They’re keeping the legacy of Black bookstores alive!
For the first time, Black bookstores across the country have a national organization dedicated solely to their growth and preservation. The newly launched National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) is a nonprofit collective built to “promote literacy, amplify Black voices, and preserve Black cultural heritage” of Black communities through books, the organization said in a press release.
NAB2 marks a major step forward in supporting Black-owned bookstores and booksellers, many of which have served as vital cultural hubs for decades. By strengthening their visibility and sustainability, the organization aims to create long-term infrastructure that allows these businesses, and the communities they serve, to thrive.
“For decades, Black bookstores have been the connective tissue in communities across the nation,” said Blanche Richardson, founding board member and owner of Marcus Books. “Now, with NAB2, we can institutionalize the collective action we’ve long talked about to help these important institutions flourish.”
The organization’s inaugural board includes leaders from some of the country’s most historic Black bookstores, many of which are now run by third, fourth, and even fifth generation family members. Among them are Marshall’s Music and Books (Jackson, MS), Hakim’s Bookstore (Philadelphia, PA), Marcus Books (Oakland, CA), and Source Booksellers (Detroit, MI).
With a membership model that welcomes store owners, booksellers, authors, publishers, and literary allies, NAB2 is building a national agenda rooted in equity, culture, and community commerce, ensuring Black bookstores remain powerful spaces of learning, connection, and legacy.