Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore Book by Char Adams

Step into the powerful, untold history of the Black bookstore—spaces that have nourished intellect, cultivated revolution, and shaped Black culture for generations. In Black-Owned, journalist Char Adams illuminates the pivotal role these bookstores have played as community hubs, literary sanctuaries, and engines of social change.

Through rich storytelling, meticulous research, and intimate interviews, Adams explores how Black bookstore owners across the country have fought censorship, created safe spaces for dialogue, preserved Black stories, and inspired movements. From the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Power era and today’s renewed calls for racial justice, Black-Owned chronicles how these cultural institutions have stood at the heart of Black liberation work.

Perfect for readers of Black history, cultural studies, social justice, and book lovers who understand the transformative power of story, this book is both a tribute and a call to action: to support, sustain, and celebrate the legacy of Black-owned bookstores.

Why You’ll Love It:

A groundbreaking look at the history and impact of Black bookstores

Inspiring profiles of owners, activists, and community leaders

Timely insights into the fight against censorship and the preservation of Black narratives

A must-read for educators, dreamers, and anyone dedicated to Black literary spaces

Add this essential work to your collection and honor the revolutionary tradition of Black book culture.