DL Mullen Just Opened Chicago's Only Bookstore Currently Owned by a Bl – BOTWC

News

DL Mullen Just Opened Chicago's Only Bookstore Currently Owned by a Black Woman

15th July 2019 by BOTWC Staff

DL Mullen Just Opened Chicago's Only Bookstore Currently Owned by a Black Woman

Last week DL Mullen opened Chicago’s only bookstore currently owned by a Black woman.

“Semicolon” is a hip bookstore that also serves as an art gallery and space for the community. The store opened its doors last Tuesday with a party and mural unveiling, which was designed by street artist, Ahmad Lee. 

“It means everything to me. To be able to create something that I love, as a Black woman, that other Black women and people can love just as much is a huge deal,” Mullen said in an interview with Chicago Magazine. "You don’t get into bookselling looking for money; it’s really hard to build up your career to actually open a bookstore. I feel grateful that I’ve been able to do that.”

Mullen is an author and editor and holds a PhD in Literary Theory.

The first Black woman to open a bookstore in Chicago was Desiree Sanders, whom operated Afrocentric Bookstore for almost twenty years and closed in 2008.  Sanders blazed a trail for Mullen and Mrs. Toneal M. Jackson who launched and ran APS Books & More in Chicago from 2015 through June 2019. 

Semicolon is located at 515 North Halsted Street and is open each week from Tuesday through Saturday.

Congratulations DL!

Photo credit: DS Shin

Related Posts

Cheer Captain In Training: This Toddler Calling a Cheer For a Football Team Will Make Your Day Cheer Captain In Training: This Toddler Calling a Cheer For a Football Team Will Make Your Day
Cheer Captain In Training: This Toddler Calling a Cheer For a Football Team Will Make Your Day
Say hello to your new captain! SiSi is the mother of two girls and one boy, all participating in football and cheerl...
Read More
This Son Learned How to Braid His Mother’s Hair After She Told Him She Has Multiple Sclerosis This Son Learned How to Braid His Mother’s Hair After She Told Him She Has Multiple Sclerosis
This Son Learned How to Braid His Mother’s Hair After She Told Him She Has Multiple Sclerosis
He’s his mother's keeper! TikTok user Ferris (@ferrisb1) posted a video braiding his mother's hair and jokingly aski...
Read More
This Woman Cutting Off Her Hair In Support of Her Best Friend Will Put You All the Way In Your Feels This Woman Cutting Off Her Hair In Support of Her Best Friend Will Put You All the Way In Your Feels
This Woman Cutting Off Her Hair In Support of Her Best Friend Will Put You All the Way In Your Feels
Everyone deserves true friendship! A North Carolina native, Shayla shared a super special FaceTime call between her ...
Read More