Fall Merch For Black Book Lovers

I have been upgrading my fall closet, but one staple remains the same… my t-shirts must come hard with that political message. 

My graphic tee should clearly communicate who I am and what I believe in. You may know or not, but I am in school receiving my Masters in Library and Information Science. So all things Black authors and literacy has been on my political mind. So you know my t-shirts gon reflect one TIME for the one TIME!

LOL, but what I love most about these brands is, when you invest into them, you invest into a community and the encouragement of protecting and illuminating Black stories. 

Yea, I love all that! So, here are a few brands with T-shirts that promote Black literacy and its excellence. 

• Da Book Joint - This Black woman owned, Chicago based bookstore has all the vibes. They have a physical and online bookstore, participate in so many community activities, and of course offer dope t-shirts that uplift Black literacy and book loving! 
• Rose Cafe - Rose Café is an upcoming bookstore and cafe located in Chicago IL with a powerful message. I met the founder at this past Black Women’s Expo, and her mission was to use literacy as a tool to decrease violence in the Black community. I love their “Guns down, books up” t-shirt so much! 
• Black Lit - I love this brand! I recently got their Black Herstory T-Shirt with all the great Black women authors.They sell more than book lover apparel, but it is also an online bookstore and they sell other goods. I love how they uplift Black women writers. So, you might see me with all their shirts on this season!  

 Lastly, I want to give an honorable mention to Zella & Co which is another Black woman owned stationery and book merch business. I have their amazing reading journal, but on their website you can find so much more! I am definitely eyeing those mental health check-in sticky notes, cos IYKYK. 

And my final shoutout goes to Semi Colon bookstore which is a Black woman owned bookstore located in Chicago. Truly, if I want a book, especially one that centers on BIPOC/ LGBTQ+  folks, I am giving my money to these Black woman owned businesses, because they are truly prioritizing literacy to us in a time where our narratives are most challenged. 

Want to learn more about challenged books? Read our last blog, here.

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Kayla J @theblackpeppapress