Photo courtesy of The Washington Informer

Sankofa Video Bookstore & Cafe, owned by Haile & Shirikiana Gerima, is located in Washington, D.C. The founders named the location after the internationally acclaimed filmed that they produced. Sankofa translates to “go back and get it” and is symbolized by a bird that flies forward while looking back as it holds an egg in its mouth.

Sankofa was birthed from the Gerimas’ love of film. Their offerings include classic films from the pillars of black culture as well as the largest collection of children’s black literature in the D.C. area.

Photo courtesy of Ramunda Young, Inc.

Mahogany Books is a family-owned bookstore in Washington, DC that is owned by husband and wife team Derrick & Ramunda Young, along with their daughter Mahogany. Imagine the joy that Mahogany feels every time that she walks into the company that her family owns which bears her name! The Young family not only strives to influence their daughter but also local children through their give-back program, Books for the Block.

Mahogany Books ran exclusively as an online retailer for 10 years before adding a physical location in November 2017. Its focus is on books that are written by, for, or about people of the African Diaspora. So forget Amazon, order your next literary piece from Mahogany Books!

Medu Bookstore is located in Atlanta's Greenbriar Mall and is owned by Nia Damali. Medu means "the power of the word" and is definitely appropriate as Medu has been in the community since 1989! It is also the second largest Black-owned bookstore in Atlanta.  

I always feel welcomed when patronizing Medu Bookstore and definitely experience a sense of pride every time. The selection of books is great and you can also pick up other items like calendars, cups and t-shirts. Forget Amazon, shop Medu Bookstore!

Black Fathers Are Real: We Do Exist was written by Jerry McRae and illustrated by Aaron Archie. I can vaguely remember seeing this book come across my timeline on Facebook but it wasn't until just recently that it all clicked. While attending our neighborhood's monthly Meet and Greet, we were all introduced to Jerry - who had recently moved into our neighborhood with his wife and 2 kids.

Jerry received his Master's degree from North Carolina Central and is currently working on his second Master's. His book was released in November 2017 and is written from the perspective of his son Cameron. Show Jerry that you also have faith in Black fatherhood by purchasing his book today! (It's also on Amazon but they take 60% of the profits so make sure you order off his website!)

Swet 209 is located in the Sweet Auburn Curb Market in Atlanta, GA and is owned by Keena Stephens. When I first met Keena, we had a long conversation about the state of Black-owned business and what we can do individually to make a difference. That was her impetus behind Swet 209.

Keena describes Swet 209 as an Etsy-style shop that showcases local artisans and their collections. There you can find books, oils, clothing, bracelets and more. If you know of a local business that could benefit from being displayed in Swet 209, let Keena know!

The Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural Center is located in the West End of Atlanta. It was established over 40 years ago by world-renowned theologian Albert Buford Cleage. (He is pictured here standing in front of the building in 1976.) Located on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, it is right next door to the Shrine of the Black Madonna of the Pan-African Orthodox Christian Church.

The Cultural Center sells items from books to sneakers to artwork! It is also a place to hang out and speak to like-minded members of the community. Don't wait until you're "in the neighborhood"...make a special trip to go visit the Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural Center.