The landscape of Black-owned bookstores in America has undergone a transformative journey.
In 1999, over 325 such stores served as cultural hubs, but by 2012, only about 50 remained. A gradual resurgence began in 2017, with numbers climbing to approximately 70.
Today, fueled by a renewed focus on racial equity, and the rise of online platforms, the tide has shifted again: over 150 Black-owned bookstores now operate nationwide, in-person and digitally.
These spaces remain vital for education, community, and empowerment. Below is a list of active bookstores that continue to inspire and uplift.
Black-Owned Bookstores by City
Boynton Beach, FL
- Pyramid Books: Focused on Black literature, spirituality, and children’s books, with a strong community event lineup.
Brooklyn, NY
- Cafe con Libros: A feminist-forward shop combining coffee, books, and activism, centering BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices.
Camden, NJ
- La Unique African American Books & Cultural Center: A hub for historical and contemporary Black literature, plus art and workshops.
Dallas, TX
- The Pan African Connection: Specializes in Afrocentric books, art, and cultural events, fostering global Black unity.
Fort Worth, TX
- The Dock Bookshop: One of Texas’ largest Black-owned bookstores, hosting author signings and youth programs.
Harlem, NY
- Grandma’s Place: A family-friendly shop emphasizing children’s literacy and African American history.
Little Rock, AR
- Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing: Blends books, African art, and custom framing with a focus on Black heritage.
Longwood, FL
- Dare Books: A small but mighty shop highlighting Black authors across genres, from history to sci-fi.
Morrow, GA
- Nubian Bookstore: Offers books, incense, and cultural items, with a focus on self-education and empowerment.
New Orleans, LA
- The Community Book Center: A 40-year institution promoting African and African American literature and art.
New York, NY
- Sisters Uptown Bookstore: A Harlem gem hosting readings, open mics, and children’s storytimes.
Philadelphia, PA
- Hakim’s Bookstore: Founded in 1959, one of the oldest Black-owned bookstores in the U.S., specializing in history and academia.
- Uncle Bobbies Coffee & Books: A café-bookstore named after activist Marcus Garvey’s nickname.
- Black and Nobel: Offers Afrocentric books, music, and apparel with a focus on social justice.
- Beaucoup Hoodoo: Combines literature with spiritual tools, celebrating Black mysticism and folklore.
University City, MO
- Eyeseeme: Dedicated to children’s books that affirm Black identity, with a nationwide educator outreach program.
Washington, DC
- Mahogany Books: A premier destination for Black literature, co-founded by a father-son duo passionate about representation.
- Sankofa Video, Books & Café: Partners with Howard University to amplify Black thought through books, films, and coffee.
Alexandria, VA
- Harambee Books and Artworks: Features rare books, art, and collectibles tied to African American history.
Online-Only Black-Owned Bookstores
For readers prioritizing convenience or lacking access to physical stores, these digital platforms deliver Black literature nationwide:
- Ashay By The Bay: Specializes in children’s books celebrating Black culture, STEM, and history.
- Brain Lair Books: Focuses on anti-bias, anti-racist books for kids, educators, and families.
- Sistah Sci-Fi: A niche haven for speculative fiction by Black women and nonbinary authors.
- The Lit. Bar: While it has a physical location, its robust online store ships globally, specializing in books by marginalized voices.
- Cushcity: One of the oldest Black-owned online bookstores, offering Afrocentric titles since 1997.
- Black Garnet Books: Minnesota-based but digital-first, prioritizing BIPOC and queer authors.
- Loyalty Bookstores: Black queer-owned (DC/MD) with a fierce online selection of diverse titles.
- BLK MKT Vintage: Brooklyn-based, selling rare Black literature and ephemera alongside vintage goods.
Supporting the Movement
While challenges persist—from gentrification to corporate competition—these stores thrive through community loyalty and innovation. To sustain this progress:
- Purchase directly from these shops (in-person or online).
- Attend virtual or in-store events.
- Share their work on social media.
- Donate to literacy initiatives they support.
“A book is a tool for liberation.” — Dr. Claud Anderson. Let’s keep turning the page toward collective empowerment.
