitement she once enjoyed as a bookworm.

Jatoria C. The Brasi

Love Jones &
Situationships

National bestselling urban romance author Jatoria C. writes dark and emotionally gripping stories drawn from her Southern roots and imagination.

John Jennings Parable of the Talents

Black to the Future

Afrofuturist artist and author John Jennings is known for speculative graphic novels and is the founder of Abrams Megascope imprint.

Kim Johnson The Color of a Lie

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

Kim Johnson writes acclaimed social thrillers like *This Is My America* and *The Color of a Lie*. She’s a multiple award-winning author and educator.

Nancy Johnson People of Means

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Nancy Johnson is the author of People of Means, a story of race, class, and resistance set in 1960s Nashville and 1992 Chicago, published by William Morrow/HarperCollins. PEOPLE Magazine called it “beautifully crafted” and “propulsive.” Her debut novel, The Kindest Lie, was reviewed by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times, and was featured on Entertainment Weekly’s Must List.

Christina C. Jones Hostile Takeover

Love Jones &
Situationships

Christina C. Jones is a bestselling romance author known for writing dynamic, relatable Black love stories across subgenres.

Sheinelle Jones Through Mom’s Eyes

Real Talk,
Real Life

Sheinelle Jones is an Emmy Award–winning journalist, co-host of the third hour of NBC’s Today show, and host of Today’s “Through Mom’s Eyes” series. She has interviewed newsmakers, celebrities, and everyday heroes, bringing warmth and authenticity to millions of viewers. Sheinelle is also the author of Through Mom’s Eyes, an inspiring collection of lessons from celebrity mothers. Known for her energy, empathy, and storytelling, she uplifts voices and celebrates the power of connection.

elle kayson Real’s Love

Love Jones &
Situationships

Amazon bestselling author elle kayson writes compelling urban and contemporary romance, including *The Beauty of This Street Love*.

Faith Knight As Gray As Black & White

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

Faith (FM) Knight writes clean contemporary and historical fiction that attempts to shed light on little-known black experiences. She is a former TV news reporter and the cousin of legendary children's book author, Virginia Hamilton. Her debut novel, As Gray As Black & White, was an Editor’s Pick in Publishers Weekly’s BookLife. You can find her on most social media @therealknightauthor.

KuTura B Selfish

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

KuTura B is an Orlando-based urban fiction author known for her raw, unfiltered storytelling. Her books blend street drama, deep emotion, and characters that feel all too real. From Rumor Has It to Selfish, she writes for the girls who made it out—and the ones still surviving. With every page, KuTura B uses her pen to heal, empower, and remind readers that even in struggle, there’s always a story worth telling.

Toni Larué Juneteenth

Don't Go in There!

Award-winning thriller and horror author Toni Larue' crafts gripping, twisty stories nominated alongside Walter Mosley and others in 2025.

Rosey Lee A Gardin Wedding

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Rosey Lee writes stories about complicated families and complex friendships, but a happy ending is guaranteed. She was nominated for a 2025 Georgia Author of the Year Award for The Gardins of Edin, her debut novel. A Gardin Wedding is her second novel. Rosey lives in Atlanta, about an hour away from the fictional town of Edin, Georgia, where her characters live.

Lorna Lewis A Sky Full of Love

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Southern fiction author Lorna Lewis writes deeply emotional novels about betrayal, healing, and forgiveness, inspired by her Louisiana roots.

Sheryl Lister A Promise of Forever

Love Jones &
Situationships

Sheryl Lister is a multi-award-winning author of romance and women’s fiction, known for emotionally rich, character-driven stories.

Norian Love Winter: A Love Story

Love Jones &
Situationships

Norian Love is a best-selling author, screen-writer, songwriter, and poet, whose rich storytelling and creative world building is swiftly setting him apart as one of the top writers in the black romance genre. His best-selling release, Autumn: A Love Story, was the recipient of the Association of Black Romance Writers 2021 Book of the Year Award as well as the 2024 International Impact Book Award for Romance.

