E. Lynn Harris, a popular author of African-American literature, has died according to reports. He was 54.

Harris' personal assistant confirmed the writer's death to Essence.com.

Born in Flint, but raised in Little Rock, Ark., Harris became popular through his tales of black and gay life. Several of his books were New York Times Bestsellers.

Harris, born June 20, 1955, rose to prominence among an African-American literary boom in the 1990s, alongside Port Huron-bred author Terry McMillan, Bebe Moore Campbell and others.

His first novel, 1994's "Invisible Life," told the story of a law student torn between feelings for his girlfriend and another man. "It's difficult for a lot of Black men to be honest about [their sexuality]," Harris said in an interview.

More books, many about black men struggling with their sexuality, followed, including "Just as I Am," "This Too Shall Pass," and, his most recent, "Basketball Jones."