Episode Details

Black-owned bookstores are flourishing in New Jersey, with twelve locations statewide and a new addition, Abake Books and Cafe in Jersey City. This LGBTQ-owned shop, opened in February 2026, is part of a growing trend of Black-owned bookstores across the country. With three hundred six Black-owned bookstores nationwide, making up eight percent of all independent ones, this is the highest count since 1999. Owners like Jacquees Thomas and Maddie Ciliotta-Young are turning their personal experiences into community hubs, stocking diverse shelves and creating a sense of belonging. With Independent Bookstore Day approaching, expect to see lines at these gems as folks support Black-owned literature.

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