A Vision Rooted in Experience, Resilience, and Community Leadership:
Therone Shellman is an award‑winning author, media creative, community advocate, and co‑founder of The Black American Network, bringing more than two decades of lived experience, civic engagement, and independent publishing expertise to the mission of advancing the Black American experience. His career spans political advocacy, grassroots organizing, media production, and the authorship of 16+ books across fiction, nonfiction, spirituality, and self‑development.
As a writer, Therone has built a national readership through works such as Love Don’t Live Here, No Love Lost, Survivor I Changed the Rules, and the Third Eye Awakening series—titles that have earned bestseller status and multiple literary awards. His books are known for being thought‑provoking, direct, and rooted in real‑world experience, often challenging readers to think beyond conventional narratives.
From Lived Experience to Leadership:
Therone’s journey—from early adversity to becoming a respected author and community educator—is central to his mission. His Amazon biography documents how he began writing his first novel while incarcerated, later self‑publishing it after 18 months of independent study into the publishing process.
His story is one of resilience, self‑education, and transformation, themes that continue to shape his work with The Black American Network. His lived experiences allow him to connect authentically with the communities he serves, especially those navigating systemic barriers, identity challenges, and socioeconomic obstacles.
Professional Background & Expertise:
Co‑Founder, The Black American Network
Therone co‑founded The Black American Network to create a national platform for Black American professionals, leaders, and change‑makers. The organization focuses on four pillars:
Political Advocacy — Civic engagement, policy awareness, and voter empowerment.
Social Equity — Addressing systemic issues through community‑led action.
Holistic Health — Supporting physical, mental, and institutional well‑being.
Business & Wealth — Building sustainable economic power and entrepreneurship.
His role includes shaping strategic direction, facilitating national networking, and developing initiatives that address real‑world challenges facing Black Americans.
Author & Publisher | Therone Shellman Media:
Through Therone Shellman Media, he manages the full publishing lifecycle—research, writing, editing, production, marketing, and distribution. He has sold thousands of books independently and has expanded into audio, visual, and digital media.
He also hosts Therone Shellman Media Radio, interviewing creatives, business leaders, and civic voices on literary, political, and social issues.
Civic & Political Engagement:
Therone has worked across multiple New York campaigns as a political canvasser, educating voters, gathering petition signatures, and supporting candidates in congressional and local elections. His résumé documents work with:
Wilneida Negron for Congress (NY‑12)
Grossman Solutions
NorthShore Strategies
Sunnyhouse Strategies
He also serves as a Poll Worker for the NYC Board of Elections, assisting voters and ensuring smooth election‑day operations.
A Mission to Empower Black America
Therone’s work—whether through books, media, or community organizing—centers on empowerment, self‑determination, and the restoration of Black American agency. His nonfiction titles, including Black American Vision, articulate unapologetic perspectives on immigration, labor, education, and political reform.
His philosophy is grounded in:
Independent thought
Self‑education
Economic empowerment
Cultural clarity
Community‑driven solutions
These values form the backbone of The Black American Network.
Awards & Recognition
Therone’s literary work has earned multiple distinctions, including:
Booking Matters Bestseller Award for Love Don’t Live Here (2005)
Indie Excellence Award in African American Fiction for No Love Lost (2007)
Finalist, USA Book News African American Fiction (2007)
Princeton Literary Review Gold Star Award for Survivor I Changed the Rules (2010)
Education & Professional Development
Therone has completed formal training in:
Operations Management
Project Management
Sociology (Social Inequality)
Tax Law / Taxation (AFTR & AFSP CE Credits)
He also attended Gotham Writers Workshop for screenwriting, expanding his creative skill set.
A Founder Committed to Building the Future
Therone Shellman’s life work reflects a commitment to uplifting, educating, and mobilizing Black America. Through The Black American Network, he aims to build a national ecosystem where Black American professionals can collaborate, strategize, and create solutions that strengthen the community for generations to come.
Call to Action
The Black American Network invites professionals, leaders, and community members to join the movement—
to connect, build, and take action across the four pillars that define our mission.