Shay Youngblood, born Sharon Ellen Youngblood, was an American playwright, author of short stories and novels, artist, and educator. Her works profoundly explored themes of identity, community, and resilience, offering a powerful voice to generations of African-American women.

Georgia born, Youngblood authored the novels Black Girl in Paris and Soul Kiss (Riverhead Books) and a collection of short fiction, The Big Mama Stories (Firebrand Books). Her plays, such as Amazing Grace, Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery, and Talking Bones (Dramatic Publishing Company), have been widely produced. Other plays include Black Power Barbie and Communism Killed My Dog.

She completed a radio play, Explain Me the Blues, for WBGO Public Radio's Jazz Play Series, featuring Odetta and the music of Olu Dara. Youngblood was the recipient of numerous grants and awards, including a Pushcart Prize for fiction, a Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award, an Edward Albee honor, several NAACP Theater Awards, and an Astraea Writers' Award for fiction.