M. Monique Dr. Bell

Love Jones &
Situationships

Florida-based author M. Monique is an urban romance powerhouse with 30+ novels, known for themes of love, loyalty, and strong family dynamics.

Brandon Massey Good Intentions

Don't Go in There!

Brandon Massey is an award-winning author of horror and thrillers. His novels include *Thunderland* and *Good Intentions*, praised for suspense and depth.

Bernice L. McFadden Firstborn Girls: A Memoir

Real Talk,
Real Life

Bernice L. McFadden is a national bestselling, award-winning author known for richly layered novels centering ancestry, memory, and the strength of Black women. Her acclaimed works include Sugar, The Book of Harlan, and Praise Song for the Butterflies. Her memoir, Firstborn Girls, explores generational trauma and maternal legacy. A recipient of the American Book Award and an NAACP Image Award, McFadden is also a devoted educator who believes in storytelling as a tool for healing and truth.

Rhonda McKnight The Thing About Home

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Christy Award finalist and Emma Award winner, Rhonda McKnight writes emotionally compelling book club fiction and Black romance.

Keith F. Miller, Jr. Pritty

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

Keith F. Miller, Jr. is the author of the critically acclaimed YA series PRITTY (HarperCollins). An award-winning educator, artist, and researcher, he founded Healing By Any Means (HBAM) and created Narrative Systems Design to drive change through story. He also executive produced Pritty: The Animation and holds an MFA in creative writing from St. Francis College in Brooklyn.

Michelle Miller Belonging

Real Talk,
Real Life

Michelle Miller is an Emmy Award–winning journalist and co-host of CBS Saturday Morning. With more than two decades at CBS News, she has covered major national and international stories, from presidential elections to humanitarian crises. Michelle is also the author of Belonging: A Daughter’s Search for Identity Through Loss and Love, a memoir exploring family, race, and resilience. Her work blends integrity and empathy, bringing depth and humanity to every story she tells.

Vanessa Miller The Filling Station

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Vanessa Miller is a USA Today bestselling author of inspirational fiction. Her book *The American Queen* won multiple major literary awards.

K.C. Mills Shadows & Whispers

Love Jones &
Situationships

K.C. Mills is a USA Today bestselling author with over 100 novels, writing edgy, realistic romance that centers Black love in all its forms.

Nek Mills Dreaux: The Ruthless One

Love Jones &
Situationships

Alabama-based Nek Mills is a bestselling urban fiction author whose breakout novel *Cuffed By A Certified Maniac* hit #2 on Amazon.

Shara Moon Let Us March On

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Shara Moon is a first-generation Haitian American author and history lover who uncovers hidden stories in Black world history. A former writing instructor with degrees from UCF and City College of New York, she makes her historical fiction debut with LET US MARCH ON (William Morrow/HarperCollins). When she’s not writing or wrangling her three littles, she’s reading, researching, or conferring with her muse. Learn more at sharamoon.com.

Wanda M. Morris What You Leave Behind

Don't Go in There!

Author of *All Her Little Secrets* and *Anywhere You Run*, Wanda M. Morris is known for gripping legal thrillers and award-winning suspense.

Kenya Moss-Dyme Sick xoxo

Don't Go in There!

As a kid, I was drawn more to ghosts and goblins than princesses and fairy godmothers. With Stephen King and Jack Ketchum as early favorites—and no Black horror authors in sight—I began writing short horror in my teens. Decades later, self-publishing helped me release my first book. Though I may drop the occasional romance, my true passion is crafting stories about monsters—whether they crawl from hell or live quietly next door.

Yvette Lisa Ndlovu Drinking from Graveyard Wells

Black to the Future

Yvette Lisa Ndlovu is a Zimbabwean sarungano and author of Drinking from Graveyard Wells, winner of the 2023 Cornell Philip Freund Prize and finalist for multiple awards, including the Ursula K. Le Guin Prize. Her novel-in-progress earned the Worldbuilder Scholarship from George R.R. Martin. She holds degrees from Cornell and UMass Amherst, is the Newhouse Visiting Assistant Professor at Wellesley, and co-founded the Voodoonauts Summer Fellowship for Black SFF writers.

