Indie Bookstores Celebrate Black History Month

To celebrate diverse voices during Black History Month, independent bookstores across the country have created an array of book displays to share their recommendations with customers.

Black History Month started as “Negro History Week” in 1926 due to the efforts of African American historian Carter Godwin Woodson. It was celebrated during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1969, the idea for extending the event for the whole month was raised, and, in 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month for the nation’s bicentennial.

Here are some of the stories booksellers are recommending:

MahoganyBooks: Black History is 365 days of every year, but of course we’ve got powerful titles to move you. Come see us.

Papercuts JP: Celebrating Black History Month at Papercuts with some of our favorites for all ages!

A Novel Experience: Be A King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford; stop by and grab your copy!

Sherman’s Books & Stationery: Here at Freeport Sherman’s we chose to spotlight a young adult book with a powerful message for #blackhistorymonth As well as some other great reads picked by our staff to help educate and spread awareness.

Second Star to the Right: GO @MATTHEWACHERRY! Hair Love is officially an Oscar winner! Looking for the original picture book version and other #BlackHistoryMonth favorites? Stop by Second Star any day of the year!

Longfellow Books: So many great books to choose from during Black History Month, or any time of of year, really.

Mostly Books: It’s Black History Month! For fans of fiction and poetry, check out these books by awesome black authors!

Copperfish Books: Next time you come in during February, please check out the wonderful books we’ve gathered together for #BlackHistoryMonth. We hope you’ll select one or two to read — recommendations are also welcome! We honor the strength and courage of Black Americans in the past and today, celebrate African American culture and achievements, and encourage a local and national community that values ALL of us.

Inkwood Books: We have a broad selection of great books for kids and adults to celebrate Black History month. Come on by and #readhistory with us!