Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian community has been increasingly targeted and harassed, which has coincided with a rise in white supremacy and continued issues of systemic racism. This has culminated in the recent shooting of eight people in massage parlors in the Atlanta area, the majority of whom were Asian women. In the aftermath, many are speaking out on social media to #StopAsianHate and working to support the Asian and Pacific Islander community.
Book lovers, if you are looking for a way to support the Asian and Pacific Islander community, check out these Asian-owned independent bookstores.
Arkipelago Books
https://www.instagram.com/p/B293zVijfXK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Located in San Francisco, CA, Arkipelago Books specializes in “contemporary and historical Filipino-American titles.”
Bel Canto Books
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLfu0woJeDj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Located in Long Beach, California, Bel Canto Books was founded by Jhoanna Belfer a Filipina-American poet. Bel Canto Books “offers a curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books, organized around a theme of the month, in particular celebrating books by women and people of color.”
Eastwind Books
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEudNPuBFJ8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Located in Berkley, California, Eastwind Books specializes in Asian-American literature, Asian studies, ethnic studies, language learning, traditional Chinese medicine, and martial arts books.
Maomi Bookstore
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKuN_jhJmWv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Located in Chamblee, Georgia, Maomi Bookstore is a Chinese bookstore and cafe that specializes in Chinese books, language learning, and calligraphy.
Philippine Expressions Bookshop
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba4dHD3ARZ5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Located in Los Angeles, Philippine Expressions Bookshop is dedicated to “Filipino-Americans in search of their roots” and promotes books relevant to the Philippines and Filipino-Americans.
The Lev
Another bookstore located in Los Angeles, The Lev promotes women and POC authors. Their goal is to build a community around women and books in order to spread empathy and a love of reading.