The holiday season is upon us, and whether you’re shopping for Christmas or Kwanzaa, there’s no better destination than Black independent bookstores. These community-centric hubs offer a variety of gifts, from unique stationery to handpicked books, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the family. As many store owners affirm, these bookstores provide not just products but also a sense of belonging that large corporations cannot replicate.
Courtney Bledsoe, the proud owner of Call & Response Bookstore in Chicago, acknowledges that some consumers hesitate to buy books as gifts. However, she emphasizes the value of bookstores in helping people select the ideal book tailored to individual tastes. Her mission is simple: to normalize literature created by Black authors and other writers of color.
In the digital age, major corporations like Amazon and Target often offer lower prices, but several bookstore owners noted to Capital B that what they provide is an irreplaceable sense of community. The following sections dive into some standout Black-owned bookstores across the nation that deserve attention this holiday season.
For Those Seeking Books and Community
Call & Response in Chicago
Opened in May 2024 in the diverse neighborhood of Hyde Park, Call & Response aims to bring visibility to literature focusing on Black and authors of color. Bledsoe asserts, “There is an entire world of literature out there,” encompassing genres from science fiction to nonfiction. She recalls opening her store and facing mixed reactions, as some customers were unaccustomed to seeing a collection dominated by people of color.
Instead of supporting corporate giants like Barnes & Noble, Bledsoe urges shoppers to pre-order from independent bookstores to better reflect community demand. In addition to books, her store features a variety of items like Black-themed crossword puzzles, candles, and stuffed animals, offering gifts that extend beyond literature alone.
Call & Response also serves as a community hub, hosting outreach events designed to connect local residents. This includes silent book clubs, open mic nights, and fundraising for charitable causes. Despite challenges related to existing as a Black woman-owned business, Bledsoe emphasizes her commitment to creating accessible, joyous spaces for all readers.
For the Hopeless Romantics
Grand Gesture Books, Portland, Oregon
Katherine Morgan recognized a significant gap in the representation of Black individuals in romance literature—a gap she aims to fill with her bookstore, Grand Gesture. Drawing from her experiences in the romance section of another store, Morgan opened her independent shop in downtown Portland to highlight often-overlooked identities within the genre.
“It’s crucial to showcase people’s identities; it empowers them to understand their own narrative,” she shares. Reflecting on her past, Morgan notes that seeing Black protagonists in romance novels often didn’t happen until later in life, which shaped her belief that everyone deserves a happily ever after.
Grand Gesture doesn’t just cater to lovers of romance; it serves as a real-life venue for bringing couples together, having organized unique events like community weddings. The store also delivers a curated selection of stickers and e-reader cases for those preferring modern reading devices.
For Those Craving Access to Black History
Marshall’s Music and Books in Jackson, Mississippi
For a deeper dive into Black history, look no further than Marshall’s Music and Books, established in 1938. Owned by Maati Primm, this bookstore is an invaluable resource, especially as discussions surrounding Black history become increasingly controversial.
Noting the importance of accessibility to Black culture and literature, Primm elaborates on the significant increase in customers seeking books that reflect their heritage—a reflection of the socio-political climate in Mississippi. With a dedicated section for influential Black authors, Marshall’s serves as more than just a bookstore; it’s a sanctuary for knowledge and identity.
In addition to books, the store offers cultural artifacts like dashikis and bracelets, ensuring that customers leave with not only knowledge but also an experience that connects them to their roots.
For a Small Town Feel with Big Shelf Energy
Obodo Serendipity in Stratford, Connecticut
Obodo Serendipity Books started as a pop-up shop and has blossomed into a full-fledged bookstore since its opening. Owner Nikkya Hargrove has cultivated connections within her community through events like “Black Santa” appearances, establishing the bookstore as a beloved local hub.
Utilizing community loans and grassroots fundraising, Hargrove secured the resources to bring her vision to life. She emphasizes year-round sales, pointing out that while certain months see spikes in business, independent bookstores depend on consistent support.
In addition to selling books and hosting monthly author events, Obodo Serendipity also offers yoga classes, attesting to its commitment to holistic community engagement. The bookstore serves as a space not just for selling books but also for fostering connections and conversations.
A Bookstore to Scratch the Itch to Support Palestine This Season
Loyalty Books in Washington, D.C.
Loyalty Books stands out for its dedication to serving marginalized communities, addressing the unique needs of the evolving demographics in D.C. Co-owner Hannah Oliver Depp emphasizes the importance of representation and vocal advocacy within their offerings.
Amid the challenges of gentrification and demographic shifts, Loyalty Books promotes an inclusive message, proudly displaying affirmations for various rights movements in its windows. Though faced with incidents of vandalism, this has only intensified the bookstore’s commitment to uplift marginalized voices, donating portions of earnings to relevant causes.
Whether through carefully curated events or community support, Loyalty Books illustrates the power of independent bookstores to foster dialogue and create a sense of belonging amongst diverse narratives and backgrounds.
With a growing network of independent Black-owned bookstores, resources like the African American Literature Book Club provide an interactive map to further explore and support these vital community spaces.
