Inspired by the legacy of the country's first Black-owned bookstores and the remarkable individuals behind them, the official launch of the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) took place today. As a first-of-its-kind national organization, NAB2 has been built to unify, elevate, and empower Black-owned bookstores across the country.
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NAB2 is a nonprofit collective created to promote literacy, amplify Black voices, and preserve Black culture by increasing the visibility, sustainability, and impact of Black bookstores and booksellers. The organization represents a powerful step toward creating long-term infrastructure and collective advocacy for one of the most vital cultural cornerstones of Black America.
“For decades Black bookstores have been the connective tissue in communities across the nation. Many of us have talked for years about the power of collective action and now, with the founding of NAB2 we have the ability to institutionalize policies and practices that will allow for the further growth and flourishing of these important institutions”- Blanche Richardson, Founding Board Member and Owner, Marcus Books
The organization's inaugural board includes trailblazers from some of the country's most historic and impactful Black bookstores. Many of these are now being led by third, fourth and fifth generation family member bookstore owners including Marshall's Music and Books (Jackson, MS), Hakim's Bookstore (Philadelphia, PA), Marcus Books (Oakland, CA), and Source Booksellers (Detroit, MI). NAB2's multi-tiered membership model invites bookstore owners, professional booksellers, and at-large industry allies, authors, publishers, and distributors, to join in shaping a national agenda rooted in equity, culture, and commerce.
“My mother, Mother Rose, founded and ran Underground Books in Oak Park. My involvement in the National Association of Black Bookstores is deeply personal. It's a way for me to honor her legacy and ensure that the stories, voices, and spaces she cherished continue to thrive,” said Kevin Johnson, Founder, National Association of Black Bookstores.
The core priorities of the organization are as follows:
— Elevating the Black bookstore communityby offering professional resources, increased visibility, and a strong network of support;
— Expanding representationin the bookselling industry by supporting long-term financial sustainability and growth;
— Leveraging economies of scaleto benefit both current and future Black bookstores and booksellers;
— Serving as a collective voice forBlack bookstores through advocacy and public engagement;
— Educating the publicabout the rich history and enduring legacy of Black bookstores in America.
Structured with a full board of directors, advisory board, and general membership body, NAB2 plans to convene virtually and in person throughout the year, with key events slated during Black Lit Weekend in New York (August 15-16) and the Sacramento Black Book Fair (September 12-13).
For more information, to become a member, or to support NAB2, visitwww.nab2.org or follow @nab2blk on social platforms.
About the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2)
The National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) is the first and only national organization dedicated to empowering Black-owned bookstores and booksellers. Founded in 2025, NAB2 exists to promote literacy, amplify Black voices, and preserve Black cultural heritage by strengthening the visibility, sustainability, and impact of Black bookstores across the United States. Through advocacy, education, strategic partnerships, and a unified membership network, NAB2 supports Black literary spaces as engines of community, commerce, and cultural change. Learn more atwww.nab2.org and follow @nab2blk on social platforms.
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SOURCE National Association of Black Bookstores
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