Dear Reader,

In recent weeks, a list of Black-owned bookstores, that has been maintained on AALBC for more than 20 years, has been referenced, copied, remixed, and circulated all over the world wide web. What AALBC maintains is really much more than a mere listing, as I’ve personally visited many of the stores, recorded video, and created detailed pages describing each store. My hometown store Sister’s Uptown Bookstore in New York City and Underground Books, on the other side of the country, are just two examples.

People often ask; “Why do you promote your competitors?” The reason is readers, writers, publishers, indeed booksellers, all benefit when there are many platforms sharing our stories. Every bookseller is different and that difference is good. When a single bookseller dominates we are not well served at all.

If you agree, please consider supporting this newsletter by volunteering to pay for your subscription. If you have already paid for an annual subscription, thank you on behalf of AALBC and the writers (and booksellers) whose work you are helping to support and celebrate.

Peace and Love,
Troy Johnson
Founder & Webmaster, AALBC.com