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17 Black-Owned Bookstores to Shop From Today and Every Day

What good is your antiracist reading list if you’re withholding money from the very people you’re attempting to support?

the lit bar
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The murder of George Floyd has left many people feeling helpless and uninformed. Some are turning to books to educate themselves on race in America, and though reading and studying are important first steps, it also matters where you shop for these resources. A billion-dollar company like Amazon does not need any more of your money. Instead, you can redirect those funds to Black-owned bookstores. What good is education if you’re withholding money from the very people you’re attempting to support?

While some of the bookstores on this list are closed due to coronavirus, they all have extensive online catalogues from which you can order, and several shops extend their reach beyond books. For example, Harriett’s Bookshop in Philadelphia has an initiative called “Essentials for Essentials” where customers can purchase books for essential workers. It’s not enough to simply read—we must pour money into these communities so more initiatives like this can be established. From Washington, D.C. to Kentucky, Black-owned bookstores are everywhere and deserve your dollar. Below, ELLE.com's list of 15 Black-owned bookstores to buy from today and always.

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Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery

As Chicago’s only Black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space, Semicolon 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.” In addition to serving as a bookstore and art gallery, Semicolon also uses proceeds from gift card and book purchases to directly support initiatives like Liberation Library and the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago.

Shop from Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery

Brave and Kind Books

With a specialty in children’s and young adult books, Brave and Kind Books is a self-proclaimed “thoughtfully curated little neighborhood kids bookshop.” Not only do they have a wide variety of books for every young bookworm, but they also host events such as birthday parties and workshops. They are located in Decatur, Georgia.

Shop from Brave and Kind Books

The Lit Bar

Created by Bronx native and resident Noëlle Santos, The Lit Bar is the only independent bookstore in the Bronx and also serves as a wine bar. It hosts a book club called Readers & Shakers, and past events include a movie night for The Hate U Give, the film adaptation of the novel by Angie Thomas, and a pizza soiree and discussion of Tayari Jones's An American Marriage.

Shop from The Lit Bar

Brain Lair Books

A portion of the mission statement of this South Bend, Indiana bookstore reads: “When you see someone like you reflected in books and other media, you get a clearer vision of what’s possible, of what you can do, of where you can go.” Not only is Brain Lair dedicated to literature, but they also have a blog where customers share their favorite books.

Shop from Brain Lair Books

Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center

Located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Black Stone Bookstore 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.” The store specializes in Black literature, and if you’re a movie buff, you can find DVDs of classics such as Lady Sings the Blues, Coffy, Purple Rain, and Harlem Nights. In addition to books and media, Black Stone also sell incense and oils.

Shop from Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center

Ashay by the Bay

Founded in 1997, Ashay by the Bay is known as the leading Black children’s bookstore in California’s Bay Area. They have various book collections with genres including science and math, sports, African history, and performing arts.

Shop from Ashay by the Bay

Harriett’s Bookshop

Located in Philadelphia and named after Harriet Tubman, Harriett’s Bookshop is dedicated to amplifying women authors, activists, and artists. In addition to selling books, they have an initiative called “Essentials for Essentials” where customers can purchase books that go directly to essential workers fighting on the front lines of the coronavirus at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

Shop from Harriett’s Bookshop

Frugal Bookstore

Dedicated to “changing minds one book at a time,” Frugal Bookstore is located in Roxbury, Massachusetts. African American Studies, Urban Fiction, and Poetry are among the sections you’ll find here, and the shop offers bulk book orders for all your book club and event needs.

Shop from Frugal Bookstore

AfriWare Bookstore

AfriWare Bookstore is your one-stop shop for everything you’ll ever need. From face masks and aprons to tote bags and board games, books are not all you’ll find at this Maywood, Illinois-based bookstore. For new or lifelong fans of Toni Morrison, the store even has an entire section of its website dedicated to her work.

Shop from AfriWare Bookstore

DTR 360

Online bookstore DTR 360 has a philosophy “based on information, communication and education.” Grab books on topics ranging from astrology and veganism to Caribbean studies. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, you can contact the store directly and they will order whatever you need.

Shop from DTR 360

Sankofa Video, Books, & Cafe

A “sanctuary for Pan-African culture since 1998,” Sankofa is located right down the street from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Named after the film of the same name produced by the store’s founders, Haile and Shirikiana Gerima, Sankofa specializes in African books and culture. They also have a cafe inside the store with meals named after Black film directors. Grab a “Kathleen Collins” panini or an “Ava DuVernay” wrap while you relax with a great book.

Shop from Sankofa Video, Books, & Cafe

Cafe con Libros

Located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Cafe con Libros is a bookstore and coffeeshop committed to amplifying the voices of wxmen and girls around the world. Its podcast, aptly named "Black Feminist & Bookish," sees founder Kalima DeSuze discuss books with different members of her community.

Shop from Café con Libros

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