BROOKLYN, New York, March 17, 1998 --A new web-site devoted to African American literature has been launched to support and promote the growing demand for works by and about African Americans. The new African American Literature Book Club (AALBC), found at http://aalbc.com, displays a rich diversity of African American writing. The AALBC is linked to many of the authors and is an affiliate of the Barnes & Noble Bookstore; providing the ability to purchase of books directly from the author or on-line via Barnes and Noble.

Visitors will find everything from profiles of books to a "Virtual Poetry Reading". "The volume of work literally grows daily," says webmaster, Troy Johnson. Online visitors are invited to peruse excerpts of up-and-coming writers like Tina McElroy Ansa and Van Whitfield. They are also able to indulge in audio selections of contemporary authors or classic authors from the Harlem Renaissance such as Countee Cullen or Ann Petry.

The AALBC also includes a monthly crossword puzzle, plus a plethora of works from fresh, unpublished poets. The AALBC features a regularly updated list of bestsellers and serves as a forum for a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions on African American Literature through their online discussion groups. Reading groups may also request the creation an online discussion group, on a specific title or subject, on the club’s web-site -- free of charge.

"The online discussion groups are ideal for existing reading groups or circles that are interested in exchanging ideas across the Internet," notes Johnson. "We want visitors (especially independent, black-owned bookstores, publishers, reviewers, and small presses) to bookmark our site and use it to springboard into the cyberworld of African American Literature". There are literally hundreds of links to other African American-related web-sites -- all of which have been previewed by the book club. "Nothing is added or linked capriciously", promises Johnson.

"I simply want to produce and promote one of the most powerful, positive and profitable elements of the African American culture – literature", says Johnson. "The AALBC hopes to expose every online visitor to the richness that is African American literature, by celebrating the greatness of our literature’s history; while promoting current and aspiring authors. More importantly, the AALBC wants to foster a more balanced perspective of what it means to be African-American. The AALBC web site is one-of-a-kind on the Internet"

Aspiring writers may submit excerpts of original work for free publication on the AALBC web-site. Electronic contributions (including text, images and audio) should be submitted to: books@aalbc.com. Writings will also be accepted by mail on a 3.5 diskette. Critiques of novels, anecdotal and serious commentary, original short stories, poetry or recommended links are also welcome.

Publishers are encouraged to send the African American Literature Book Club any books they wish to have considered for profiling on the AALBC’s web site. Advertisers are also welcome. Please contact the AALBC for a media kit and rate card.

Troy Johnson, founder and webmaster of the AALBC, was raised in Spanish Harlem in New York City. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University, a Master’s of Science Degree from Polytechnic University and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Johnson is a Vice President at a major investment bank and lives in Brooklyn, New York with his wife and two daughters.