black-owned bookstores
fuck amazon. buy black.
Please be aware that many of these bookstores have been flooded with sales in the last couple months, particularly sales of many of the same books that are now on backorder. If you decide to buy from one of these stores, please be patient and kind with the turnaround as these small business work to catch up to the unprecedented demand. Don’t be a dick.
Brave & Kind Books — 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.
The Listening Tree — 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.
Café con Libros — 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.)
Harambee Books & Artworks — 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.
Semicolon Bookstore — 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."
Mahogany Books — 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.
Cultured Books — Cultured is a pop-up bookshop focused on empowering children's literature. Their mission is "to first foster a love of self by showing positive images and sharing great stories about people of color. To show our children our stories don’t begin with struggle and second, to broaden world views."
Brain Lair Bookstore — 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."
Ashay by the Bay — The Bay Area's #1 Black children's bookstore has a huge selection of books focused on African American and multi-cultural narratives. The shop also builds custom collections for schools and libraries.
Marcus Books — Historic independent bookshop in Oakland, CA, opened in the '60s, specializing in titles by & about Black people and considered the oldest bookstore that specializes in African-American literature, history, and culture in the United States. The store has remained independent and family-owned since its founding, and it is also considered a community space for Black and literary culture in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Sisters Uptown Bookstore — The only Black-owned bookstore in Manhattan, Sisters acts as both a bookstore and a community center. According to store President Janifer P. Wilson, "We provide resources for members of the community to nurture their minds, hearts and souls with present and past works of gifted African American authors and other great authors and intellectuals including masters of spoken word."
Harriett's Books — 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.
Elizabeth's Bookshop & Writing Centre — 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.
African Bookstore — 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.
The Lit. Bar — Located in the Bronx, The Lit. Bar Bookstore & Chill emphasizes diversity and books of local interest. Take a look at one of their online curated collections which include "Dear White People" and "For Colored People Who Have Considered Organizing When Marching Isn't Enuf."
Detroit Book City — Detroit Book City offers reads for both adults and kids, along with a wide collection of books by Detroit Black Indie Authors.
Hakim's Bookstore — Hakim's Bookstore, a family-run shop that has been in operation for over 59 years, was the first African American bookstore in Philadelphia. The online store lets you explore categories including African American Studies and Bios & Memoirs.
Black Stone Books — This Ypsilanti, Michigan bookstore focuses specifically on African American literature. According to their "About Us" page, the store aims "to be a place where journalists, writers, professors, students and bona fide lovers of African-American literature & culture will find a spot of solace in the heart."
Uncle Bobbie's — 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.
Books & Crannies — 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.
Loyalty Bookstore —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."
Turning Page Bookshop — 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.
The Key Bookstore — The Key Bookstore is a Black-owned "interactive online bookstore with the mission to encourage the community to bask in the reading culture experience." You can also join the Key Bookstore Community to engage in thoughtful online conversations.
