John Blake stands out as an award-winning author and a distinguished senior writer for CNN.com, CNN’s prominent online platform. He is particularly celebrated for his compelling memoir, “More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew,” a work that has garnered significant critical acclaim and numerous accolades.
Blake’s memoir received the prestigious 2024 Christopher Award, an honor that recognizes books that embody and celebrate the human spirit’s highest values. This award places Blake in the esteemed company of past recipients such as former President Jimmy Carter and Pulitzer Prize-winning historians David McCullough and Jon Meacham, highlighting the profound impact and literary merit of his work.
Further solidifying its impact, “More Than I Imagined” was also recognized with a gold medal in the 2024 Nonfiction Book Awards. Its poignant narrative and insightful exploration of identity and family resonated deeply, earning it additional gold medals in the memoir/inspiration category at the 2024 Illumination Book Awards and the Nautilus Book Awards, which celebrate literature promoting social change and spiritual growth. The memoir’s success culminated in Blake being named the 2024 “Georgia Author of The Year,” and it was also selected for the 2024 Books All Georgians Should Read list by the Georgia Center for the Book, showcasing its cultural significance within the state and beyond.
Beyond the accolades for “More Than I Imagined,” John Blake has consistently been recognized for his impactful journalism throughout his career. He has been honored by leading organizations including the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists, reflecting his commitment to journalistic excellence. His insightful work has also been acknowledged by the American Academy of Religion and the Religion Communicators Council, underscoring his ability to navigate complex topics with depth and sensitivity. The National Association of Black Journalists and GLAAD Media Award have also celebrated his contributions, recognizing his nuanced reporting on diverse and often underrepresented voices and stories.
Adding to his journalistic honors, John Blake was awarded the 2019 Sigma Delta Chi Award for Excellence in Journalism for his online columns focusing on race and politics. This prestigious award further highlights his expertise in analyzing and reporting on critical social and political issues. His powerful 2020 essay, “There’s One Epidemic We May Never Find a Cure For: Fear of Black Men in Public Spaces,” was selected by Bustle Digital Group as one of the 11 best essays on racism and police violence, placing him alongside notable writers such as Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ibram X. Kendi, and Roxane Gay. This recognition underscores the essay’s profound impact and its contribution to the national conversation on race and social justice.
Earlier in his career, Blake’s first book, “Children of the Movement,” also garnered significant attention, becoming a finalist for the 2005 NAACP Image Awards in the Outstanding Literary Work Non-Fiction category and for the Gustavus Myers Outstanding Book Awards. This early recognition foreshadowed his continued success and influence as a writer and commentator. John Blake frequently shares his insights and experiences as a speaker at high schools, colleges, and symposiums, and in documentaries, addressing important topics such as race, religion, and politics.
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, John Blake’s foundation was built upon his education at Howard University. His background and experiences inform his unique perspective and contribute to his powerful storytelling, making him a significant voice in contemporary literature and journalism. John Blake’s ongoing work continues to inspire and provoke thought, solidifying his position as a leading voice in American media and literature.
