The National Association of Black Bookstores Launches to Elevate Black Literary Culture

A New Chapter for Black Literature

On August 6, 2025, the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) officially launched, dedicated to uplifting and unifying Black-owned bookstores across the United States. Inspired by the legacy of the first Black-owned bookstores, NAB2 marks a pivotal moment in the fight to amplify Black voices and preserve Black cultural heritage. This nonprofit organization aims to create a supportive and sustainable ecosystem that reinforces the crucial role bookstores play in Black communities.

The Vision Behind NAB2

Founded by former bookstore owners and luminaries in Black literary culture, NAB2's mission is clear: to promote literacy, improve visibility, and ensure the sustainability of Black-owned bookstores nationwide. The organization's Executive Board comprises remarkable individuals from iconic bookstores that have each endured through generations, including Marcus Books in Oakland and Hakim's Bookstore in Philadelphia. Collectively, they bring a wealth of experience and passion to the mission of NAB2.

Blanche Richardson, a founding board member and owner of Marcus Books, emphasized the significance of collective action among Black bookstores. According to Richardson, “For decades, Black bookstores have served as the connective tissue within communities. Now, with NAB2, we are empowered to institutionalize the policies that can foster our growth.” Her sentiment speaks to a larger desire among independent Black booksellers to come together to reinforce their impact in cultural storytelling and literacy promotion.

Key Objectives of NAB2

NAB2 focuses on a range of priorities designed to enhance the presence and efficacy of Black bookstores. These include:
1. Elevating Community Voice – By providing resources and networking opportunities, NAB2 aims to bolster the Black bookstore community, creating a vibrant support system.
2. Enhanced Representation – The initiative seeks to broaden representation in the broader bookselling industry, ensuring that Black voices and visibility are prioritized.
3. Economics of Scale – The organization plans to leverage collective purchasing and resources to benefit both current and future Black bookstores.
4. Advocacy and Engagement – NAB2 will serve as a unified voice for Black bookstores, actively engaging in advocacy efforts to highlight their importance within the literary landscape.
5. Educating the Public – A core goal is to educate the general public about the rich history and vital contributions of Black bookstores to American culture.

The Launch Event and Future Plans

NAB2's kickoff comes with plans for key events across the year, including participation in Black Lit Weekend in New York on August 15-16 and the Sacramento Black Book Fair on September 12-13. These gatherings aim to foster a sense of community and collaborative spirit among Black booksellers, authors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.

Kevin Johnson, another founding member and the founder of Underground Books, noted that his involvement is deeply personal. He wants to honor his mother’s legacy while advocating for stories and spaces that celebrate Black culture. His personal connection underscores the organization's commitment to preserving cultural storytelling through community spaces.

A Call to Action

NAB2 urges interested bookstore owners, publishers, and writers to join its membership. With a multi-tiered membership model, individuals and organizations can participate in shaping a progressive national agenda that emphasizes equity, culture, and commerce in the literary sector. As the organization grows, it envisions not only a brighter future for Black bookstores but one where these centers of culture can thrive and inspire new generations of readers and writers.

To learn more about NAB2, individuals can visit www.nab2.org or follow their social media handle @nab2blk. The establishment of NAB2 heralds a time of renewed focus on Black literature and culture, promising a strong foundation for the future of Black bookstores across America.