The National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) officially declared April 7 as National Black Bookstore Day (NBBD), a first-of-its-kind national observance honoring the cultural, economic, and community impact of Black-owned bookstores across the United States. The day also celebrates the enduring legacy of Georgia “Mother Rose” Peat West, a pioneering figure in Black literary history.

“My mother, Mother Rose, founded and ran Underground Books in Oak Park. This day is deeply personal to my brother and me, it’s a way to honor her legacy and ensure that the stories, voices, and spaces she cherished continue to thrive. National Black Bookstore Day is about more than commerce. It is a declaration that Black bookstores are essential, that they are worth celebrating, and that they are here to stay,” said Kevin Johnson, Founder, National Association of Black Bookstores.