22 Black-Owned Bookstores to Shop Right Now (and Always)
Following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, people are searching for ways to dismantle white supremacy and end police brutality. Donating to an anti-racist social justice organization is one great option, as is joining a protest if you are able. Many have also turned to self-education, poring over works by Black authors and activists—either for political and philosophical inspiration or simply a great read. If you're planning to buy a new book, consider ordering from one of the many Black-owned independent bookstores around the country. It's an easy way to support the Black community, especially as many of these shops have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here, T&C compiled a list of Black-owned bookstores where you can place an online order right now.
Located in Decatur, Georgia, Brave and Kind is a kids and family bookstore that offers a diverse inclusive selection of reads for your little ones.
Elizabeth's is a bookstore focused on marginalized and underrepresented voices. Their catalog "highlights, promotes, amplifies, celebrates, and honors the work of writers who are often excluded from traditional cultural, social and academic canons." Even better, a portion of their sales is going to The Loveland Foundation to support mental healthcare for Black women and girls.
Semicolon is Chicago's only Black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space. The store is "committed to nurturing the connection between literature, art, and the pursuit of knowledge; while also using the power of words to better our community."
Named after Harriett Tubman, this Philadelphia bookshop celebrates female activists and authors. The store also is currently running “Essentials for Essentials,” a program where customers can purchase books that go directly to essential workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic at Philadelphia hospitals.
Located in South Bend, IN, Brain Lair emphasizes representation in their inventory. Their books, which include options for children, teens, and adults, are meticulously curated to "help you find, and celebrate, your place in the world."
This intersectional feminist community bookstore and coffee shop has a collection that helps women and girls of all identities feel represented and empowered. (Plus, they serve a great cup of coffee.)
African Bookstore, which is online-only, offers books on both the African experience worldwide and the African American experience. You'll find a wide selection here, from cookbooks to fiction to children's literature.
This Washington, D.C.-based bookstore specializes in "books written for, by or about people of the African Diaspora." The shop also emphasizes reading as a tool for empowerment and community-building.
Harambee Books & Artworks has a large selection of best-selling books, alongside more niche works and harder to find classic literature. The Alexandria, VA shop also sells artwork and apparel.
Detroit Book City offers reads for both adults and kids, along with a wide collection of books by Detroit Black Indie Authors.
Located in Martinsville, VA, Books and Crannies is a Black female-owned bookstore with a wide array of general interest reads, including fiction and non-fiction and some children's titles. The shop also has a variety of events and readings throughout the year.
Based in Philadelphia, Uncle Bobbie's has the simple slogan of "Cool People. Dope Books. Great Coffee." Scroll through their website to shop both bestsellers and indie reads.
This indie bookstore, with locations in both Washington, D.C. and Maryland, specializes in diverse reads. Hannah Oliver Depp, the shop's founder and a Black and Queer Bookseller, and her staff "highlight the diverse voices and creatives that make our communities great."
Founded by two best friends and located in Goose Creek, SC, Turning Page sells a wide array of genres, along with gifts and journals by local artists. The store also sells audio books here.
A bookstore that both sells children's literature and hosts book clubs and kids' programs, Decatur, GA's Listening Tree acts as a community space alongside a bookshop.
Located in Tulsa, Fulton Street is owned by Onikah Asamoa-Caesar, a Black, female entrepreneur who founded the bookstore to "center the stories, narratives and lived experiences of people of color and marginalized communities."
22 Black-Owned Bookstores to Shop Right Now (and Always)
Following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, people are searching for ways to dismantle white supremacy and end police brutality. Donating to an anti-racist social justice organization is one great option, as is joining a protest if you are able. Many have also turned to self-education, poring over works by Black authors and activists—either for political and philosophical inspiration or simply a great read. If you're planning to buy a new book, consider ordering from one of the many Black-owned independent bookstores around the country. It's an easy way to support the Black community, especially as many of these shops have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here, T&C compiled a list of Black-owned bookstores where you can place an online order right now.
Support small businesses and expand your mind with a great read.
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