Rasheed Newson My Government Means to Kill Me

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Rasheed Newson is the author of the national bestseller My Government Means to Kill Me, a Lambda Literary finalist for Gay Fiction and one of The New York Times’ “100 Notable Books of 2022.” His forthcoming novel, There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood, will be published by Flatiron in 2026. Rasheed was recently named a 2025–26 American Library in Paris Visiting Fellow.

Unoma Nwankwor Rent a Bae

Love Jones &
Situationships

Unoma Nwankwor writes multicultural romance across Africa and the diaspora, blending faith, family, and love with rich cultural stories.

Brianna A Peppins Briarcliff Prep: Sophomore Year

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

Brianna Peppins is the author of young adult contemporary books, including Briarcliff Prep and As Long as We're Together. She was raised in PG County, Maryland and graduated from Spelman College with a B.A. in Psychology. When not writing, Brianna takes special interest in spending time with her loved ones, social justice issues and is a self-proclaimed movie aficionado.

Deesha Philyaw The Secret Lives of Church Ladies

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Deesha Philyaw’s debut short story collection, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, won the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award, the 2020/2021 Story Prize, and the LA Times Book Prize for First Fiction. It was also a finalist for the 2020 National Book Award. Her debut novel, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman, is forthcoming from Mariner Books, an imprint of HarperCollins, in 2026.

Book cover for Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey

Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey Kamala, the Motherland and Me

Real Talk,
Real Life

Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey is an award-winning journalist, educator, and storyteller amplifying frontline voices and reshaping narratives about our communities. He’s the inaugural Journalist-in-Residence for the Black Land Loss Narrative Archive and author of the bestselling memoir Kamala, The Motherland, and Me. He hosts the A More Perfect Union podcast, serves as White House Correspondent for KBLA Talk Radio, and teaches at Pepperdine, bridging democracy, dialogue, and culture with insight and heart.

Queen Philly Winter Wilde

Love Jones &
Situationships

Queen Philly is a bold voice in contemporary Black fiction, known for gritty, emotionally rich stories rooted in Philly’s energy. Her novels spotlight powerful women, street legacies, and family loyalty, all delivered with cinematic precision. Whether it’s love, war, or survival, her characters never fold—and her readers never forget them.

Shakir Rashaan Sageborn

Black to the Future

Shakir Rashaan writes lavish speculative fiction and urban fantasy. He's the creator of the NEBU Universe and a leading voice in indie Black SFF.

Edwin Raymond An Inconvenient Cop

Real Talk,
Real Life

Retired NYPD lieutenant Edwin Raymond is the author of *An Inconvenient Cop*, named Best Book of 2023 by *The Washington Post*.

justin a. reynolds Opposite of Always

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

justin a. reynolds is the bestselling author of *Opposite of Always* and *Early Departures*. He co-founded the Cleveland Reads Book Festival.

Bethny Ricks Face Forward

Real Talk,
Real Life

Bethny Ricks is an author, speaker, and leadership strategist known for her raw voice and redemptive storytelling. Named one of the Top 100 African Americans in Business, she spent two decades in billion-dollar boardrooms before turning to the stories that once went unsaid. Her latest book, Face Forward, is a bold invitation to reclaim hope and rebuild when everything falls apart.

Navi’ Robins Echoes of Man

Black to the Future

Author Navi’ Robins was born in Chicago and spent seven formative years in Liberia, where his imagination was deeply shaped by diverse cultures and languages. His global upbringing fuels the rich, immersive storytelling found in his novels. With a background as unique as his characters, Navi’ brings a fresh perspective to every page.

