Duende District, The Word Launch BIPOC Bookseller Award

Duende District bookstore and nonprofit organization The Word have founded the first annual BIPOC Bookseller Awards to celebrate and uplift the Black and Brown independent booksellers whose dedication to indie bookstores, and their Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) colleagues and communities, have touched and influenced countless lives.

All BIPOC who work in U.S. independent bookstores in any capacity are eligible to be nominated for the three categories (nominations for the same bookseller in multiple categories is allowed). The winning booksellers will be honored during a dedicated ceremony, and receive a plaque, a $700 prize, and registration to the 2020 [margins.] conference.

Categories:

• Activism: This award is for the bookseller who goes above and beyond to advocate for Black and Brown booksellers and literary representation, in their stores and communities.
• Innovation: This award is for the bookseller whose vision, whether entrepreneurial or programmatic, has shown us what the future of the industry should be.
• Leadership: This award is for the bookseller who has dedicated their career to supporting, uplifting, and leading Black and Brown booksellers in their stores, communities, regions, and/or nationally, fighting for systemic change for all BIPOC in the bookstore industry.

Nominations are open through July 17, 2020. Nominate now.