I don’t think that I’ve ever actually read O, the Oprah Magazine, but I recently heard about an issue that featured “17 Black-owned bookstores in America that amplify the best in literature.” It also recommended the favorite bookshops of renowned authors like Tayari Jones, Deshawn Winslow, Jacqueline Woodson, Nicole Dennis-Benn and Kiley Reid.
“While institutionalized racism and police brutality have long been a part of America’s history, millions across the country are now reconciling with and addressing generations of racial inequality,” The article’s author McKenzie Jean-Philippe wrote. “For some, that means taking to the streets in protest. For others, it’s uplifting the cause by supporting Black owned businesses, or seeking education through anti-racist literature. Because of the latter, one industry that’s seen an influx in support and attention are Black-owned bookstores. Many shops across the country are overwhelmed with customers due to the collective push to both ‘buy Black’ and read books written by Black authors.”
I was happy to find that the article featured some of my favorite local Philadelphia bookshops too:
- Al-Furquan Bookstore – Philadelphia, PA
- Amalgam Comics – Philadelphia, PA
- Atomic City Comics – Philadelphia, PA
- Books & Stuff – Philadelphia, PA
- Hakim’s Bookstore – Philadelphia, PA
- Harriet’s Bookshop – Philadelphia, PA
- The Black Reserve – Lansdale, PA
- Uncle Bobbies Cafe and Books – Philadelphia, PA
I am the author of a tutorial book, Servant Leadership NOW: Stepping Up Your Leadership Call. It was written in 2019 and is now available online and in bookstores. As a part of this project, I was directed to include not only biblical characters but world figures of our time who are examples of Servant Leaders. Orpah Winfrey is one of those figures in my book, by God’s design, who is a blessing to the masses. Thank you for your article. #servantleadershipnow