Black-Owned Bookstores We Love (and You Should Know About)
From Philly to Chicago to Vallejo, Black-owned bookstores are keeping community, culture, and history alive. These independent spaces do more than sell books—they nurture literacy, joy, and justice. Here are some of our favorites.
Row House Publishing was born in South Jersey, in a little row house on Third Avenue in Roebling—a steel town on the Delaware River where our founder, Rebekah Borucki, learned the meaning of found family and true community care. That’s the spirit we bring to everything we do, including how we support bookstores. And when it comes to bookstores that hold culture, conversation, and care all under one roof, Black-owned bookstores deserve your attention.
These spaces do far more than sell books—they foster belonging, elevate Black voices, and serve as centers of joy, resistance, and education. Here are some of the incredible Black-owned bookstores we love—from right here in Philly to the West Coast and beyond.
👉🏽 READ THIS: Prose to the People by Katie Mitchell
Local Favorites Near Us in Philly:
Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books – Philadelphia, PA
Marc Lamont Hill opened Uncle Bobbie’s in 2017 to create a warm, smart space that blends literature, community, and good coffee. With a strong focus on Black authors, HBCU alumni titles, and radical thought, this Germantown gem offers books, events, and gear that speak to the soul. Don't miss their author talks and curated merchandise. It’s a home for serious readers—and for those who just need a cozy corner.
Harriett's Bookshop – Philadelphia, PA
Named after Harriet Tubman and founded by author and educator Jeannine Cook, Harriett’s uplifts women authors, artists, and activists. The shop feels like an art installation-meets-living history project. It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it’s full of books you won’t find just anywhere. (Be sure to check out their sister store, Ida’s Bookshop, in Collingswood, NJ!)
Hakim's Bookstore & Gift Shop – Philadelphia, PA
Operating since the 1950s, Hakim’s is the oldest Black-owned bookstore on the East Coast. Dawud Hakim’s original vision—to provide access to African American history and knowledge—is still alive and thriving. Come for the deep selection of Afrocentric literature and stay for the rich legacy.
Black-Owned Bookstores Across the Country:
Semicolon Bookstore – Chicago, IL
Founded by Danielle Mullen, Semicolon is Chicago’s largest Black woman-owned bookstore. Beyond books, it’s a community hub where art and literacy collide. Their #cleanthebookshelves campaign gifted hundreds of curated book bags to local youth. Their programming is as inspiring as their inventory.
The Lit. Bar – Bronx, NY
Owned by Noëlle Santos, The Lit. Bar is the Bronx’s only independent bookstore—and yes, it comes with wine. Santos made waves with her commitment to literacy, community, and building something beautiful where others said it couldn’t be done. It’s a must-visit for NYC book lovers.
Ashay by the Bay – Vallejo, CA
Deborah Day’s Ashay by the Bay is a powerhouse of culturally affirming children's literature. With titles for preschoolers through high schoolers, it’s a key resource for families and educators who want diverse stories that inspire pride and possibility.
Pan-African Connection – Dallas, TX
Part bookstore, part cultural center, Pan-African Connection offers books, African art, fashion, and wellness products. It’s a true community anchor, hosting educational programs, health workshops, and performances. Their mission? To reconnect the African diaspora with its roots.
Harambee Books & Artworks – Alexandria, VA
This Alexandria institution offers hard-to-find African American titles, art, apparel, and events that center community engagement and literacy as a human right. They also support youth literacy through reading programs and family-focused events.
Pyramid Books – Boynton Beach, FL
Since 1993, Pyramid has been a trusted resource for Afrocentric literature. They partner with schools, host book fairs, and offer editing services to help local writers get published. Their commitment to education and community-building is unmatched.
Detroit Book City – Southfield, MI
Owned by Janeice and Reginald Haynes, Detroit Book City carries a curated selection of new and gently used titles spanning spirituality, urban fiction, biographies, and Black consciousness. They also create visibility for indie Black authors through robust online sales and events.
Why It Matters:
These shops aren’t just businesses. They’re cultural strongholds, education hubs, and beacons of joy and justice. We support them not out of obligation—but out of deep respect for the roles they play in shaping our communities.
At Row House Publishing, we’re proud to stand with indie Black-owned bookstores—and proud to be in relationship with readers, writers, and booksellers working toward collective liberation.
Want to support these shops and learn more about our mission? Visit our support page and consider picking up one of our titles by Black authors, like:
The Humanity Archive by Jermaine Fowler
All the Black Girls Are Activists by EbonyJanice Moore
Hood Wellness by Tamela J. Gordon
Good Sex by Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons
Bibliotherapy in the Bronx by Emely Rumble
PawnShop by LindoYes Jones
The Day God Saw Me as Black by D. Danyelle Thomas
Or shop local at one of the incredible bookstores listed above.