African American Author Collaborative
Join our network to share stories, attend events, and grow your book dreams.
The AAAC Vision by Eliza Cooper
About 20 years ago, I published my first book. It was very expensive and occurred before self - publishing and social media were a thing. The publishing company I used told me that an author's first book was usually not successful. Needless to say i published that first book and it was a learning experience
The idea for this collaborative derived from the idea of having a platform for African American authors in Baltimore to grow and thrive together by supporting each other.
Meet the authors
efforts to share their work using the seven principles of Kwanza, Working as a team in unity and intentionally utilizing the principles of collective Work and Responsibility and Cooperative economics. Writing a Book demonstrates Self - Determination and creativity, choosing the topic shows purpose, and faith is stepping out and up despite doubts and obstacles
Utilizing a team with varying experiences and expertise can make the difference for authors by developing skill sets that
Can be shared and utilized in the community, and by having connections that uplift, encourage, and support one another
Information about Cayonna Prince and the GBE Community
GBE stands for the global butterfly community and is lead by Mrs. Cayonna Prince. This community is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, each carrying unique messages within them. Whether their messages aim to inspire laughter, provide encouragement, or offer support, we focus on publishing books that reflect these real-life experiences. Through these publications, we aim to share meaningful narratives that resonate with a wide audience. Cayonna has positioned herself as a process partner helping aspiring authors go from having just an idea or a concept to a finished piece.
She does not work like your typical; publishing company It doesn’t matter if you have a complete manuscript or just scribbles on the back of a napkin Mrs. Prince is confident in her ability to give form to to your message and guide you along the steps to reach release. Services differentiate themselves from those of a typical publishing community by prioritizing the connection between authors and readers across all genres. We provide a full spectrum of publishing solutions, including comprehensive publishing support, ghostwriting, and book promotion services.
Information about Elijah Lewis and Your Jewels Are in Your Journey
Elijah Lewis. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and is a proud graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Tuskegee University, and Morgan State University. Currently, In addition to being a published author and motivational speaker, he is also a project engineer at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) in Indian Head, MD.
“when people ask me if I ever planned on being an author. I told them that I did not.”
What led to me being an author was that I went to a black empowerment expo in Waldorf, Maryland in September 2022 and I met my publisher, Matthew C. Horne. I purchased two of his books and had him sign them for me. Then he said to me these exact words, “Brother, you look like got something on your mind, you ever think about writing a book?” I was in shock because I did not think that this was something I could do. However, I thought about my own journey and how I could relate that into a book.
The inspiration behind Your Jewels Are in Your Journey was that I know what it is like to feel lost on my journey and go through tough experiences such as having being on academic probation, graduating with a 2.58 GPA at the end of high school, and even having to grow up in a cult for ten years of my life. But I realized that I was able to learn important life lessons or jewels from those experiences and that certain people were able to get my life on track and most importantly find myself.
I tell people that we are all on journey and on that journey, we learn that life lessons are jewels and the people who inspire us to be our optimal selves are jewels. Once we know those jewels, we realize that we ourselves are jewels.
I am in the process of writing my second book that will focus on healing. If you want to learn more about me and my book, you can visit www.elijahlewis.org. Also, you can book me for motivational speaking. I speak on topics such as Embracing Your Journey, The Reality of Your Vision, and Freedom’s from Life’s Addictions. May you find many jewels along your journey and continue to be the jewel that you are!
Information about Eliza Cooper and the holistic health journal for couples.
Eliza Cooper is a Natural Health Educator who carries the healing legacy of three generations of women before her. Women who served as intuitive healers and keepers of holistic wisdom. A lifelong learner and compassionate guide, Eliza blends ancestral knowledge with modern health education to help individuals and communities live in balance, purpose, and love.
A graduate of the Catholic University of America, Eliza holds certifications as an Herb Specialist, Facilitator for Basic Training for Marriage, Optimal Life Breathologist, ACE Interface Trainer, H.O.P.E. Facilitator and Champion, and Emotional Emancipation Healing Circle Facilitator and Consultant. Her breadth of training reflects her belief that true healing is multidimensional.
As a community anchor, prevention and empowerment are central to Eliza’s mission. She emphasizes sharing knowledge before problems arise, helping community members build their own toolkits for prevention and emotional resilience. Her approach centers on self-awareness, intentional living, and collective care ensuring that wellness becomes a shared cultural practice rather than an individual pursuit.
In her compelling new book, Eliza extends that philosophy to couples, inviting them to embark on a transformative journey toward holistic love and longevity. The book encourages partners to cultivate a relationship rooted in wellness: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through shared experiences and intentional connection, couples learn to create an environment where affection flourishes and love deepens with time.
At its heart, Eliza Cooper’s work is about more than health—it’s about harmony. Her teachings and writing inspire readers to live vibrantly, nurture connection, and build lives where joy, balance, and purpose are everyday practices.
Meet E. Ursula Young, UrbanShaywoman
E. Ursula Young, known as UrbanShaywoman, is a dedicated healer and helping professional. She developed UrbanShaywomanism, a holistic approach to healing and wellness rooted in personal experience, family legacy, spiritual traditions, and life purpose.
Ursula’s expertise includes Auricular Acupuncture (ADS), Certified Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC), Emotional Emancipation Circles facilitation, Mental Health First Aid instruction, Naturopathic Reiki Master-level treatments and mental and behavioral health interventions grounded in CBT [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy] and SFBT [Solution Focused Brief Therapy].
She was born in Chicago, IL, raised on the west coast and the suburbs of Washington, DC and educated at the University of Maryland, and Coppin State University earning a Master of Education degree and licensure as a professional counselor and therapist.
Ursula emphasizes the importance of self-care and balance for helping professionals, advocating for practices that promote wellness for both providers and clients.
Her philosophy, captured in her book The Courage to Care: The Power of Impactful Encouragement (2019), encourages practitioners to “be fed while feeding others,” drawing on indigenous healing traditions and leading by example.
Connect with Ursula at UrbanShaywoman@gmail.com, on Facebook (Ursula Young UrbanShaywoman), and Instagram (@UrbanShaywoman) training, education, and coaching. Look for upcoming Impactful Encouragement courses and join her journey of healing.
Information about Peter Brooks.
Peter Brooks is a multidisciplinary storyteller, educator, spiritual leader, and author whose work centers on preserving and reintroducing overlooked histories to new generations. A descendant of Harlem Renaissance icon Cab Calloway, Brooks continues a family tradition of cultural stewardship through books that inspire curiosity, pride, and historical awareness.
“I started writing because I was alarmed at the erosion of appreciation for our history and our legacy.” That concern led Brooks former Executive Director of the Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro League Baseball to children’s literature.
His Negro Leagues Heroes series was met with an enthusiastic response, affirming a deep hunger for stories that honor Black excellence. He has since expanded his work to explore additional frontiers, including the impact of Black Americans on religion, entertainment, and the shaping of the nation itself. Brooks’ writing is informed by decades of cultural leadership and public education.
He is a member of the African American Authors Collaborative, the Arch Social Club, and serves as Artist-in-Residence at the Howard County Center of African American Culture in Columbia, Maryland. He is also a registered teaching and touring artist with the Maryland State Arts Council. Through his children’s books, Brooks seeks not only to preserve history, but to return heroes, context, and possibility to young readers—ensuring that the next generation understands both where they come from and what they can become.
Joining this collaborative opened doors to my first book signing and genuine support.
Workshops here helped me shape my story and connect with readers authentically.