Farrah Rochon Pugs & Kisses

Love Jones &
Situationships

Farrah Rochon is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of 40-plus adult romance and young adult novels, novellas, and short stories. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading, traveling the world, visiting Walt Disney World, and catching her favorite Broadway shows.

Zin E. Rocklyn Flowers for the Sea

Black to the Future

Zin E. Rocklyn, a Trinidadian American horror and dark fantasy author from Jersey City, is a Joseph Pulver Award winner and graduate of VONA and Viable Paradise. Her Nebula- and IGNYTE-nominated, Shirley Jackson Award-winning debut novella Flowers for the Sea was published by Tor.com in 2021. She has contributed to multiple anthologies and can be found on Bluesky at ZinRock.

Rona D. Friendship Matters

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Rona D. is the author of the *Friendship Matters* series, known for heartwarming stories about love, resilience, and lifelong friendships.

Rowdy Roosky The Assignment

Love Jones &
Situationships

Rowdy Rooksy is a Texas-based romance author crafting steamy, magnetic stories drenched in unapologetic Black love. A Technical Project Manager by day and storyteller by night, she writes unforgettable tales featuring bold women and swagged-out men. Her books are for the bookish baddies who like their romance dark, spicy, and full of heat.

S.Yvonne Dom: The Miami King

Love Jones &
Situationships

Bestselling author S.Yvonne writes raw, emotional urban fiction. She also runs her own publishing house, S.Yvonne Presents.

Del Sandeen This Cursed House

Black to the Future

Del Sandeen lives in Northeast Florida, where she works as a writer and copy editor. She also writes speculative and horror fiction. Her work has appeared in FIYAH: Speculative Literary Magazine, Uncanny Magazine, Nightlight Podcast, and Gay magazine. This Cursed House is her debut novel.

Charity Shané Truce of the Matter

Love Jones &
Situationships

Charity Shane’ is an author, higher education leader, legal expert, and creative with a Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degree. Her true passion is writing stories that move readers through emotion and voice. She’s published multiple books—both indie and traditional—including Amazon bestsellers. Her novel A Novel Christmas was featured in Entertainment Weekly and Woman’s World Magazine. Charity’s soul sings Black romance and Black women’s fiction.

Angel M. Shaw Between Passion and Revenge

Love Jones &
Situationships

Angel M. Shaw writes angsty, dark romances with heart and heat. She's the author of the Between Passion and Revenge duet.

Aries Skye Love on the Rebound

Love Jones &
Situationships

Fiery Aries and proud romance author Aries Skye believes deeply in the power of Black love. Her #SkyeStories spotlight beautiful Black individuals navigating life and finding love along the way. When she’s not wielding her magical Black girl pen, she’s wrapped in the comfort of family life with her adoring husband of two decades and their four energetic, artistic “womb fruits.” Aries writes Black romance with heart, heat, and healing at its core.

Frederick Smith One and Done

Love Jones &
Situationships

Frederick Smith is a prolific writer of Black LGBTQ+ romance and higher ed stories set in LA and San Francisco.

Ian K. Smith Beyond Midnight

Don't Go in There!

Ian K. Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of over 20 books, including the acclaimed Ashe Cayne mystery series. His upcoming novel, Beyond Midnight (Book 5), continues the gripping adventures of Chicago’s sharpest private investigator. While widely known for his bestselling health and wellness titles like The Clean 20, Dr. Smith is also a master of suspense, blending heart-pounding storytelling with sharp social insight.

M.E. Solomon My Mimi Said

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

M.E. Solomon is an accomplished author, corporate training and enablement professional, and a perpetual learner. The Florida A&M alumni has spent the last 30 years exploring the United States, experiencing new things, meeting new people, and writing about it at every turn.

Sharifa Stevens When We Talk to God

Real Talk,
Real Life

Sharifa Stevens is a writer, poet, speaker, and singer who uses her words to help readers intersect with the sacred and the honest. A daughter of Jamaican immigrants, she was born in New York and now lives in Dallas with her husband and two lively sons. Sharifa holds degrees from Columbia University and Dallas Theological Seminary. She co-authored Only Light Can Do That and contributed to Vindicating the Vixens, Rally, and Lecrae’s forthcoming Set Me Free.

