Black bookstores serve as gateways to the knowledge, cultural expression, and contributions of Black people. Black bookstores create opportunities for learning, support literacy and education. 

Chicago once hosted over 20 Black Bookstores.  At the start of this petition there were three remaining. Frontline Bookstore in Hyde Park faced eviction but continues to thrive online. The culprit was lack of access to capital which is a longtime problem for small Black business owners. Subsequently, our businesses are limited in their ability to thrive, expand and support our communities.

There is a resurgence of Black Bookstores in Chicago.  Black bookstores serve not only as a resource for knowledge but as spaces to establish relationships, nurture our youth, commune, create and share ideas. 

We need Black leaders, politicians, organizations, local businesses and individual citizens to not be silent, but become proactive.

We need Mayor Brandon Johnson and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to extend to Black bookstores in Chicago, 10% of the contracts allocated for the purchase of books at Chicago Public Schools and local libraries.

This policy would enable the existing Black bookstores to thrive, and those on the horizon, such as Rose Cafe in Roseland to fully open.