In 1830s New York, with the growing abolitionist movement as the backdrop, David Ruggles, an underground railroad conductor, opened the first Black-owned bookstore in the country. He sold anti-slavery literature and created a space for the increasingly free black Americans to share community and ideas. Soon, Black-owned bookstores, cropped up across the country, becoming hubs for cultural and political conversations. They hosted speeches by Malcolm X and book signings by Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou. And before long, they inevitably became the target of mobs and even an FBI counter-intelligence program.
“Historically, Black independent booksellers have been viewed as the keepers of Black culture,” writes Char Adams, author of the forthcoming Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore. “Because of this, the stores have long been sites of liberation — and government interest.”
But from the very first Black-owned bookstore to open almost two centuries ago to now, these spaces have always been about gathering and celebration, about amplifying voices and ideas, about stepping out of exclusionary environments and into welcoming ones. In honor of Black History Month, we spoke to owners of Black-owned bookstores across the country from Brooklyn to Portland, Chicago to Austin. When asked what inspired them, they all had one answer: community. These stores allowed them to build spaces they couldn’t find elsewhere and connect over shared literature. Join us for a bookstore hop for glimpses behind their journeys and book recommendations.
Bliss Books and Wine, Kansas City
An interview with La’Nesha Frazier of Bliss Books and Wine
What is the inspiration behind your store?
One afternoon co-founder and visionary La’Nesha Frazier found herself mid-chapter after completing her lunch break. She soon realized that she would not be able to finish her reading once she returned to her home duties, so she began brainstorming on places to go after work. “I desperately needed a place I could go to decompress, have a glass of wine and finish reading my book. After much thought, I quickly found that no place existed for me to go! Men have their bars and cigar lounges that they can frequent but I had yet to discover a place for me: a wife and a working mother of two, who needed just an hour or so of silence, sipping and relaxation.” After pondering for several months, she landed on taking charge, authoring her own story, and creating her own happy place. She naturally called up her big sister, La’Nae Robinson, with her idea, which, La’Nae said, sounded like bliss. Thus Bliss Books & Wine was born!
What is one thing about the store that brings you joy every day?
Engaging with customers.
What’s one little-known book you would recommend people to read this Black History Month?
Black Trailblazers: 30 Courageous Visionaries Who Broke Boundaries, Made a Difference, and Paved the Way by Bijan Bayne.
What’s one children’s book you recommend people of all ages read?All Because You Matter and We Are Here both by Tami Charles.
Adanne Bookshop, Brooklyn
An interview with Darlene Okpo of Adanne Bookshop
What was the inspiration behind your store?
Adanne Bookshop was inspired by my career as an educator. I wanted to create a space where people could not only discover books by Black and African diaspora authors, but also feel a sense of community, connection, and cultural pride. Adanne is more than a bookstore—it’s a place for storytelling, dialogue, and empowerment.
What makes your store special to you?
Adanne is special because it’s a reflection of my passion for literacy, culture, and community. It’s not just a retail space; it’s a gathering place where people engage with literature in a meaningful way. Whether through author events, book clubs, or workshops, I’ve built a space where Black stories are celebrated, and people feel seen, heard, and inspired.
What’s one book you would recommend in honor of Black History Month?
I would recommend Sula by Toni Morrison. It’s a powerful exploration of Black womanhood, friendship, and community, with Morrison’s signature lyrical storytelling. The novel challenges narratives of morality and belonging, making it a timeless and thought-provoking read for Black History Month.
If 2025 could be a book, which one would it be?
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. 2025 feels like a year of transformation, resilience, and vision—just like Lauren Olamina’s journey in the novel. Butler’s story speaks to the power of adaptability, community-building, and the necessity of imagining a better future even in the face of uncertainty. It’s a reminder that change is inevitable, but growth is a choice.
Third Eye Books Accessories and Gifts, Portland, Oregon
An interview with Charles Hannah of Third Eye Books, Accessories and Gifts
What was the inspiration behind your store?
The inspiration for this bookstore came from my wife. She was involved in a Rites of Passage program called “Sacred Woman” and this led her to find her true calling to be a healer. At the same time, I realized that my love for reading and books fit the same for me. So I chose the path of a book dealer.
