Doing the Work

Founders Wade Hudson, Cheryl Willis Hudson, Paul Coates,
Haki Madhubuti and Kassahoun Checole speak at IBPA's
Legends of Black Independent Publishing panel

As we start the second week of Black History Month, we hope this post will be an encouraging reminder of companies that are doing the work. Institutions that have made sharing our stories their mission. Black-owned publishers that celebrate Black people, Black culture, and Black histories in their books all year round. We’re proud to be one of them.

Let’s pour into these institutions! Read their books. Buy directly from their websites if you can. (Many carry titles that are difficult to get elsewhere.) Recommend their books. Check them out at your local library, and if they’re not on the shelves — request them. Share and comment on their social media posts. Sign up for their mailing lists. Spread the word about the work they’re doing.

Third World Press - the oldest Black publishing company in the world. Founded in 1967, it’s one of the last-remaining Black Arts Movement institutions. https://thirdworldpressfoundation.org

Black Classic Press - founded in 1978 and devoted to publishing obscure and significant works by and about people of African descent. https://www.blackclassicbooks.com

Africa World Press - in business since 1983, its mission is to provide high quality literature on the history, culture, politics of Africa and the African Diaspora. https://africaworldpressbooks.com

Just Us Books - founded in 1988, we publish children’s books that center and celebrate Black people, history and culture. https://justusbooks.com

Amber Communications - the largest African American publisher of self-help books and music biographies. http://amberbookspublishing.com

Dare to Be King - provides services and products, including books and workshops, to help inspire and support boys of color. https://daretobeking.net

Universal Write Publications - publishes a variety of topics through the framework of Black scholars who write through the African lens. https://uwpbooks.com 

Urban Ministries, Inc. - publisher of books, magazines, curricula, and more for African and African American churches since 1970.  https://urbanministries.com

And this is just a start. Comment below to shout out other Black-owned book publishers that are doing this important work!

Back to Our Roots

Wade and Cheryl Hudson present at an event hosted by
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at the Portsmouth Public Library (1988)

When we started Just Us Books in 1988, we used a grassroots approach to connect with readers and market our company. We knew we could not depend on the traditional book publishing ecosystem — the same one that told us there was no market for our books. We were a Black-owned start-up publishing books with Black characters and about the Black experience. A small indie without a footprint in the industry. Even getting an audience to showcase our books was a major hurdle.

So, we did what our ancestors had done before us. John Russwurm and Samuel B. Cornish, editors of Freedom’s Journal, the first Black newspaper published in this country, distributed the paper directly to Black communities. Langston Hughes took his published works to the people. Johnson Publishing Company, whose list of publications included Ebony, Black Digest, and Jet focused on the Black market.

We did too. We took our books to daycare centers, church events, cultural festivals, libraries, and conferences held by Black organizations. A major component of our marketing strategy also included nurturing relationships with the then-growing number of Black-owned bookstores. Soon after, we expanded to exhibit at professional conferences such as those organized by the American Library Association, National Education Association, and American Booksellers Association and were able to reach more libraries, educators, and book buyers.

There was a profound sense of unity and common purpose back then. And in some pockets of communities, there still is. But social media has displaced many previous marketing avenues. There are fewer indie retailers. The kidlit industry has achieved some mainstream success and perceived success. And while community events remained a cornerstone for us, along the way, our investment in other grassroots tactics declined.

Laura Freeman and Useni Perkins sign their book
Kwame Nkrumah's Midnight Speech for Independence
for students in DC. (2023)

But the numerous social and political challenges and uncertainties make it clear: we need to get back to our (grass)roots. In the Akan tradition, the Sankofa symbol reminds us to look to the past to build a stronger future. For us, that future is one based on strong community, meaningful impact, mutual support, and of course lots of great books!

Getting back to our roots can mean more in-person events; less social media and more posting on our platforms (our blog, newsletter and website); and doing more to stay connected with fellow creators and entrepreneurs.

How are you working to strengthen community in 2025 and beyond? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.

