A group of trailblazers who own some of the most historic Black bookstores in the country have come together to launch the National Association of Black Bookstores. In a statement released on Wednesday, the group said NAB2 is a nonprofit organization created “to promote literacy, amplify Black voices and preserve Black culture.”

Who are the founding members of NAB2?

The founding members of NAB2 include Marshall’s Music and Books (Jackson, Mississippi), Hakim’s Bookstore (Philadelphia), Marcus Books (Oakland, California) and Source Booksellers (Detroit). Blanche Richardson, owner of Marcus Books, said the idea for a national bookstore association has been discussed for years and has finally come to fruition.

“For decades, Black bookstores have been the connective tissue in communities across the nation,” Richardson said in a statement. “Many of us have talked for years about the power of collective action. 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.”

Kevin Johnson, another one of the NAB2 founders, said it’s a deeply personal project for him.

“My mother, Mother Rose, founded and ran Underground Books in Oak Park,” he said. “It’s a way for me to honor her legacy and ensure that the stories, voices, and spaces she cherished continue to thrive.”

What is the goal of the National Association of Black Bookstores?

NAB2 founders said the nonprofit will “unify, elevate, and empower Black-owned bookstores across nationwide.” Part of the goal, they said, is to create long-term infrastructure for Black bookstores, which represent “one of the most vital cultural cornerstones of Black America.”

The founders said the organization will offer professional resources, support long-term financial sustainability, promote public engagement and educate people about the legacy of Black bookstores.

The group plans to meet virtually and in person throughout the year. Some of the upcoming events include Black Lit Weekend in New York (Aug. 15–16) and the Sacramento Black Book Fair (Sept. 12–13).