As the world of literature becomes more inclusive, many Black authors have picked up their pens, creating everything from authentic memoirs to gripping fantasy. Here are some up-and-coming names who have used their talents to represent Black culture and to shed light on the Black experience. 

O.O. Sangoyomi

O.O. Sangoyomi is a Nigerian American who recently released Masquerade, her debut novel. Masquerade is a historical fiction that takes place in a Medieval West Africa, as a young Yorùbá woman climbs through the ranks of society. The novel touches on the issue of power and the lengths some will go to secure it. The idea for Masquerade came to Sangoyomi during her sophomore year of college. She had become increasingly frustrated with the lack of African history classes at her school. Since she was born to Nigerian parents, she had a particular interest in  the history of West Africa. Sangoyomi went on to research Medieval West Africa in her own time, eventually creating the concept of Masquerade as a way to preserve and the culture of the Yorùbá people.

Tony Keith, Jr.

Dr. Tony Keith, Jr. is an award-winning poet, author, and entrepreneur in Washington DC. He is the founder of Ed Emcee Academy, a community-based organization that uses Hip-hop, Poetry, and Spoken word to amplify voices and promote understanding. His First book titled “How the Boogeyman Became a Poet“, is a young adult (YA) memoir in verse that recounts his journey from a closeted gay teen battling poverty to an openly gay first-generation college student who uses poetry to inspire others. Tony is set to release Knucklehead this February, which features a collection of letters and poems written by black boys and men that is combined with black-and-white illustrations in order to inspire and heal.

Shari B. Pennant

Shari B. Pennant made her debut with a short story titled The Book club. She has partnered with seventeen other Black authors to create Cool. Award. Black., a multi-genre anthology series that features exclusively Black characters, written by a group of bestselling, award-winning Black authors. Shari writes Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Crossover fiction, from her home in South Florida. Her stories center around otherworldly adventures of magic, heroism, and self-discovery. When she is not writing, she is the founder and co-owner of Jay’s House Bookshop & Bakery, a traveling indie bookstore located in South Florida that features and celebrates titles from minority authors.

Roseanne Brown

Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem is the latest title from Roseanne A. Brown, a teen and young adult author who has reached readers across the world. Roseanne Brown was born in Kumasi, Ghana, and moved to the US  when she was a child. Because of this, many of her books are heavily inspired by Ghanaian folklore. Her Debut novel, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin and its sequel A Psalm of Storms and Silence. A fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore. Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem is the second installment in the Serwa Boateng series. Which follows twelve-year-old Serwa Boateng as she tackles Vampires, witchcraft, and more.

As these talented authors continue to create work that reflects the richness of Black culture and history, they are not only preserving their own stories but also offering readers new perspectives. With genres ranging from memoirs to fantasy, these writers are contributing to a more inclusive literary landscape. Keep an eye out for their upcoming releases and dive into their worlds to experience Black culture through their creative lenses.

Cover photo: Emerging Black Authors Who Are Shaping Literature / Credit: Tony Keith, Jr.