Books by BLAQ is an extention of Blaqmoji, founded by Artavia B. Berry and Joy V. Mitchell. Books by BLAQ publishes collector-quality books that celebrate Black culture, legacy, and community pride, starting with Black Greek Letter Organizations. These keepsakes are designed to be displayed, gifted, and passed down to the next generation.
Our releases blend cultural respect, thoughtful research, and modern design to honor the histories that shaped us and the people who carry them forward.
Who Are We? reflects our commitment to legacy publishing: meaningful content, beautiful production, and a reader experience that feels personal and timeless. Follow Books by BLAQ for new releases and special editions.
Apostle Artavia B. Berry, M.DivArtavia is a visionary leader, tech founder, minister, and movement builder whose work lives at the intersection of faith, justice, and Black futures. A native of Chicago, she was formed in the orbit of powerful social justice voices—including Michelle Obama, the late Rev. Dr. Addie Wyatt, the late Rev. Dr. Willie Barrow, and the late Rev. Dr. Leon Finney—grounding her in a faith-centered approach to social change rooted in youth empowerment and collective liberation.
For decades, Artavia has held major executive roles in the nonprofit sector, helping secure more than $250 million in support for communities of color. She currently serves as President & CEO of Fresh Lifelines for Youth, an award winning non-profit working with young people to end the pipeline to prison and as Pastor of Virtual Ministry at First American Baptist Church. As a founder of Blaqmoji and BeSpeak Spirit, she provides the spiritual, narrative, and justice-centered vision that guides the work.
Her public service includes roles as Commissioner for the Alameda County Reparations Commission, First Vice President of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), and Board Chair for Beats, Rhymes & Life. She is an Emerge California–trained political leader and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated since 1996; currently serving as the Farwest Regional Chaplain. Artavia carries forward a legacy of sisterhood and service that runs through all she does. Artavia holds a B.A. in Sociology from Loyola University Chicago, a B.A. in Theology, and a Master of Divinity from Grace Christian Seminary.
Her contribution to Who Are We? continues her life’s work: calling the next generation to see themselves as powerful, necessary, and worthy of a just and abundant future. Who Are We? serves as a beacon of light for youth to see themselves in those who have walked in their path, as a blueprint to broaden their own vision of themselves and their futures.
Joy V. MitchellJoy is a cultural storyteller, digital creator, and entrepreneur who specializes in turning big ideas into working systems. As founder of JV Mitchell Consulting (JVMC), Blaqmoji and BeSpeak Spirit, she focuses on the operational, technical, and delivery side—building the structures, workflows, and products that bring each venture to life.
Trained as an engineer at the University of Michigan, Joy spent years helping complex organizations solve real-world problems. She designs and manages the “boots on the ground” execution behind digital products and experiences that honor Black life across physical and digital spaces.
A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Joy carries a deep respect for Black Greek legacy, service, and sisterhood. Who Are We? reflects that love for the Divine 9—offering young people and collectors a way to see themselves inside a long, powerful lineage of Black excellence and community care. Joy’s through line is this: Black stories should not only be imagined—they should be structured, delivered, and preserved in ways that last.
