Happy birthday Charles R. Johnson! Born April 23, Charles R. Johnson is an award-winning author, McArthur Fellow, and professor. His novel, Middle Passage, won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1990. Here are a few of his notable novels:
365 Black Books Kalamu ya Salaam Tuesday
Happy birthday Kalamu ya Salaam! He celebrates his 79th birthday today! Kalamu ya Salaam is a poet, author, filmmaker, and teacher from the 9th Ward of New Orleans. A well-known activist and social critic, Salaam has spoken out on a number of racial and human rights issues. Here are a few of his works:
365 Black Books Ralph Ellison Thursday
Born March 1, Ralph Ellison wrote the classic novel, Invisible Man. He also wrote other books and a few were published posthumously.
365 Black Books: Victor LaValle Thursday
Victor LaValle, born February 3, is a short story writer and novelist. One novel, The Changeling is adapted for Apple TV+. Another novel, The Devil in Silver is adapted for AMC and will air as limited series later this year. More information about Victor LaValle can be found here.
365 Black Books Gloria Naylor Friday
Born January 25, Gloria Naylor was an award winning novelist. She was named the winner of the National Book Award, first novel, Women of Brewster Place. She passed away in 2016. Read more about this award-winning author here:
A few of her well-known novels:
The Women of Brewster Place
Mama Day
Linden Hills
Bailey’s Cafe
The CamaraIfe Maktaba 