10 Black-Owned Bookstores You Should Visit
According to Readin’ Readers
By: Caitlyn Evans and Selena Lopez
Shop this article: https://bookshop.org/lists/community-readin-magazine *affiliate link
Only about 6% of independent bookstores in the United States are Black-owned. In a world where our money may speak more loudly than most other actions, putting our hard-earned dollars behind businesses and individuals we can feel proud supporting matters. The following 10 bookstores are some that came recommended with high praise from you all -— our readers. Even if you don’t live near one of these bookstores, we encourage you to support them on social media or other online platforms, like Libro.fm or bookshop.org.
10 Black-Owned Bookstores You Should Visit:
Resist Booksellers, Petersburg, VA
The owner of Resist Booksellers, Demetrius Frazier, is a standout in his efforts towards advocating for literacy in his community as a board member of Black Men Read, a literacy nonprofit founded in 2019. Readin’ readers say his bookstore is “an inviting space with great inventory focusing on Black authors. They have excellent events and will be putting on a book festival in 2025!”
Submitted by: Ravynn S.
Source of Knowledge, Newark, NJ
Source of Knowledge has been serving their community in Newark since 1992. It has evolved from just a bookstore to a community center, centering Black art, literature, culture, and community. It’s a space for young readers to dig deeper into Radical Black thought, and Readin’ readers say “It’s huge! And has a great selection of indie books as well as beautiful African art.”
Submitted by: Victoria C.
Turning Page Bookshop, Goose Creek, South Carolina
Turning Page is the only Black-owned brick-and-mortar bookstore in South Carolina and opened in June 2014. Readin’ readers say “it's a place that really focuses on both local interest and community as well as reading diversely.”
Submitted by: Anonymous
BLK + BRWN, Kansas City, MO
BLK + BRWN first opened its doors on Juneteenth in 2021, with the goal of creating a space for Black and brown folks to call their own, and be centered in stories about their experiences. Readin’ readers say the owner, Cori Smith, “makes it her mission to uplift local KC authors and builds relationships with everyone who walks through her door!”
Submitted by: Allissa P.
Loudmouth Books, Indianapolis, IN
Loudmouth Books is a Black, queer, woman-owned bookstore dedicated to uplifting marginalized authors and highlighting banned books. Readin’ readers say they “looove the vibes and that it gives a spotlight to books by queer & BIPOC authors!”
Submitted by: Anonymous
A Concrete Rose, Lancaster, PA
A Concrete Rose has a little bit of everything -— micro-brewery and winery, tapas, event space, and bookstore all in one. Their literary selection highlights stories from the African diaspora, and their space is described as “cozy, curated, and the vibes are immaculate.”
Submitted by: Courtney H.
Black English Bookstore, Tampa, FL
Owned by Gwendolyn Henderson, Black English Bookstore is dedicated to uplifting stories from authors who write in Black English, all while creating a cozy space for community. Most importantly, our readers share that they “feel safe as a Black woman.”
Submitted by: Ajiona L.
Grassrootz Bookstore, Phoenix, Arizona
If you’re looking for a store that mixes books, board games, and a juice bar, Grassrootz Bookstore is the place for you. Not only is Grassrootz Black-Owned, but it’s also owned by its workers and prides itself on being a community space.
Submitted by: Anonymous
Brave + Kind Bookshop, Decatur, GA
For many of us, the love of reading started as young kids, so Brave + Kind Bookstop has fostered an inclusive and intentional space for children’s and young adult books -— with a great variety of adult fiction, too. Owned by Bunnie Hilliard, Brave + Kind Bookstop even has a book-of-the-month subscription club to receive 1-2 books based on your age group!
Submitted by: Maya T.
Socialight Society, Lansing, MI
Born from a dream to shop in a bookstore where people who looked like her could shop, Nysell Lawrence opened the Socialight Society in 2022. As a creative and poet herself, Lawrence is passionate about creating the necessary space for Black authors and creatives to share their art.
Submitted by: Emily L.
There you have it -— 10 bookstores you can support instead of a certain online shopping conglomerate. Each independent bookstore purchase not only supports someone’s small business but also allows these community spaces to flourish and serve its people. So, buy that book that already caught your eye as you read this month’s Readin’ issue. You know you want to.
