#United States #Pittsburgh #State Report #NAB2 #Black bookstores

NAB2 Launches Landmark Report on Black Bookstores

The National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) has officially released its first-ever State of the Black Bookstore Report along with the National Black-Owned Bookstore Directory. This groundbreaking effort showcases not only the current landscape of Black-owned bookstores across the United States but also the substantive challenges these institutions face.

As of now, there are 306 Black-owned bookstores operating throughout the country, which make up roughly 8% of the total independent bookstores. Despite this positive growth, a concerning 90% of these establishments report annual revenues of less than $250,000. Moreover, 36% operate without a permanent brick-and-mortar location, which illustrates the ongoing hurdles that threaten the sustainability of these vital cultural centers.

Kevin Johnson, NAB2's Founder and Board Chair, remarked, "The growth of Black-owned bookstores across the country reflects the strength and relevance of these institutions today. This report establishes a clear national record of where Black bookstores are operational and how they function." With this report, the NAB2 aims to create a solid foundation for advocacy and continued support in the industry.

The State of the Black Bookstore Report provides a thorough analysis of bookstore locations, business models, revenue trends, and regional distribution, while also elevating the narratives and experiences of bookstore owners.

Yvonne Blake, a veteran owner of a Black bookstore and a founding board member of NAB2, emphasized the historical context of this report. "We have always done more with less. We survived by serving our people, protecting our stories, and holding space when few others would," she stated. Blake further noted that the report acknowledges the hard work of those who came before while highlighting the necessary changes for future generations to thrive.

The newly launched National Black-Owned Bookstore Directory aims to identify diverse Black bookstore entities, including traditional brick-and-mortar stores, mobile shops, pop-ups, and e-commerce platforms. This directory acts as a public resource for readers, educators, authors, and publishers, as well as a critical tool for collective advocacy and support within the community.

Key findings from the State of the Black Bookstore Report include:

• - 306 Black-owned bookstores are currently operational in the U.S., representing about 8% of all independent bookstores.
• - 90% of Black-owned bookstores report annual revenues below $250,000.
• - 36% lack permanent physical locations.
• - 14 states have no Black-owned bookstores, pointing to significant geographic disparities in access to Black literary spaces.

This inaugural report not only celebrates the resilience and growth of Black-owned bookstores but also stresses the importance of collaboration among bookstores, publishers, authors, and institutions committed to equity within the literary landscape. With the launch of these two significant initiatives, NAB2 positions itself as a leading voice in advocating for Black-owned bookstores and works to pave the way for future growth and sustainability.

To read the full report or explore the Black-Owned Bookstore Directory, visit www.nab2.org.

About NAB2
The National Association of Black Bookstores was established with the primary goal of empowering Black-owned bookstores. The organization is focused on promoting literacy, amplifying Black voices, and preserving cultural heritage through the sustainable development of Black literary spaces. Founded in 2025, NAB2 leverages advocacy and education to create impactful partnerships designed to enhance the visibility and influence of Black bookstores. You can follow NAB2 on social media at @nab2blk.