From celebrated Black writers, creators, and thinkers-and with a foreword by John Legend-comes a collection of letters and original illustrations on the subject of Black love, a powerful and heartfelt celebration of Blackness in all its many forms.

In this exquisite anthology of letters and illustrations, Cole Brown and Natalie Johnson bring together a constellation of influential Black figures to write to the people, places, and moments that mean the most to them. With a foreword from John Legend and contributions from Brontez Purnell, Morgan Jerkins, Reverend Al Sharpton, and Dr. Imani Perry, among many others, Black Love Letters is an ode to a phenomenal community: a testament to the fact that where there has been pain and suffering, there has also always been immeasurable, irrepressible joy and love.

With letters from: Akili King * Reverend Al Sharpton * Alexandra Elle * Allisa Charles-Findley * Barbara Edelin * Belinda Walker * Ben Crump * Bill Whitaker * Bilquisu Abdullah * Brianna Holt * Brontez Purnell * Cole Brown * Danez Smith * Dick Parsons * Deborah Willis * Doug Jones * Douglas Kearney * Imani Perry * Jamila Woods * Jan Menafee * Jayne Allen * Jeh Charles Johnson * Jenna Wortham * Jonathan Capehart * John Legend * Joel Caston * Joy-Ann Reid * Justus Cornelius Pugh * Kwame Dawes * Lynae Vanee Bogues * Mahogany Browne * Malachi Elijah * Michael Eric Dyson * Morgan Jerkins * Nadia Owusu * Natalie Johnson * Raka Reynolds * Rhianna Jones * Chef Roze Traore * Sojourner Brown * Tarana Burke * Tembe Denton-Hurst * Topaz Jones * Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts * VJ Jenkins