African American Biography

How did a Black child, growing up in segregationist Mississippi during the early 1900s, become the commander of the Imperial Ethiopian Air Corps during the brutal Italo-Ethiopian War of 1935? In this gripping, never-before-told tale, biographer Thomas E. Simmons brings to life Robinson’s outstanding success in becoming a pilot, his expertise in building and assembling his own working aircraft, his influence on the establishment of a school of aviation at Tuskegee Institute, and his wartime service.

He educated tens of thousands. His life story inspired millions. Now, the only complete and authorized biography of George Washington Carver, a great American humanitarian, scientist, teacher, and conservationist is back to print after 60 years. Did you know that . . .Carver was born a slave? Carver was the first Black student and the first Black faculty member at Iowa State University?

Last of the Lions is two histories woven into one remarkable story. It’s a personal journey—the evocative life of Clarence B. Jones, from his depression- and segregation-era upbringing at the hands of caring Irish Catholic nuns through our current era (when the U.S. elected as President, back-to-back, the first African American to hold the office and a former game show host who dog-whistled to white supremacists).

The unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of An African Love Story, Daphne Sheldrick's touching memoir about romance, life and elephants from Africa's greatest living conservationist. Read by Virginia McKenna, the star of Born Free and the Founder Trustee of the Born Free Foundation. An...

Have you ever wondered how the human spirit can rise above the most crushing circumstances to achieve greatness? In Up from Slavery, Booker T. Washington delivers a powerful and intimate account of his ascent from a child born into slavery to becoming one of the most significant educators in American history. This is not merely a historical record; it is a profound manual on succeeding against all odds.

This story traces the childhood experiences of an African-American CIA officer. Unlike most books about the CIA, this one is deeply personal and offers an insight into the mind of an African-American spy. Learning from his positive and negative experiences proved essential to his success as a case officer in the covert services of the Central Intelligence Agency and helped him formulate a rewarding philosophy of life to live by....

Throughout history, African American musicians and artist have made a profound impact in music, they have given sound and voice through a wide variety of musical genres. Universally they have expressed emotions that is shared through faith, passion, joy, comfort, and injustice through songs that speaks directly to the heart and spirit. The incredible men and woman featured in this book are responsible for creating some of the most iconic songs ever recorded in the history of music.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “A great American success story . . . an endearing and well-written book.”—The New York Times Book Review Colin Powell is the embodiment of the American dream. He was born in Harlem to immigrant parents from Jamaica. He knew the rough life of the streets...

The book details an African American mother's rise from the poverty of being orphaned at age 4 with 15 siblings, the lessons her struggles and rise taught her children, and her approach to single motherhood and parenting. Her tactics and rationale are backed by scripture, practical application, doctoral level studies, research and professional journals. She teaches that a life without excuses is a life without limits. If she did it, you too can succeed in spite of....

The purpose of this audiobook is an awkward discussion of Eric Heard’s life to his son. He talks about his life in a candid way that tries to explain his anxiety as an African American dad. It is an open and honest account of his life through the life of a child that has been through a lot in his life. It is a reflection on his life that has been shaped by his childhood experiences.

How did Oprah Winfrey do to become the world's most well-known female personality as well as a successful entrepreneur? It turns out it was not just all luck. Her mantra, "Turn Your Wounds Into Wisdom," served her well from an early age, especially after tragically losing her first child and later when she worked to turn her life dreams into reality.

The intimate, extraordinary biography of Dr. Margaret Morgan Lawrence, America’s first Black female psychoanalyst—penned by her own daughter, now with a new afterword Margaret Morgan, raised in Mississippi in the 1910s, knows she's meant to be a doctor—and that she'll have to fight for it...

The most decorated athlete in track and field history reveals how her journey to becoming a mother turned into the fight of her life—and pushed her to find her voice as an advocate and champion, on and off the track I’m really, really fast. But there’s no such thing as “fast” inside a...

Smart, edgy, hilarious, and unabashedly raunchy New York Times bestselling author Samantha Irby explodes off the printed page in her uproarious first collection of essays. Irby laughs her way through tragicomic mishaps, neuroses, and taboos as she struggles through adulthood: chin hairs...

New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice An award-winning author charts the poignant global journeys of African Americans as she explores her own transatlantic family odyssey in Beyond the Shores, a powerful history of living abroad while Black. “By exploring the life of Black...

This heartfelt picture book biography, adapted for audio, tells the story of MaVynee Betsch, an African American opera singer turned environmentalist and the legacy she preserved. MaVynee loved going to the beach. But in the days of Jim Crow, she couldn't just go to any beach--most of the...

Dr. Jordan B. Smith, Jr. became the first African-American to become the Color Company Commander at the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis or USNA) in 1976. The Class of 1976 African Americans set the pathway for changes, by demonstrating that Blacks and other minorities had earned the right to be in Annapolis. The incidents and events are authentic. This audiobook is about one of the Black men who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1976.

Unveiling Our Story: Intimate African American Narratives is a powerful and timely tribute to the voices that history too often tries to silence. In an era where African American history is being questioned, diluted, and even erased, this audiobook stands as a bold act of remembrance and resistance. Through deeply personal accounts from individuals closely connected to the author, this collection reveals the triumphs and trials of Black life in America over the past century. These stories-raw and resilient-shine a light on the enduring legacy of racism, but they also go far beyond it.

Discover the extraordinary stories of African American trailblazers in this vibrant and inspiring alphabet book! From Maya Angelou to Malcolm X, Rosa Parks to Thurgood Marshall, this book introduces young listeners to the heroes who changed history through courage, creativity, and determination. Each story highlights a remarkable figure, bringing their achievements to life with fun, easy-to-understand descriptions. This book is an engaging way to explore Black history while inspiring kids to dream big and make a difference.

An upcoming book to be published by Penguin Random House...