Alice Walker is a very well - known author. Her novel 'The Color Purple' is a classic in African American feminist literature. It tells the story of Celie, a poor, uneducated black woman in the South who overcomes great hardships and abuse. Walker's writing is known for its vivid portrayal of the lives of African American women and their struggles for equality and self - expression.
Zora Neale Hurston is also a significant figure. Her novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is celebrated for its exploration of a black woman's journey towards self - discovery. Hurston's use of African American vernacular and her vivid descriptions of rural Florida life in the early 20th century made her work stand out in the genre of African American feminist novels.
Nawal El Saadawi from Egypt is an important figure. Although her works are more in the context of the Arab - African region, she has written powerfully about women's rights and feminism. Her works have influenced the broader understanding of African feminism. Also, Tsitsi Dangarembga, with her novel 'Nervous Conditions', has made significant contributions. This novel is one of the first by an African woman to be published in English and it delves deep into the experiences of a young African girl growing up in a colonial and patriarchal society.
One well - known author is Zora Neale Hurston. Although she was writing earlier in the 20th century, her influence on contemporary African American novels is significant. Her work 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a classic. Ta - Nehisi Coates is a more recent author who has made a name for himself with his novel 'Between the World and Me'. Octavia Butler is also renowned for her science - fiction works that often incorporate African American experiences.
One of the prominent authors is Zora Neale Hurston. Although she was writing earlier in the 20th century, her influence on African American contemporary novels is huge. Her work 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a classic. Then there's Ta - Nehisi Coates, who has written books that explore race and identity in modern America. Jesmyn Ward is also a well - known contemporary author with works that often deal with the struggles of African American communities in the South.
Attica Locke is a contemporary author who has made a mark in this genre. Her novels often combine elements of crime with political and social issues relevant to the African American community. For example, her works might explore how power dynamics within a city or community can lead to criminal activities and how African American characters navigate these complex situations.
Mildred D. Taylor has made great contributions as well. With her novel 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry', she has given voice to African American teenagers in the context of the segregated South. Her writing is rich in historical detail and emotional depth.
Terry McMillan is a well - known author. Her books like 'Waiting to Exhale' and 'How Stella Got Her Groove Back' are very popular in this genre. Another is Zora Neale Hurston. 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a classic that showcases her writing talent in African American romance. Dorothy West is also famous for her work in this area.
Jasmine Guillory is a well - known author. Her novels often feature strong African American characters in contemporary romance settings. Another is Angie Thomas. While she is known for her works that touch on social justice issues, her stories also incorporate elements of love and relationships which are characteristic of contemporary romance novels. Brenda Jackson is also a popular author in this genre.
Barbara Neely is well - known. Her Blanche series, like 'Blanche Among the Talented Tenth', features an African American female detective. Neely's works often explore social and economic inequalities faced by African American women through the lens of detective stories.
Richard Wright is well - known. His 'Native Son' is a classic. Zora Neale Hurston is also famous for works like 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'. And of course, Toni Morrison. Her novels like 'Beloved' have won many awards and are widely studied. Ralph Ellison with 'Invisible Man' is another great author. His work delved deep into the African American experience in a complex and thought - provoking way.
Richard Wright is a well - known author. His works often dealt with the African American experience including migration. For example, in 'Native Son', he explored the life of Bigger Thomas, which in part was influenced by the migration experience. Another is Toni Morrison. Although her works cover a wide range of themes related to African American life, migration is also an important aspect in some of her novels.