Historic Launch of NAB2 to Strengthen Black Bookstore Community
A powerful new movement is underway to protect and uplift Black-owned bookstores across the United States. On August 6, the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) officially launched. It is the first and only national collective devoted entirely to supporting Black-owned bookstores and booksellers.
The nonprofit, member-based group aims to promote literacy, amplify Black voices, and preserve Black culture. It will work to increase the visibility, sustainability, and impact of Black bookstores nationwide. This marks a major step in keeping these cultural spaces alive for future generations.
Founder Kevin Johnson Honors Mother’s Legacy
The vision for NAB2 comes from former Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson. He co-founded Underground Books in 2003 with his mother, “Mother Rose” Peat West, who passed away in December. For Johnson, this launch carries deep personal meaning.
“My mother, Mother Rose, founded and ran Underground Books in Oak Park,” he shared. “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.”
Iconic and New Black-Owned Bookstores Join Forces
The NAB2 founding board brings together some of the most well-known Black bookstores in history. They include Marshall’s Music and Book Store in Jackson, Mississippi (est. 1938), Marcus Books in Oakland, California (est. 1960), Hakim’s Bookstore in Philadelphia (est. 1959), and Source Booksellers in Detroit.
They are joined by newer trailblazers like Fulton Street Books & Coffee in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Class Bookstore in Houston. Both launched in 2020 and represent the next generation of Black bookselling excellence. This mix of history and fresh vision sets NAB2 apart as a truly unified movement.
Collective Action to Build Long-Term Power
Blanche Richardson, owner of Marcus Books and NAB2 founding board member, said the organization is about building power together. “For decades, Black bookstores have been the connective tissue in communities across the nation,” she said. “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.”
By working as one, NAB2 members can share resources, create joint strategies, and advocate more effectively for the needs of Black-owned bookstores. This collaboration is designed to secure a stronger future for the industry.
Events and Membership to Boost Visibility
NAB2 plans to host both virtual and in-person gatherings throughout the year. Events include appearances at New York’s Black Lit Weekend in August and the Sacramento Black Book Fair in September. The group will also attend every regional bookseller conference this fall to sign up new members.
Membership is open in three tiers, with annual fees ranging from $100 to $500. These contributions will support NAB2’s programs, advocacy work, and efforts to promote Black literature nationwide.
Commitment to Representation and Cultural Preservation
The organization’s core values focus on elevating the Black bookstore community and increasing representation in the bookselling industry. It also seeks to educate the public about the long legacy of Black bookstores and their role in shaping cultural awareness.
With NAB2’s launch, Black-owned bookstores now have a unified voice on the national stage. This historic step ensures these vital spaces will continue to inspire, educate, and empower for years to come.
