Photo: Getty Images
By Cherranda Smith
For many, bookstores offer a place of solitude, literary refuge, and a place to connect with others. Black-owned bookstores around the country have continuously served as community meeting places, hosted events, and offered spots on shelves for up-and-coming Black writers.
During the pandemic, many Black-owned businesses unfortunately shuttered their doors as the economic fallout overwhelmed our cherished eateries, salons, and more. The Black Information Network wants to put you on to some Black-owned bookstores around the US that are keeping our local communities engaged in the joy of reading even in the face of hardships.
From Philadelphia, Atlanta, to Chicago, here are 15 Black-owned bookstores you can support this month and beyond.
Harriet’s Bookshop –– Philadelphia, PA
Website: https://www.oursisterbookshops.com
Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery –– Chicago, IL
Website: https://www.semicolonchi.com
Mahogany Books –– Washington, D.C.
Website: https://www.mahoganybooks.com
Tattered Cover Book Store –– Denver, CO
Website: https://www.tatteredcover.com
Sistah Scifi –– Oakland, CA
Website: https://sistahscifi.com
Grassrootz Bookstore –– Phoenix, AZ
Website: https://grassrootzbookstore.com
The Listening Tree Children’s Booktique –– Decatur, GA
Website: https://listeningtreebooks.com
Community Book Center –– New Orleans, LA
Website: https://readcbc.com
Marshall’s Music & Book Store –– Jackson, MS
Information: https://www.loc8nearme.com/mississippi/jackson/marshalls-music-and-book-store/2983553/
Liberation Station Bookstore –– Raleigh-Durham, NC
Website: https://liberationstationbookstore.com
Cafe con Libros –– Brooklyn, NY
Website: https://www.cafeconlibrosbk.com
Smith & Hannon Bookstore –– Cincinnati, OH
Website: https://smithandhannonbookstore.org
Mocha Books –– Tulsa, OK
Website: https://www.readwithmochabooks.com
Turning Page Bookshop –– Summerville, SC
Website: https://turningpagebookshop.com
Positive Vibes Bookstore –– Virginia Beach, VA
Website: https://www.positivevibesva.com
For a list of more than 100 Black-owned bookstores across the country, check out this list by Oprah Magazine.
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