While the numbers can vary, different surveys have shown that at least half of the American population enjoys a good book occasionally. Many of them still prefer physical books, though the sales of digital media continue to rise. If you’re a reader or you’re looking for a great gift for the book lover in your life, then now is a good time to support Black-owned bookstores in your area.
Why You Should Support Black-Owned Businesses
Although one in five Black Americans say that owning their own business would be a significant step toward financial security, Black people are in the minority of business owners. According to the Pew Research Center, there were almost 195,000 Black-owned businesses in America in 2022. At the time, only three percent of firms could be classified by ethnicity. About seven percent of these businesses were in some kind of retail trade.
However, while Black Americans show interest in starting a business, they often face a few obstacles. These can include systemic racism and discriminatory practices that make it harder for Black people to access much-needed capital to start a business. Studies also show that Black people don’t usually have the same support structure or networking opportunities as white people who are interested in entrepreneurship.
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To make things worse, it doesn’t necessarily get better when you start your business. In times of hardship, Black-owned businesses are more likely to close or suffer higher losses. For example, during the pandemic, a survey revealed that Black-owned businesses closed at more than twice the rate of businesses that were owned by white people.
The best thing you can do to encourage Black American entrepreneurs is to support their businesses. You’ll contribute to closing the current wealth gap that exists while making generational wealth more of a possibility. Additionally, as the number of Black-owned businesses increases, they’re more likely to employ others and build the local community.
Furthermore, the more Black-owned businesses there are, the higher the likelihood that they’ll be able to network with others.
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20 Black-Owned Bookstores to Show Some Love
1. Grassrootz Bookstore
Located on East Washington Street in Phoenix, Arizona, this bookstore has a lot to offer. In its bid to uphold the mission of building, collaborating, and growing, Grassrootz Bookstore offers physical books that cover a wide range of topics. You can also access audiobooks through their collaboration with certain providers. If you’re interested in more, the bookstore also has a book club, merchandise, and a discount when you donate books.
2. Octavia’s Bookshelf
If you live in Pasadena, California, then you should check out Octavia’s Bookshelf! This bookstore specializes in stocking books from BIPOC authors and also offers audiobooks. There are also informative and fun events that you can attend as an author or reader.
3. Kindred Thoughts
Kindred Thoughts started as an online book club during the pandemic and has since grown to a physical presence. It’s located in the historic Arcade Mall in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This bookstore prides itself on being completely Black-owned as well as 50 percent owned by a woman and 50 percent owned by a veteran. With its emphasis on Black American literature and culture, it offers a variety of books by Black authors as well as local events.
4. The African American Literature Book Club
This is a great option for those who prefer to do all their shopping online. You can shop on this webstore for books that are written primarily by Black authors. There are also events that you can attend online or in person.
5. All Things Inspiration
Located in Marietta, Georgia, All Things Inspiration focuses on Christianity-based books mostly written by authors of color. This includes fiction and non-fiction books for all ages. It also hosts book launches and signings as well as reading challenges.
6. Afriware Books
Afriware Books is a mobile bookstore that is committed to serving different communities in Illinois. While they offer physical books from Black authors, they also have ebooks and audiobooks in their catalogue.
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7. Everyone’s Place
Baltimore, Maryland, is home to Everyone’s Place–a Black-owned bookstore that offers books from Black authors and various items from Black American culture. Those who join their book club receive a discount on their purchases, and the bookstore often hosts book-based events.
8. Nandi’s Knowledge Cafe
Residents of Highland Park, Michigan, can enjoy books by Black authors when they shop at Nandi’s Knowledge Cafe, but it offers even more. The cafe hosts a regular open mic or night of poetry where patrons can experience live poetry readings and music.
9. Bliss Books and Wine
While you can certainly get a book and go home, Bliss, Books, and Wine is an ideal spot to relax with a good book. Their venue in Kansas City, Missouri, is designed to build a community of readers who also enjoy the occasional glass of wine. Other events include kids’ Christmas book parties, silent book clubs, and yoga sessions.
10. Aframerican Bookstore
Established in 1990, the Aframerican Bookstore calls Omaha, Nebraska, its home. This bookstore focuses on books that tell stories from a Black American perspective, whether they’re traditionally or self-published. They also offer the ability to send books to those who are incarcerated.
11. Adanne Bookshop
Located in Brooklyn, New York, Adanne Bookshop offers a variety of books written by Black authors. If you’re looking for rare or out-of-print titles, this might be a great place to start. If you have a creative side, then indulge it at Adanne’s craft corner. For a small fee, they’ll provide the materials for crafts such as ceramic painting, resin jewelry, and pottery.
12. Beyond Barcodes
Beyond Barcodes is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and offers Black-written books for all ages. Additionally, they have a book club and writing events that help those in the community to develop their writing skills.
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13. Black English Bookstore
Owned and independently operated by Black women, this bookstore focuses on books that are not only written by Black authors but also contain what can be defined as Black English. They can be found in Tampa, Florida.
14. Body and Soul NC
Body and Soul offers an interesting mixture of books, aromatherapy, art, and a boutique. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, you can buy books from Black American authors while exploring all the other items they have to offer.
15. Burst Into Books
Unlike most other bookstores, Burst Into Books focuses on advancing the literacy of children between the ages of six months and 18 years. They have books written by Black authors that are age-appropriate for different readers. Buying a book from them also helps them to continue their mandate of improving the literacy rates of their community of Chicago, Illinois, and beyond.
16. Loudmouth Books
Loudmouth Books is another bookstore that’s located in Indianapolis, Indiana. While it’s run by Black women, its focus is on highlighting the work of all marginalized authors. This can include authors who are Black, Indigenous, or part of the LGBTQ+ community. The bookstore also hosts different events such as community programs and children’s reading hours.
17. Malik’s Books
This Black-owned bookstore focuses on books written by Black American authors. They’re located in Culver City, California, and also have a bookmobile so they can bring diverse books to different communities.
18. Olive Tree Books ‘n’ Voices
Nestled in Springfield, Massachusetts, you can buy books by Black American authors from this Black-owned bookstore.
19. Rejoice Christian Books and Gift Shop
This Christian bookstore is located in Snellville, Georgia. The Black-owned bookstore offers fiction and non-fiction from a variety of authors that are meant to inspire others.
20. The Underground Bookstore
Based in Chicago, Illinois, The Underground Bookstore has been around for almost 30 years. They offer a variety of books, including those that focus on Black heritage and culture. They also have different spiritual or cultural items that may interest you, like incense and Egyptian ankhs.
Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg. With a little research, you may be surprised to find how many Black-owned bookstores are around. Supporting these businesses during the holidays and throughout the year is a great way to build the community while enjoying your books.
