Seven Black- and women-led bookstores in metro Atlanta are having the first Black Girl Book Fair at Brave and Kind Bookshop in Decatur on Saturday.
The outdoor event is organized by Brave and Kind Bookshop, 44th and 3rd Bookseller in West End, online shop Good Books ATL, Mableton’s All Things Inspirational Giftique, Powder Springs’ The Book Worm Bookstore, For Keeps Books on Auburn Avenue and A Small Place Bookshop and Boutique in Avondale Estates. The book fair features children’s literature, cookbooks, romance and Afro-Caribbean titles among others.
The book sale, which coincides with Independent Bookstore Day on April 26, includes tents and kiosks with products from local Black vendors and businesses. Bunnie Hilliard, Brave and Kind’s owner and event creator, told UATL the family-friendly event allows the bookstores to spotlight Black literature that’s currently banned and debated in political discussions.
“We’re in a space right now where they’re trying to rewrite our history and tell us that our history isn’t important by taking us off websites, the shelves in libraries and schools. We’re bringing together literary lovers and Black-owned businesses for a celebration of books, culture and community, and I’m grateful that everyone was willing to pitch in on this day,” Hilliard said.
Credit: Brave and Kind Bookshop
Credit: Brave and Kind Bookshop
Black Girl Book Fair’s special guest is Katie Mitchell, “Prose to the People: A Celebration of Black Bookstores” author and co-owner of Good Books ATL. Kids can participate in book giveaways throughout the day while supplies last.
Adults will receive fans to join line dances such as “Boots on the Ground.” Julia Davis, The Book Worm Bookstore owner, said the festivities are a joyful social gathering for Black families and communities.
“It’s a Frankie Beverly and Maze barbecue with books. We have the opportunity to come together, learn from each other and have fun in a world that’s so divided and sometimes says we (as Black women business owners) don’t support each other. We’re having a fun space for literacy,” Davis said.
Credit: @skylarsnapsga
Credit: @skylarsnapsga
Cheryl Lee, 44th and 3rd Bookseller co-owner, said the book fair is an open house for book patrons.
“It’s a great opportunity to give people in the community a chance to see for themselves what Black bookstores are doing, shows our devotion and dedication to creating spaces for Black authors and literature. We want to have books that our children can see themselves in,” Lee said.
Enkeshi El-Amin recently celebrated A Small Place’s first year of business. El-Amin, who opened The Bottom, a Knoxville-based bookstore, in 2019 said having other Black women bookstore owners nearby helped her adjust to returning home to open a business.
“Atlanta has a strong Caribbean community, and I want them to feel seen and heard in the stories. It’s a dream to be there (at the book fair), recommending books, sharing space with amazing women, having a party and a family reunion to love on each other,” El-Amin, a Guyanese descendant, said.
“Everything feels new and different. I’m building again and wondered where I fit in here, but I’m being welcomed into a community of Black-owned booksellers. I’m loud and proud about championing Black books and stories.”
Davis hopes Black Girl Book Fair will lead attendees to regularly patronize Black-owned bookstores.
“We want to make sure people are asking (others) where they are getting their books after they leave Black Girl Book Fair. In order for this to happen in 2026 and beyond, we still need to be around,” Davis said.
Black Girl Book Fair. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 26. Brave and Kind Bookshop, 722 West College Avenue, Decatur. 470-440-5714. eventbrite.com
Become a member of UATL for more stories like this in our free newsletter and other membership benefits.
Follow UATL on Facebook, on X, TikTok and Instagram.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