Tanisha Stewart The Babysitter

Don't Go in There!

Tanisha Stewart is a best selling and award winning author of page turning thrillers with pulse pounding twists.

Ravynn K. Stringfield Love in 280 Characters or Less

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

Ravynn K. Stringfield is a YA author and former academic from Suffolk, VA. She’s the author of Love Requires Chocolate (2024) and Love in 280 Characters or Less (2025). Ravynn holds a PhD in American Studies from William & Mary, and her creative nonfiction has appeared in Shondaland, ZORA, and Catapult Magazine.

T’Lyn Won’t Keep You Waiting

Love Jones &
Situationships

T’Lyn is a prolific romance and hood lit author with over 25 novels. Her work blends gritty realism with heartfelt emotion.

Tabitha Rochelle Weathering the Storm

Love Jones &
Situationships

Tabitha believes there’s nothing like experiencing true love—and once you’ve had a taste, everything else pales in comparison. She writes stories that capture the essence of Black love in all its forms: falling in love, losing it, and the beauty of physical intimacy. Her passion is crafting poetry and romance that leave a lasting imprint on the heart, mind, and soul—stories that inspire, nurture, and celebrate love.

Tacarra Nobody Loves Me Like You Do

Love Jones &
Situationships

Tacarra is an Urban Fiction author known for her signature “Rugged Romance”—gritty, passionate stories rooted in real life. A lifelong fan of the genre since middle school, she’s now the CEO and founder of Urban Dynasty Publications, with nearly 50 books to her name. Based in Jacksonville, FL, Tacarra continues to create the dope books her readers know, love, and can’t put down.

ReShonda Tate The Queen of Sugar Hill

Our Stories,
Our Terms

ReShonda Tate is the national bestselling author of over 50 books spanning historical fiction, adult and teen fiction, and nonfiction. Her latest novel is Queen of Sugar Hill, following With Love From Harlem. Let the Church Say Amen was adapted for BET by Regina King, and The Secret She Kept aired on TV One. A NAACP Image Award winner, ReShonda’s work has been featured in USA Today, Essence, and Ebony.

Jemar Tisby The Spirit of Justice

Real Talk,
Real Life

Dr. Jemar Tisby is a New York Times bestselling author, historian, and founder of Tisby Media. He holds a PhD in history and writes on faith, race, and justice, with acclaimed books like The Color of Compromise and The Spirit of Justice. A sought-after speaker and educator, his work has been featured in The Atlantic, CNN, PBS, and more. Follow his latest writing at JemarTisby.Substack.com.

Tiye This Side of Beautiful

Love Jones &
Situationships

Tiye is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and emotional fiction. She also works in the mental health field.

Anna Malaika Tubbs Erased

Real Talk,
Real Life

Anna Malaika Tubbs is a New York Times bestselling author and expert on race, gender, and equity. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Cambridge and degrees from Stanford, and her work has appeared in TIME, CNN, The Guardian, and more. Her TED Talk has over 2 million views, and she’s developing multiple screen projects. Anna lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.

Michelle McGill Vargas American Ghoul

Black to the Future

Michelle McGill-Vargas lives in northwest Indiana where she works as a teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing. She is a writer of speculative historical fiction whose work has appeared in Splickety Magazine and the Copperfield Review. American Ghoul is her debut novel.

Arriel Vinson Under the Neon Lights

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

Arriel Vinson is a Reese’s Book Club LitUp Fellow and Midwesterner who writes about being young, Black, and in search of freedom. She holds an MFA in Fiction from Sarah Lawrence College. Her work appears in Kweli Journal, Catapult, The Rumpus, Waxwing, and more. A Tin House YA Scholar and Walter Grant recipient, Arriel’s debut YA novel-in-verse is Under the Neon Lights. Connect with her @arriwrites or at arriwrites.com.

