The first State of the Black Bookstore Report finds that Black-owned bookstores in the United States represent a small but visible segment of the bookstore ecosystem. Released by the National Association of Black Bookstores, the report lists 306 Black-owned bookstores across the country, slightly fewer than in 1999 but 155% more than in 2020. New York, Georgia and California account for 89 stores, while 14 states don’t have one. The report notes that Black-owned bookstores serve as cultural anchors and gathering places. “One of the biggest challenges is that many classic nonfiction works by Black authors are slowly falling out of print,” says Jordan Harris of Alkebu-Lan Images in Nashville. “Black bookstores can work together to leverage our collective power to reestablish printing and ensure these important works remain available.” The first Black-owned bookstore was opened in New York City in 1834.
