Booksellers Stage Creative Book Displays for Black History Month

Indie bookstores around the country are creating engaging and educational book displays and staging and promoting events in honor of Black History Month. Here are some photos Bookselling This Week has compiled from the social media universe:

*Play in Chicago, Illinois, posted on Facebook: “'My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.’ -Desmond Tutu. February is Black History Month! The Little People, Big Dreams series is one of our favorites. The sweet illustrations help tell the stories of these strong, amazing people. Up next in the series...Muhammad Ali! We’re excited to showcase more of our favorites all month long! #blackhistorymonth #littlepeoplebigdreams #logansquareguide #logansquareshipping #shopchicago #lincolnparkshopping #weAREplay.”

Afterwords Bookshop in Edwardsville, Illinois, posted on Facebook: “Celebrating Black History Month at Afterwords! #edwardsville #glencarbon #blackhistorymonth #yourindiebookstore #loveyourlocal #shopsmall #indiesfirst.”

The Brain Lair Bookstore in South Bend, Indiana, posted on Facebook: “Working on some #ownvoices #blackfuture month displays! #independentbookstore #blackandproud.”

A Novel Idea on Passyunk in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, posted on Facebook: “Happy February 1st! We are so excited to show our new display in honor of Black History Month. Come check it out. #novelidea #bookstore #eastpassyunk #southphilly #indiebooks #shoplocal #supportlocal #blackhistorymonth.”

MahoganyBooks in Baltimore, Maryland, posted on Instagram about a local business initiative the store is part of in celebration of Black History Month: “Happy Black History Month! Of course, we don’t need permission to honor our ancestors, but taking any opportunity to do so is never a waste of time! We are so honored to be selected by @ourblackbookmag for their annual #BuyBlack Black History Month! In the image above there are 28 Black Women Owned businesses for you to support all month long + beyond! If you support any of these businesses this month make sure to tag them in posts and use hashtags #OurBlack Book, #HUBuysBlack, or #BuyBlackHistoryMonth! Supporting black women supports everyone! Show love where you can this month and start making it a practice to support black women every day!”

The Little Boho Bookshop in Bayonne, New Jersey, posted on Facebook: “When we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize, honor, and acknowledge the contributions and achievements of all those who went before us. We celebrate the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. Here at The Little Boho Bookshop we do not confine the celebration of black history to one month because Black History is American History. So until it is regarded and portrayed as such, Black History Month will be seen as necessary. Please stop by The LIttle Boho Bookshop and let us introduce you to some amazing authors and books that should be read all year long. SEE YOU SOON #BlackHistoryisAmericanHistory #KnowYourHistory #CivilRights #BlackHistoryMonth #Read #BayonneNJ #YourCommunityBookstore #TheLittle BohoBookshop.”

Subterranean Books in St. Louis, Missouri, posted on Instagram: “Celebrating Black History Month, in February and all year round. #blackhistorymonth #books #africanamericanstudies #history #poetry #childrensbooks #biographies #artists #leaders #activists #stlouis #authors.”

Avid Bookshop in Athens, Georgia, posted on Twitter: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the one we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.' -Barack Obama”

The Village Bookstore in Pleasantville, New York, posted on Facebook: “Happy Black History Month!”

Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe in Asheville, North Carolina, posted on Twitter: “February is Black History Month, or as we like to emphasize, *THE* American History month. Come check out these contemporary & classic titles, & always remember the importance of challenging/revising incomplete & oppressive historical narratives.”

Source Booksellers in Detroit, Michigan, posted on Facebook about a local art event: “Trailblazers: Detroit Women in Art-Black History Month @diadetroit The Event was packed & the conversation was inspiring. Bravo Sharen Harrell for the great event. All three Artists and Gallery leaders are friends of Source Booksellers #bookstorejoy #blackhistorymonth2019 #artlovers.”

DIESEL, A Bookstore in Brentwood, California, posted on Facebook: “Our Black History Month display, with an emphasis on contemporary works, but also some important histories.”