Why Brains Of Obese People Are Different From Those With…
Meet The Clutch's Less Expensive Cousin
By Felicia PrideMore Than Words has been saddened to learn that another Black bookstore will be closing because of decreased sales. Chicago-based Afrocentric Bookstore will close in August after eighteen years of serving the community.
"I know by closing I am leaving a void in the Black community but the economics to stay open just aren't there anymore," Desiree Sanders, founder, told the Chicago Defender.Sanders did consider moving locations, since the store's current Bronzeville location didn't provide adequate foot traffic, but has decided to turn Afrocentric into an online bookseller which will launch in August.
She will also continue to celebrate authors by planning events around the city. "It's easy to rent space for a day to hold an event so I will still have a presence here in Chicago, I just won't have a store you can come to, that's all," she told the Chicago Defender.
With another Black bookstore closing, that only leaves a few venues around the country that cater to the works of black authors.
What would happen if there were no Black bookstores?
Comments: (5)
Add a comment
By: Melissa on 7/11/2008 5:01PM
I am not from the Chicago area but I want to say "Thank you" on behalf of every avid black book reader. In some of the major stores like Borders, I have been seeing the African American section decrease to as much as 3 shelves or just one genra of books. The saying often goes "When America catches a cold Black America catches the flu. I guess it is true. When you do launch the website I plan to visit.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: leolady on 7/12/2008 3:52AM
I hope that the Afrocentric Bookstore continues to sell their products online. I will continue to support this store, hopefully online.
http://www.live365.com/stations/leo_lady?site=live365
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Lenny on 7/31/2008 9:13PM
The Black Book Explosion of the '80s and '90s couldn't last forever. It has been a great re-awakening of the mind that will continue in many venues.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Kevin Roberts on 9/15/2008 8:20PM
I am sorry to see Afrocentric Bookstore close. As a bookseller, I regret to see our numbers dwindling. There are still Black bookstores in the Chicago area. Azizi Books (www.azizibooks.com), in Matteson, IL opened in November 2007. Since that time, we have hosted over 25 author signings, and proudly house the largest collection of African American books for children in the Chicago area. We are struggling, but still surviving and would appreciate more support from local consumers. However, we started on the internet, and we sell Black books to a national audience on www.blackbooksdirect.com. Other notable bookstores in Chicago area Da Book Joint and Books Ink, both of which are located on the southside of Chicago.
The only hope for survival of these venues is if book buyers make a conscious choice about where they spend their dollars. Let's keep them in our community.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Sarah Lee on 9/23/2008 11:45AM
It is a shame about the black book stores. There are so many books one can read. Please check out this new book from an African American author who tells a story of redemption. It's about how he was an up and coming real estate mogul, but got side track by hanging out with celebrities and doing drugs. (You won't believe who he did drugs with!!!!) Now, he has redeemed himself. His story is an inspiration. check out www.thewizardofO.com
Reply to this Comment | Report This