Alexandra Warren Can’t Catch Me

Love Jones &
Situationships

With 30+ titles, Alexandra Warren writes contemporary romance that centers Black love. She's also the co-founder of Girl, Have You Read…

Tiffany L. Warren The Unexpected Diva

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Tiffany L. Warren is a novelist and screenwriter who has published over thirty novels. In addition to writing books, Tiffany has written and produced multiple musicals for the stage, as well as several book to film collaborations with BET.

DL White Brunch at Ruby’s

Love Jones &
Situationships

DL White is a powerhouse self-published author carving out space for Black love stories with heart, heat, and charm. She’s the voice behind compelling Black romantic fiction, a podcast mic-dropper, Substack curator, fan girl, and community builder. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her chasing the perfect Sunday brunch or sipping a great cup of coffee. Discover her work at BooksByDLWhite.com and follow the movement with #PutItInYourFace.

Eddie Dee Williams Echoes: The Affinity Saga Book 2

Black to the Future

Eddie Dee, 40, is a proud Valdosta, GA native, Christian, husband, girl dad, and part-time dog babysitter. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, he draws inspiration from his faith, his work in relationships and interpersonal dynamics, and pop culture favorites like Mission: Impossible, Power Rangers, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His writing blends purpose and imagination, rooted in real-world experience and a deep belief in growth, love, and God-given creativity.

LaDarrion Williams Bones at the Crossroads

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

LaDarrion Williams is a Los Angeles–based playwright, filmmaker, and author creating Black fantasy worlds that center magic and agency for Black characters. His debut, Blood at the Root, inspired by the idea “What if Harry Potter went to an HBCU?”, and its sequel, Bones at the Crossroads, were both instant New York Times bestsellers. A co-creator with The Black Creators Collective, he also wrote and produced a viral short film based on his debut.

Nikesha Elise Williams The Daughters of Dupree

Our Stories,
Our Terms

Nikesha Elise Williams is a two-time Emmy award winning producer, an award-winning author, and producer and host of the Black and Published podcast. A narrative strategist by day and journalist always, her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Essence, and Vox. Nikesha is a Kimbilio Fiction Fellow and a DeGroot Foundation Writer of Note grantee. A Chicago native, she lives in Florida with her family.

Shanora Williams The Wife Before

Don't Go in There!

Shanora Williams is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her versatile voice, diverse characters, and high-stakes love stories. Whether rooted in reality or set in magical worlds, her books explore connection, chaos, and love that lingers long after the last page. She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and three sons, and spends her downtime enjoying family life, binge-watching TV, working out, or curling up with a good book.

Dorena Williamson Crowned with Glory

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

Dorena Williamson is the bestselling author of nine children’s books, including The Story of Juneteenth, Crowned With Glory, and Brown Baby Jesus. A passionate bridge-builder, she speaks to audiences of all ages about diversity and belonging. In 1995, she and her husband planted a multiracial church in Nashville, where she serves as Pastor of Belonging.

Jahid Wilson, Jr. A Poor Man’s Prose

Black to the Future

Jahid Wilson Jr. is a BIPOC fantasy writer, podcast host, and creative writing student shaping the next wave of Black speculative voices.

Lakita Wilson Pretty Girl County

Coming in Hot,
Coming of Age

Lakita Wilson is the acclaimed author of *What Is Black Lives Matter?*, *Pretty Girl County*, and more. She holds an MFA from VCFA.

Rita Woods The Edge of Yesterday

Our Stories,
Our Terms

A native Detroiter, Rita Woods is the award-winning author of Remembrance, The Last Dreamwalker, and The Edge of Yesterday. Twice named one of Chicago’s Top 50 Artists, she won the AALBC and Hurston-Wright Awards for Remembrance, and The Last Dreamwalker was named CWA’s Chicago Book of the Year. A board-certified internist, she serves as Medical Director of a men’s maximum-security prison and lives outside Chicago with her family and a house full of cats.