Picture an American storyteller who turned gritty Brooklyn streets and courtroom battles into gripping tales—meet Albert Samaha! Born in 1989, this award-winning journalist and author weaves narratives that blend social consciousness with heart, making readers root for underdogs. From sparking real-world change to penning his debut novel, Samaha’s work is a vibrant call for justice and hope.
The Making of Albert Samaha
Albert Samaha grew up in Vallejo, California, with a Filipino mother and Lebanese father, a cultural mix that shaped his storytelling. After his parents’ divorce, he spent his childhood between California and Manila, soaking up diverse perspectives. A former college football player at the University of San Diego, Samaha traded the field for the newsroom, earning a Master’s from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. His early career at alt-weeklies like the Village Voice and San Francisco Weekly honed his investigative chops, setting the stage for a remarkable journey.
Albert Samaha’s Unforgettable Stories
Samaha’s debut book, Never Ran, Never Will: Boyhood and Football in a Changing American Inner City (2018), is a heartfelt dive into Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood. Following the Mo Better Jaguars, a youth football team, it explores gentrification, race, and resilience through the eyes of young players and their dedicated coaches. The book, a finalist for the 2019 PEN/ESPN Literary Sports Writing Award, was adapted into the Netflix docuseries We Are: The Brooklyn Saints. His second book, Concepcion: Conquest, Colonialism, and an Immigrant Family’s Fate (2021), is a memoir tracing his Filipino family’s journey, earning a spot as a finalist for the 2021 National Book Critics Circle Award.
Samaha’s writing is accessible yet profound, blending meticulous reporting with vivid storytelling. His investigative journalism, particularly at BuzzFeed News, tackled police misconduct and wrongful convictions, driving reforms like new laws on police sexual misconduct in six states. Whether crafting novels or exposés, Samaha’s work shines a light on marginalized voices, making complex issues relatable and urgent.
Why Albert Samaha Matters
Albert Samaha’s impact transcends the page. His reporting has freed a wrongfully convicted man, spurred a Mississippi police captain’s resignation, and influenced safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. By amplifying stories of inner-city youth and immigrant families, he challenges readers to confront systemic inequities. Now a sports investigative reporter at The Washington Post, Samaha continues to blend empathy and rigor, inspiring a new generation of writers and activists.
- Born: 1989, Vallejo, California
- Key Works: Never Ran, Never Will (2018), Concepcion (2021)
- Awards: 2019 New York Society Library Hornblower Award, 2021 National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist
Snag Never Ran, Never Will or Concepcion and dive into Albert Samaha’s powerful blend of heart and hustle!