Ali Biko Sulaiman Kamanda is an award-winning filmmaker and social entrepreneur from Sierra Leone, West Africa. He runs BIKO Studios, a cross-cultural film production company and is the President of Salone Rising, a not-for-profit organization that provides micro-financing and mentoring resources to small business owners in rural Sierra Leone. Jorge Redmond currently works in the Buncombe County District Attorney’s office as an Assistant District Attorney, and as an adjunct professor in South College’s Legal Department. Ali and Jorge are college friends, and BLACK BOY, BLACK BOY is their debut book.
Ken Daley is an award-winning artist/illustrator from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. Ken’s passion lies with stories that reflect his heritage as the child of immigrants, his connection to the Caribbean, and the richness and expanse of of the African diaspora. He believes that diverse stories are essential to creating a more just and equitable world and this is something he is deeply committed to manifesting through his art.
Amanda was born and bred in London. At the age of 14 she moved to Ghana and studied art at school and later returned to the UK to study graphic design. Her artistic path deviated slightly when she studied Classics at University; and then later started working in finance. But over the years, in a bid to return to her artistic roots, Amanda has built a professional illustration portfolio and is now loving every bit of her illustration career!