The National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) made headlines with its official launch on August 6th, marking a significant milestone for Black-owned bookstores across the United States. The first-of-its-kind collective is dedicated to empowering and supporting Black bookstore owners and booksellers while promoting literacy and preserving Black culture.
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Blanche Richardson, a founding NAB2 board member and respected bookstore owner, emphasized the importance of this new organization. She stated that NAB2’s mission is to facilitate the growth and prosperity of Black bookstores, which play a crucial role in communities nationwide. The collective aims to increase visibility, sustainability, and impact for Black bookstores and booksellers, advocating for their representation within the bookselling industry.
Comprised of historic bookstores like Marshall’s Music and Book Store in Jackson, Miss., Marcus Books in Oakland, Calif., Hakim’s Bookstore in Philadelphia, and Source Booksellers in Detroit, NAB2’s founding directors bring a wealth of experience and passion to the table. The organization also boasts a full advisory board and general membership body, fostering collaboration and unity within the Black bookstore community.
Kevin Johnson, founder of NAB2 and former mayor of Sacramento, shared a personal connection to the cause, as his mother founded and operated Underground Books in Oak Park. His involvement in NAB2 is driven by a desire to honour her legacy and ensure the continuation of the spaces she cherished. The organisation’s core values focus on elevating Black bookstores, advocating for the community, and educating the public on the rich legacy of Black-owned bookstores across the country.
The NAB2 plans to meet virtually and in-person throughout the year, with upcoming events including New York’s Black Lit Weekend in August and the Sacramento Black Book Fair in September. By creating a platform for collective action, NAB2 aims to institutionalize policies and practices that will support the growth and sustainability of Black-owned bookstores. This initiative represents a significant step towards preserving Black culture and promoting diversity within the bookselling industry.
For those interested in supporting or joining NAB2, more information can be found on their website at www.nab2.org. The launch of this collective marks a pivotal moment in the continued fight to uplift Black voices and celebrate the rich literary heritage of Black communities across the United States. As readers and supporters, we can look forward to the positive impact that NAB2 will undoubtedly have on the cultural landscape of the book industry and beyond.