Black Bookstore Day is an opportunity to recognize the history, cultural significance, and continued impact of Black-owned bookstores while supporting the businesses and people carrying that work forward today. The inaugural celebration takes place Saturday, August 29, 2026, and there are plenty of ways to participate. Whether you’re a reader, bookstore, business, organization, author, publisher, or simply someone who wants to show support, there’s a place for you in the cele

Black bookstores in the United States have a history stretching back nearly two centuries, with deep connections to literacy, access, culture, community, activism, and Black freedom. For this Black Bookstores Through the Years history break, we’re going back to 1834 and the work of David Ruggles, an abolitionist, journalist, activist, and entrepreneur recognized as the first known Black bookstore owner in the United States. David Ruggles and the First Known Black Bookstore In

We’re headed to Chicago to feature Burst Into Books Community Art Space, a Black-owned bookstore, creative hub, gathering place, and community resource located in the city’s Roseland neighborhood. Founded by Jurema Nicole Gorham, Burst Into Books Community Art Space opened in June 2024 with literacy, arts, cultural programming, and community at the center of its work. Building a Village Burst Into Books was created from the belief that every child deserves access to books, sa

We’re continuing our celebration of Black-owned bookstores across the country with lazy &Lit., a New York-based bookstore founded by Candice McCoy. McCoy opened lazy &Lit. on February 14, 2021, bringing together her background in psychology, love of literature, and commitment to self-care. The bookstore pairs books with mental health and wellness resources, with a focus on helping marginalized communities de-stress, prioritize their wellbeing, and access information and educa

As we count down to the first Black Bookstore Day on August 29, 2026, we’re highlighting Black-owned bookstores across the country, the people behind them, and the work they’re doing in their communities. Our first featured bookstore is Loyalty Books, a Black- and queer-owned independent bookstore based in Washington, D.C. About Loyalty Books Founded by Hannah Oliver Depp in 2019 and co-owned with Christine Bollow, Loyalty Books was created as an intersectional feminist books