The National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) convened bookstore owners and industry leaders, and unveiled its inaugural State of the Black Bookstore Report and National Black-Owned Bookstore Directory, marking the first comprehensive, data-driven accounting of Black-owned bookstores across the United States.

NAB2 Founder and Board Chair Kevin Johnson and board leadership presented new findings documenting 306 Black-owned bookstores currently operating nationwide, reflecting both meaningful growth and continued structural and economic challenges facing the sector. The event also highlighted new scholarships and initiatives launched during Black History Month to support the next generation of Black bookstore owners.

"The growth of Black-owned bookstores across the country reflects the strength and relevance of these institutions today," said Johnson. "This report establishes a clear national record of where Black bookstores are operating and how they function. By bringing this information together, we are creating a foundation that supports their continued presence and informs how the industry engages with them."

For generations, Black-owned bookstores have operated as cultural anchors, literacy centers, and community gathering spaces. The State of the Black Bookstore Report builds on that legacy by offering new national data on bookstore locations, business models, revenue realities, and regional distribution, while elevating the voices and lived experiences of bookstore owners themselves.

The current 306 Black-owned bookstores operating in the United States represent approximately 8% of all independent bookstores nationwide.

Despite recent growth, 90% of Black-owned bookstores report annual revenue under $250,000, and 36% operate without a permanent brick-and-mortar location.

14 states currently have no Black-owned bookstore, highlighting significant geographic gaps in access to Black literary spaces.