Image courtesy of Bentley Historical Society of University of Michigan
When Edward “Ed” Vaughn opened Vaughn’s Bookstore on Dexter Avenue in the 1960s, he wasn’t just selling books but creating a haven for Black Detroiters in search of knowledge, culture, and revolution. The store became a gathering place for activists, intellectuals, and community leaders, fueling the fight for civil rights and Black empowerment. Decades later, Vaughn’s impact stretched far beyond the shelves of his Bookstore as he transitioned from entrepreneur to state legislator, never losing sight of his mission: to uplift Detroit’s Black community. Today, his legacy will be forever etched into the heart of the city, a testament to his lifelong pursuit of justice, equality, and empowerment.
Vaughn moved to Detroit in the 1950s, seeking opportunities in the auto industry, but quickly realized that his purpose was rooted in the fight for civil rights. Like many African Americans who had migrated from the South to the North, he encountered the racial inequality that was present all over the country.
Inspired by his experiences and the growing Civil Rights Movement, Vaughn founded and organized the Pan-African Congress-USA in Detroit. This group was created to build connections with African nations and support the fight for freedom against white minority rule in Africa. The organization also ran a scholarship initiative and funded the education of several African students in Detroit.
In 1959, Vaughn opened Vaughn’s Bookstore to fill the void of being unable to find Black authors that he and his friends wanted to read. The book was “100 Years of Lynchings,” which collected newspaper articles about racial violence in America. Vaughn wanted to share the book and other literature about African-American history with his friends, so he began ordering books and selling them out of his car.
Soon after, Vaughn decided to open what became a landmark in Detroit, a cultural hub for Black intellectuals, activists, and the local community supported The Vaughn Bookstore. More than just a retail space, it was a beacon for African American literature, history, and thought. Vaughn’s Bookstore played a vital role in the Black Power Movement by providing access to important African literature.
The shelves were filled with impactful books written by influential authors such as Malcolm X, James Baldwin, and Frantz Fanon. These works served as a source of inspiration for activists, leaving a lasting impression on the community. The Bookstore became a safe space for the community to gather, discuss ideas, and strategize about addressing the inequalities they faced, also creating a safe outlet for works of the Broadside Press, founded by Detroit Poet Dudley Randall. It was a place where young people could be introduced to the rich history of Black culture and resistance and where activists could meet to organize and plan the next steps in their fight for freedom.
Vaughn quickly became a prominent figure in Detroit’s civil rights scene, taking part in protests and organizing for racial justice. In the 1960s, Vaughn helped organize the Detroit chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and worked closely with other leaders in the fight for civil rights. He was on the frontlines of protests and demonstrations, working to dismantle segregation in housing, employment, and education.
Vaughn met Malcolm X for the first time in Detroit in 1963. This meeting took place during the same year that Malcolm X delivered a powerful speech as the main speaker at a conference held at Wayne State University in Detroit on October 22.
In 1974, Vaughn played a significant role as an African American representative at the Sixth Pan-African Congress held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Alongside him were C.L.R. James, Amiri Baraka, Charlie Cobb, and Howard Fuller (Owusu Sadaukai), the creator and leader of Malcolm X Liberation University.
Vaughn was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1978 due to his strong commitment to justice. He served as the representative for the 8th district from January 10, 1979, to December 31, 1980. In 1994, he won another election to the state house and represented the 4th district from January 11, 1995, until he reached his term limit on December 31, 2000.
As a state representative, Vaughn worked tirelessly to pass legislation that would benefit Detroit’s Black residents and improve conditions in neighborhoods, particularly in the inner city. He was particularly concerned with issues surrounding education and economic development, believing that Black Detroiters needed better access to quality education and economic opportunities to thrive. His focus on these issues won him the respect of his constituents, colleagues, and community.
After serving in the state legislature, Vaughn continued his advocacy through various civic organizations, maintaining his presence as a voice for the people long after his official political career ended following his unsuccessful run for mayor of Detroit. He also served as executive assistant to Detroit’s first Black mayor, Coleman Young.
Vaughn’s influence extended far beyond his time in the legislature. Throughout his life, he remained committed to the empowerment of the Black community in Detroit. He continued to support young leaders and activists, encouraging them to take up the mantle of leadership and continue fighting for racial and economic justice.
In 2019, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History honored Vaughn with the Freedom Award for his unwavering dedication and outstanding lifetime of service to the community. Esteemed local and national leaders celebrated and acknowledged his tireless efforts and significant contributions to advancing civil rights and empowering the Black community.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), Vaughn’s Bookstore was one of the nation’s most significant publishers of Black poets and played a huge role in the Black Arts Movement. It also secured a $15,000 grant from NPS as part of its initiative to preserve history in underrepresented communities.
Today, Detroit has multiple Black-own bookstore options because of Vaughn’s groundwork, such as God’s World Superstore, which is now considered one of the oldest; Sources Booksellers, where owner Janet Webster Jones got into the bookselling business in 1989; Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center founded in 2013, and Detroit Book City.
In 2000, Vaughn took part in a forum organized by the Congressional Black Caucus, where he actively voiced his support for the idea of providing reparations for slavery.
Even after Vaughn’s Bookstore closed, it left a lasting imprint on the city, serving as a reminder of the power of literature, culture, and education in advancing the struggle for equality. Vaughn’s efforts to promote Black authors and intellectual thought inspired many to take pride in their heritage and to educate themselves about the challenges and triumphs of the African American experience. It left such an imprint that the city of Detroit will soon be breathing new life into it and restoring it.
In a statement today, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said, ” To preserve this history and Ed’s legacy, my team has been working for some time to develop plans to redevelop Vaughan’s Book Store, similar to what we are doing with the Ossian Sweet House. Ed’s passing is all the more reason to make sure we see this through.”
In 2023, the National Register of Historic Places recognized Vaughn’s Bookstore for its significant historical and cultural importance as a pivotal community hub and meeting point for Black activist leaders in Detroit and nationwide.
Even in his later years, Vaughn remained active in his community, attending events, lending his voice to important causes, and mentoring the next generation of activists and leaders. He often spoke of the need for continued vigilance and the importance of young people being involved in the fight for social justice.
Vaughn’s life was a testament to the power of community, culture, and activism. From his days as a civil rights organizer to his time in the Michigan House of Representatives and becoming the first Black-owned bookstore in Detroit. Vaughn never wavered in his commitment to justice and equality. Detroit and the nation will long remember him as a tireless advocate for the Black people and a leader who always fought to uplift his people.
Edward “Ed” Vaughn passed at the age of 90. Vaughn leaves behind his six children. His passing marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his activism, bookstore, and political leadership.
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