Yvette Hayward: Writing a New Chapter in Black Literary Excellence

UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN 2025

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In Harlem, where the streets hum with history and creativity, there is one night each year when the city’s pulse beats in sync with the power of words. On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the African American Literary Awards Show (AALAS) will once again transform this storied neighborhood into a sanctuary for storytellers—an evening of pride, legacy, and celebration. At its heart stands Yvette Hayward. Founder. Visionary. Cultural curator. An unstoppable woman rolling out the red carpet for generations of Black voices.

But this didn’t start under the spotlight—or even on a stage.

“I grew up in Harlem,” Yvette shares. “This place isn’t just my background—it’s my heartbeat. I walk these streets daily, and I’m constantly inspired by the rich soul, creativity, and brilliance that radiate from this community.”

Over two decades ago, she saw a glaring void—a lack of recognition for Black authors, poets, journalists, and storytellers who shape our culture, shift our consciousness, and leave lasting imprints on generations of readers. “I founded this show because I wanted our voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated—not as an afterthought, but front and center, with the dignity and honor our work deserves.”

When AALAS debuted in 2004, Black literature was powerful but often pushed to the margins—underrepresented in mainstream publishing, under-promoted in major media, and under-celebrated in public forums. Many extraordinary authors had no platform for meaningful, visible recognition. That’s why Yvette created AALAS—to change the narrative.

Black literature has since grown more expansive, more diverse in form and subject, and more visible in global conversations. Yet the work remains urgent. “Black stories are not a trend,” Yvette says. “They are essential to understanding the full fabric of our society, our resilience, and our brilliance. We don’t just celebrate books—we celebrate legacy.”

If you’ve attended AALAS before, you know this is no ordinary event. The night opens like the first line of an unforgettable novel—alive with possibility, steeped in elegance, and already pulling you into its world. This show is where words become jewels and storytellers are crowned in the presence of their peers. If you haven’t attended, prepare to be swept into a room where legacy meets living artistry.

This year’s stage will be hosted by Nancy Harris, COO of Vontelle Eyewear, and Rahsan-Rahsan Lindsay, CEO of MediCo Holding, Inc.—a pairing that promises wit, energy, and unforgettable moments. Honorees include Angelo Ellerbee, author, fashion icon, and CEO of Double Exposure Public Relations; Elissa Gabrielle, publisher, screenwriter, and best-selling author; Darlene Williams, founder and CEO of the acclaimed Black Authors Festival; and Dr. Deborah Wortham, celebrated educator and best-selling author.

And at the helm of it all—ensuring every story is honored—is Yvette Hayward.

Built on Bold Decisions

Looking back over 21 years, Yvette says building something this enduring required “bold vision, faith, sacrifice, and a refusal to wait for permission.” One of her boldest decisions was creating the platform herself when no one else was rolling out the red carpet for Black literary excellence. “I built the carpet,” she says with pride.

She also chose to stay independent, resisting pressure to make the show more “marketable” at the expense of authenticity. That choice hasn’t always been easy financially, but it has made the show deeply meaningful to those it serves. “It’s why the community continues to show up and why the awards mean so much to the people we honor.”

Anchored in Faith

Her guiding scripture—Galatians 6:9 (NIV)—has anchored her through quiet seasons and high-pressure moments: “Let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” It’s a reminder that purpose work is not about instant results, but about endurance, trust, and unwavering commitment.

One of her most treasured memories came in the show’s early years, when an honoree—respected in literary circles but never formally recognized—took the stage and, through tears, said, “This is the first time I’ve ever been celebrated like this.” That moment affirmed everything Yvette set out to do.

Owning the Mission

Now, as the 21st Annual African American Literary Awards Show approaches, Yvette feels a deep sense of pride, renewal, and excitement. “This milestone year is not just a celebration of the past two decades—it’s a bold step into the future of Black literature and culture.”

There’s a certain electricity when authors, educators, readers, celebrities, and creatives gather to honor the voices that shape who we are. For Yvette, it’s more than an event—it’s a cultural legacy, a movement, and a promise to give Black authors their flowers while they are here.

Sustaining a vision for more than two decades requires more than passion—it demands discipline, faith, and a refusal to lose sight of the “why.” Through seasons of overflowing support and moments of quiet perseverance, Yvette has learned to keep moving forward by focusing on the mission rather than the obstacles. She has faced challenges with resolve, drawing strength from her community and from the knowledge that the work matters far beyond the applause of any single night. As she reflects on the journey, she sums it up simply:

“I’ve mastered the mindset. I’ve fueled the momentum. But right now, I’m owning the mission—fully, fiercely, and with joy.”

Yvette’s gratitude runs deep for every reader, author, educator, and supporter who has believed in the vision. “When you donate, attend, or spread the word, you become part of something much bigger than a show. You help affirm generations of creativity, courage, and truth.”

Her hope is that AALAS will endure for generations as a living legacy—a cultural institution that preserves and amplifies the power and resilience of African American literature, with its influence reaching from academia and leadership circles to stages, screens, and cultural movements around the world. African American literature is more than a genre—it is a force that has shaped history, challenged injustice, fueled movements, and inspired change across every field it touches. For Yvette, each year adds a new page to that legacy, and October 4, 2025, will be a milestone in its story.

Be There for the Next Chapter

The African American Literary Awards Show is more than an evening—it’s a living, breathing archive of culture and creativity. And this fall, Harlem will once again be the stage where history is honored and the future is inspired.

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