It was a time of miraculous change in America, as the cry for justice and equality rang out, from the Deep South to the West Coast. And in the Motor City, a new sound was about to explode that would break down the barriers between white and black. Three close friends from the Detroit streets, Effie, Deena, and Lorrell, had the electrifying talent to bring any audience leaping to its feet—and with the help of C.C.'s groundbreaking music and Curtis's vision and ruthless ambition, they were p...

A People Magazine Pick.“In delicious, decadent prose, Denene Millner does what few authors can–compose a sprawling multigenerational tale that is necessary American reading. One Blood sings the song of the South in a voice that is heartbreaking, hopeful, and resilient. A masterpiece.”–Tara M. Stringfellow, National Bestselling author of MemphisJoin New York Times bestselling author Denene Millner as she exp...

To the world, Louis Armstrong is iconic - a symbol of musical genius, unparalleled success and unassailable character. To Sharon Preston-Folta, he was, simply, Dad. Despite the enduring celebration and study of Armstrong's life and career, no one, save for close family and friends, knew that Sharon existed. Even in the trumpeter's death, she remains Armstrong's secret - the product of a two-decade-long affair between the long-married musician and the vaudeville dancer Lucille 'Sweets' Pres...

From Taraji P. Henson, Academy Award nominee, Golden Globe winner, and star of the award-winning film Hidden Figures and the 2023 film The Color Purple, comes an inspiring and funny memoir—“a bona fide hit” (Essence)—about family, friends, the hustle required to make it in Hollywood, and the joy of living your own truth.With a sensibility that recalls her beloved screen characters, including Katherine, the NASA mathematician, Yvette, Quee...

In her powerful and inspiring memoir, Cookie Johnson, wife of NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, shares details of her marriage, motherhood, faith, and how an HIV diagnosis twenty-five years ago changed the course of their lives forever.On November 7, 1991, basketball icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson stunned the world with the news that he was HIV-positive. For the millions who watched, his announcement became a pivotal moment not only for the nation, but for his family...

Outrageous, captivating, and unafraid to tell it like it is, Nene Leakes shares her wild journey from a scandalous past to the pinnacle of reality television stardom. Lauded by her fans for her refreshing honesty, infectiously genuine style, and clever sense of humor, Nene is an empowered, self-made woman who has not forgotten where she came from and knows exactly where she wants to go.In this straight-talking and provocative memoir Nene charts her journey from fam...

When three best friends come together for their sorority sister's tony wedding on New Year's Eve, they make a vow at the stroke of midnight to get married within one year. As the three women embark on their search to find their soul mates, they navigate the full-contact sport known as being a SSBFDLA (successful, single, black, female dating in L.A.) and negotiate the shark-infested waters of making a name for themselves in Hollywood.Can Trista, the hyper-driven celebrity agent, fi...

Sex fascinates us. Scares us. Troubles us. Sex, not baseball, is the real American pastime. But the rules are often kept under wraps, and no one's quite sure about the definition of a home run. Until now.Bestselling authors Denene Millner and Nick Chiles break open the vault and reveal the real deal on what African Americans think about sex. Drawing on their own experiences as husband and wife -- and those of their friends who were willing to give it up they offer insights and sizz...

From celebrated New York Times bestselling author Denene Millner comes Sparkle, the official novelization of the highly anticipated Motown-inspired film starring Whitney Houston in her final movie role—opening in theaters nationwide this August.Detroit, 1968. The Motown sound is sweeping the nation. Girl groups are hotter than ever. Over their mother’s objections, three beautiful sisters—Delores, Sister and Sparkle—are taking the local music scene...

Based on The Fresh Prince created by Will Smith, Destiny is the Fresh Princess.Meet Destiny—a cool, energetic, and strong-willed young girl who approaches every day with her own signature style! That is, until she moves to a brand-new neighborhood, where nothing looks quite the same as it did at her old house.Even with new challenges and new friends to make, Destiny always has a plan. With a few reminders from her loving family and after remembering what be...

Four starred reviews!From James Beard Award–winning chef Alexander Smalls, New York Times bestselling author Denene Millner, and award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison comes a “vibrant visual narrative” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) of family, traditions, and the little moments shared at the dinner table that make all the difference.There is nothing young Alexander looks forward to more than Sunday Dinner, the spec...

This book is part of our first sweet and sassy Candy Apple summer vacation trilogy! Each book focuses on one girl from a trio, and follows her summer adventure away from her friends. Three girls, three trips, one amazing summer! Willhelmina "Mina" Chestnut loves spending time with her BFFs, Samantha and Liza, in their New Jersey suburb. But this summer, the girls are splitting up, and Mina is attending an art camp in New York City! Mina is dazzled by all the Big Apple has to offer, and enj...