Viola Davis, Julius Tennon Launch Book Publisher JVL Media

Viola Davis and husband Julius Tennon are getting into book publishing by launching JVL Media.

The new venture, which includes author and publisher Lavaille Lavette at the helm, will look to champion under-represented voices in the book world. The debut titles from JVL Media, from among a planned slate of non-fiction and fiction books, include Had to Lose to Win: The Tiki Davis Story, by popular motivational speaker Tiki Davis, and The Inclusion Leader Genius, by Dr. Johné Battle.

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Davis and her JuVee Productions banner, run as well by producing partner Tennon, have already made deep inroads in film and TV production with titles like The Woman King and ABC’s How to Get Away With Murder that have highlighted underrepresented voices.

“This endeavor embodies our collective aspiration — to champion and elevate voices that resonate with authenticity and are often overlooked. Our mission is to interlace a rich mosaic of both fiction and non-fiction that not only stirs the imagination but also venerates the enduring heritage of storytellers from diverse walks of life,” Davis said in a statement.

Tennon in his own statement said JVL Media will transcend traditional publishing: “We’re nurturing a literary culture that echoes the soul of our society and propels us into the future with stories that matter.”

Fiction titles to come from JVL Media include New Hope, by Tanya Wright, and Black States of America, a sci-fi epic by D. E. Rogers that reimagines the live of black Americans had Abraham Lincoln lived. “JVL Media stands as a beacon for inclusive and nuanced storytelling. We are wholeheartedly devoted to fostering joy, inspiring wonder and unlocking the limitless power of literature to unite us all,” Lavette added.

In the fall of 2025, JVL Media will expand to publish children’s books and young adult titles.

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