Atlanta, GA, July 23, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is solidifying its status as a major center for Black-owned businesses, boasting over 11% ownership by Black entrepreneurs, the highest in any major U.S. city. This vibrant ecosystem includes unique bookstores such as 44th & Third Bookseller and Brave + Kind Bookshop, which foster community engagement and cultural representation. Upcoming events like the Black Girl Book Fair further highlight the importance of diverse narratives and the growing entrepreneurial spirit within the community. The city’s dynamic mix of businesses is shaping both the cultural and economic landscape.
Atlanta is emerging as a powerful hub for Black-owned businesses, solidifying its status as the city with the most robust Black business ecosystem in the nation. Over 11% of businesses in Atlanta are owned by Black entrepreneurs, making it the highest percentage of any major U.S. city. This significant concentration of Black-owned enterprises is not only growing but is also shaping the community’s cultural and economic landscape.
The continual growth of Black-owned businesses in Atlanta indicates a rising tide of entrepreneurship within the community. The city’s dynamic mix of established companies and startups offers diverse services and products, attracting both locals and visitors alike. Among these businesses, Black-owned bookstores play a critical role, serving as cultural sanctuaries that foster community engagement and emphasize the importance of representation in literature.
Several notable Black-owned bookstores contribute to Atlanta’s literary scene, each with its unique identity and mission. 44th & Third Bookseller, founded by Warren, Cheryl, and Allyce Lee in 2017, focuses on life, literature, and legacy and features a curated collection of African American literature. For Keeps Books, opened by Rosa Duffy in 2018, offers a reading room and cultural archive that showcases rare and classic Black literature.
Another significant establishment is Medu Bookstore, Atlanta’s second-largest Black-owned bookstore established in 1989 by Nia Damali. Located at Greenbriar Mall, Medu Bookstore emphasizes the Black experience through its curated collection and hosts various community events. Avant-garde Books, co-founded by educator Corendis C. Hardy and her daughter Felicia in 2017, fights illiteracy while providing publishing support services. Brave + Kind Bookshop, established by Bunnie Hilliard in Decatur in 2018, promotes courage and compassion through a diverse literary collection and supports local schools with literacy initiatives.
Also contributing to the local literary culture is Listening Tree Books, founded by Omar and Kimberly Finley in 2014. The store aims to empower young entrepreneurs and promote representation in children’s literature through educational programs. Collectively, these bookstores offer various literary events and initiatives that empower the community and fuel a growing appetite for diverse storytelling.
A standout event emerging on Atlanta’s cultural calendar is the inaugural Black Girl Book Fair set to take place at Brave + Kind Bookshop in 2025. This fair will celebrate Black girls and their representation in literature, featuring a diverse selection of genres, book giveaways, live music, and community engagement initiatives. The fair aims to counteract efforts to restrict access to diverse literature, highlighting the importance of Black narratives in shaping literature.
The flourishing environment for Black-owned businesses and bookstores in Atlanta not only nurtures economic growth but also plays a pivotal role in community development and cultural pride. The continued growth of this ecosystem reinforces the vital need for representation and serves as a model for other cities nationwide wishing to foster similar initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What percentage of businesses in Atlanta are Black-owned?
Over 11% of businesses in Atlanta are owned by Black entrepreneurs, the highest percentage of any major U.S. city.
What types of events do Black-owned bookstores in Atlanta host?
Black-owned bookstores in Atlanta often host literary events, community engagement activities, and educational programs that encourage participation in literacy and representation.
What is the purpose of the Black Girl Book Fair?
The Black Girl Book Fair aims to celebrate Black girls and literature while promoting the importance of diverse narratives and countering efforts to restrict access to various literary genres.
Can you name some notable Black-owned bookstores in Atlanta?
Notable Black-owned bookstores in Atlanta include 44th & Third Bookseller, For Keeps Books, Medu Bookstore, Avant-garde Books, Brave + Kind Bookshop, and Listening Tree Books.
| Black-Owned Bookstores in Atlanta | Established | Motto/Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44th & Third Bookseller | 2017 | Life, Literature, and Legacy | 451 Lee Street SW, Unit B |
| For Keeps Books | 2018 | Unique reading room and cultural archive | 171 Auburn Avenue NE |
| Medu Bookstore | 1989 | The Black experience | Greenbriar Mall |
| Avant-garde Books | 2017 | Combating illiteracy and publishing support | 850 Oak Street SW |
| Brave + Kind Bookshop | 2018 | Courage and compassion through diverse literature | Decatur |
| Listening Tree Books | 2014 | Representation in children’s literature | 2308 Candler Rd, Decatur |
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Additional Resources
- Blavity: Black-Owned Bookstore Atlanta
- AJC: Love Letter to Black-Owned Bookstores
- Black Enterprise: Black Girl Book Fair Atlanta
- Access Atlanta: 5 Black-Owned Bookstores
- Atlanta Parent: Top Kids Bookstores in Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Black-owned businesses in the United States
- Google Search: Black owned bookstores in Atlanta
- Google Scholar: Black owned bookstores impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Black-owned businesses
- Google News: Black owned bookstores Atlanta
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
