Now, more than ever, it is important to support black-owned businesses. For book lovers and those looking for more resources on racism, check out these seven black-owned bookstores and support them if you are in a position to do so.
1. The Lit. Bar (Bronx, NY)
image via amnewyork
A bookshop and wine bar in one, The Lit. Bar first opened its doors on April 27, 2019. The Lit. Bar is owned and operated by the proprietress Noëlle Santos, an Afro-Latina millennial from the Bronx. Their mission is “to create a haven that inspires reading, encourages healthy social connections, highlights diverse voices, and increases intellectual visibility in the Bronx.”
Though The Lit, Bar is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, you can still support the bookstore by purchasing their books through Bookshop.org.
2. Semicolon (Chicago, IL)
image via chicago tribune
Semicolon is Chicago’s only black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space. Changing The Narrative states that “Semicolon Bookstore 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.”
You can support Semicolon by purchasing books from them through Bookshop.org. You can also purchase books and gift cards on Semicolon’s website, which directly support both The Liberation Library and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago.
3. Detroit Book City (Detroit, MI)
image via the oakland press
Detroit Book City is a small, independent bookstore that specializes and markets books, media, and events to the African-American consumer market. The bookshop sells new and gently used adult and children’s books, as well as books written by local and national Indie Authors and rare or out-of-print African-American books.
Though their brick and mortar location is currently closed, you can support Detroit Book City by purchasing books directly on their website.
4. uncle bobbie’s (philadelphia, PA)
image via the final call
Uncle Bobbie’s is part-bookshop, part-café that invites the community in. A tribute to his Uncle Bobbie, a man who loved books and valued reading, Marc Lamont Hill opened the bookshop-café on November 28, 2017.
Uncle Bobbie’s is currently closed, but you can support them by donating to their GoFundMe (which provides financial relief for the shop and its staff in the wake of Covid-19), purchasing their merch, and by purchasing their books through IndieLite and Libro.fm.
5. mahogany books (Washington, DC)
image via mahogany books
Mahogany Books is a local independent bookstore that believes in social entrepreneurship and takes a leadership role in the African American community by promoting reading and writing, as well as cultural awareness as a tool to improve self-esteem and self-love to our communities to enrich the lives of motivated individuals.
You can support Mahogany Books by purchasing books directly through their website. They are also offering curbside pickup and have an informative blog called Black Books Matter.
6. Brave + Kind Bookshop (Decatur, GA)
image via Arts atl
Brave + Kind Books is a thoughtfully curated kids bookshop. They offer a unique selection of diverse, classical, and artful stories, as well as, creative workshops, story clubs, and special gifts.
You can support Brave + Kind Bookshop by donating to their Patreon and by purchasing books or a subscription on their website.
7. Eso Won Books (Los Angeles, CA)
image via Los Angeles sentinel
Eso Won Books is an independent black-owned bookshop that highlights a range of titles about and written by African-American people. Eso Won Books is one of the nation’s oldest black-owned bookshops.
You can support Eso Won Books by shopping online or in store.
Featured Image via We Are One America