This research guide reviews important authors and themes in African American literature. It also contains instructions on how to search for literary criticism. To find some authors, start out by reading the "50 Favorite African-American Authors of the 20th Century" by Good Black News and ranked by the African American Literature Book Club.
Courtesy of AALBC.com
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And here is the 21st Century 50 Favorite Top Authors by the AALBC. Note that these rankings are based on votes cast by the public.