The African American National Biography

Featured Essay

Steven Niven began working on the AANB shortly after the project was launched more than six years ago, first as a research editor and writer, later as the co-executive editor of this landmark work. In his essay, Niven discusses the work he did as the author of more than 100 entries in AANB, providing not just a glimpse at some of the extraordinary individuals who inhabit the work, but of his own development as a scholar of African American history.

Read full essay

Photo Essay

Combining images and text, Ryan Abrecht and Anthony Aiello discuss several key people whose lives represent the many facets of black history and culture in America.

View photo essay