What part of owning a bookstore surprised you?
The response. Let me explain. We get customers from all parts of the city, county and the world. People would visit the space and start to cry, sing, shout, and give all sorts of praises…”I’m glad you are here,” “Thanks for being here.” It took me a while to understand what this all meant. I have grown to understand that a good indie bookstores will give people “space” and “voice” in which they can be heard and acknowledged. I think we’ve recreated this vibe.
This Black History Month, what is one book you would recommend to feel hope?
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell. This book is incredible. I read it three times, just to find all the bits and pieces to put everything together for a fantastic picture. This book helped believe in the power of the human imagination to determine outcomes and future possibilities. This was Third Eye Books December 2024 Bookclub Pick and was a hit with the group.
Semicolon Books, Chicago
An interview with Danielle Moore of Semicolon Books
What was the inspiration behind your store?
The inspiration behind my shop was really just wanting to create a space where I could show up as my most authentic self. I love books, art, and culture. My shop truly reflects that.
If your bookstore was a book, which one would it be?
If my bookstore was a book, it would likely be All About Love by bell hooks–nuanced and with a ridiculous amount of depth, but approachable and easy to learn from if you’re willing to do the work! It is our ethos and has been our best-selling book every month since our inception.
What’s one book you would recommend for Black History Month?One book that I recommend for Black History Month is neckbone: visual verses by avery r. young. It is beautifully written, printed, and invites the reader to fall into an artistic experience akin to the awe of a beautiful exhibit in a museum. Can you tell it’s one of my faves? Because it definitely is.
Fulton Street Books and Coffee, Tulsa
An interview with Onikah Asamoa-Caesar of Fulton Street Books and Coffee
What is the inspiration behind your store?
Fulton Street was born out of my love for books and desire for community. I wanted to create a space where folks like me, whose identities are often relegated to a singular shelf or season, could see themselves not just included, but centered in the stories on the shelves, where they could feel at home, and engage in meaningful conversations. Books have always been a tool for liberation, learning, and connection, and Fulton Street is about making sure those stories are accessible while also building a community around them.
What is one thing that’s been unexpectedly popular with readers in Tulsa?
Romantasy! Goodness knows it is not my particular favorite, but readers in Tulsa are loving the mix of fantasy and romance, and we’ve seen a real uptick in folks coming in for recommendations in that genre. It’s been fun to see readers get excited about books that blend epic storytelling with deep emotional connections.
If people could think of one book when they thought of your store, which one would you like it to be?
Black Ink. It’s a must-read collection of essays from some of the greatest Black thinkers and writers, reflecting a true brilliance and diversity of thought, and placing them in their rightful place in the American literary canon. Fulton Street is all about celebrating Black literature and the impact it has on our lives, and Black Ink captures the necessity of that beautifully.
What’s one little-known book you would recommend people read this Black History Month?
I’d actually suggest a timely reread of Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. It’s not little-known, but every time I come back to it, I take something new away. In the current moment, its reflections on history, identity, and what it means to move through the world in a Black body feel as urgent as ever.
Solid State Books, Washington DC
An interview with Scott Abel of Solid State Books
What was the inspiration behind your store?
We were inspired to create a community in DC based around books, a place for all to visit and inhabit with books as the reason, the backdrop, the lead element. And then the knock-on themes became literacy, and talk, and analog experiences. And frankly, we were inspired by what we didn’t see too… a lack of third places, and spots to be left alone off the web, and a place to be still, within the community instead of apart from it.
What about your store has brought you unexpected joy?
We’ve had great amounts of fun seeing children and nannies, and parents just lose themselves in the children’s area. They read, and play and it’s just a nice feeling to sit there sometimes, take it in.
Black Pearl Books, Austin
An interview with Katrina Brooks of Black Pearl Books
What was the inspiration behind your store?
Black Pearl Books is a mission-driven bookstore. It’s a ministry that was inspired by our children but fueled by our community. We continue to be inspired by the simple hope of humanity that diversity, inclusion, and representation through literature can bring.
What makes your store special to you?
The vibe! The people! The community!
What is one book you would recommend for Black History Month?
Black AF History by Michale Harriot.
What is one book you would recommend to forget about politics? James by Percival Everett.
