When I founded the African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC) Literary Awards over a decade ago, my mission was clear: to spotlight and celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and creative power of Black storytellers. What started as an intimate recognition ceremony has grown into one of the most anticipated cultural honors in the country, serving as the anchor event for Black Writers Weekend in Atlanta.
Each year, the AAMBC Literary Awards brings together powerful voices across literature, media, and entertainment to honor those who shape culture through story. And this year, 2025, has been one of the most inspiring yet.
The honorees represent the very best of Black creativity — from page to screen, podcast to poetry. These creators don’t just tell stories; they build legacies, challenge norms, and change lives.
It’s with great pride that I share the winners of the 2025 AAMBC Literary Awards:
2025 AAMBC Literary Awards Winners
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Author of the Year
Ayana Gray
Urban Book of the Year
All The Smoke by T’Lyn
Best Podcast
Grits & Eggs Podcast
TV Show of the Year
Harlem
Reader’s Choice Award
The Queen of Sugar Hill by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Screenwriter of the Year
Briana Cole
Motion Picture of the Year
The Six Triple Eight
Christian Fiction Author of the Year
Vanessa Miller
Male Author of the Year
JaQuavis Coleman
Female Author of the Year
Ashley Antoinette
Romance Author of the Year
Kennedy Ryan
Non-Fiction/Self-Help Book of the Year
Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative by Keke Palmer
Ebook of the Year
This Could Be Us (Skyland Book 2) by Kennedy Ryan
Audiobook of the Year
One of Us Knows: A Thriller by Alyssa Cole
Publisher of the Year
Little, Brown and Company
Independent Publisher of the Year
Urban Books
Vanguard of Urban Media
Jasmine Brand
Children’s/YA Author of the Year
Kwame Alexander
Literary Activist of the Year
Kimberlé Crenshaw
Breakout Author of the Year
Tanya Smith
Book Club of the Year
Mocha Girls Read
Bookstore of the Year
Kindred Stories
Reviewer/Critic of the Year
Keith Lee
LGBTQIA+ Novel of the Year
A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia C. Higgins
Mystery/Thriller Author of the Year
Wanda Morris
Health & Wellness Author of the Year
Tabitha Brown
Poet of the Year
Aja Monet
From Books to Screen Award
The Family Business
Influencer of the Year
@blackgirltiredbooktok
Indie Author of the Year
Tanisha Stewart
Historical Fiction Author of the Year
Sadeqa Johnson
To every creative honored this year, thank you. Your vision, courage, and voice are what keep this movement alive. The AAMBC Awards are for you — because of you.
As I prepare to release my upcoming documentary Dear Black Writers, which explores the rise of Black literary excellence and my own journey as a literary pioneer, I am more motivated than ever. These wins affirm that our stories are not only necessary, they are unstoppable.
We’re not just writing books — we are writing history.
In purpose and celebration,
Tamika Newhouse
Founder, AAMBC Literary Awards | Black Writers Weekend
www.tamikanewhouse.com | @tamikanewhouse
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @aambcawards to congratulate the winners and stay tuned for future announcements.