It's Up to Us

On Christmas we called our dear friend and family George Ford. As usual, he was full of energy and encouragement. We talked about everything from Nikki Giovanni’s tremendous legacy to the new Netflix special The Six Triple Eight. As the conversation turned to our work as book creators, George shared some wise words. 

“It’s not about overcoming someday. It’s now. It’s us. It’s up to us.”

The work ahead can sometimes seem daunting. A new administration, continued book banning, attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion, and a challenging economy are all adding more uncertainty. We feel the weight as publishers and small business owners. And we see it as parents, educators, librarians, kidlit creators and entrepreneurs navigate this time as well. 

But we know now like we knew when we founded Just Us Books 36 years ago: we have an important role to play in creating the brighter future our young people deserve. All of us do. 

As we welcome 2025, we do so in gratitude for the many blessings of last year, and the opportunity to continue to make a difference.

Like George said, It’s up to us.

———

Looking for even more inspiration? Or a great cause to support? Check out the great work Jacqueline Woodson is doing through Baldwin For The Arts.

Book and Bookish Gift Ideas from Small Businesses and Creators

In the spirit of cooperative economics, we’re spotlighting book and bookish gifts from independent creators and small businesses. There’s something for everyone, adults included!

And remember, when you shop small, you’re not just giving unique and meaningful gifts — you’re supporting talented creators and making a real difference in independent businesses. 

Here's our list:

King of Kindergarten Tonie based on the award-winning picture book by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton 

I’m Still An Afro-Bets Kid sweatshirt

Shirts featuring the Afro-Bets Kids, who helped launch Just Us Books 36 years ago. (Available in kids and adults sizes)

Charlie Drew and His Missing Stethoscope

By Dr. David C. Miller, illustrated by Cameron Wilson - a picture book about an 11-year-old genius who attends Howard University Medical School as the youngest student in the United States in medical school.

Leverage Everything In Life journal 

Designed to help you map out your next big idea, organize daily tasks and everything in between.

Just Us Books pom pom beanie 

Sisters of the Sidewalk by Shadra Strickland

A digital print from Shadra's picture book Jump In. 

Good Books Make A Difference canvas tote

A stylish carrier for books and more.

On My Own: Vision Board Guidebook for Young People by Patrick Oliver guides young people through an interactive process that will help them with goal setting. 

Black Children’s Book Week tee

Celebrate the global event that spotlights Black children and their representation in children's books and other media. Plus: Save the date for the 2025: February 23 - March 1, 2025

Black Collection shirts 

A collab between Just Us Books and creative brand From the Xrt celebrating Black book publishing and some of the many people who make it possible. 

Good Books Make A Difference mug

Enjoy your favorite books with your favorite beverage.

Brave Enough to Be the Light

One thing we love about this time of year is the focus on community. If your social media feeds are anything like ours, it’s full of people asking about recommendations for Black owned businesses, local shops, and community organizations to support. As we navigate a challenging climate where more book are being banned, there’s increasing pushback on diversity, equity and inclusion, and people are preparing for what the new administration will bring in 2025, it’s encouraging to see so many people take action to ensure the work and institutions that we say are important can continue to operate and even thrive. 

We need that supportive community. So do our children.

During a recent Family Literacy Month event in Little Rock, author and Just Us Books co-founder Wade Hudson, asked students to come up front. He had a message for them.

"Each of you is blessed with a gift or gifts that you will use to make your unique contributions to the world,” he said. “Each of you is special. You must believe that. You must have faith in yourself. No matter what challenges may come, you can overcome them. You must overcome them. Our country and our world need you more than ever now.” 

While there may be lots of uncertainty, we know there’s so much power in community. And there may be no more crucial time than now to identify what we can do — individually and collectively— to support the people and causes that are most important to us and our future. 

As Amanda Gorman, the youngest Inaugural Poet in U.S. history reminds us:

“There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

Pushing Forward

We’re navigating a challenging time, but so many things keep us pushing forward. Among them are these words from Frederick Douglass:

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress…This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”

The struggle for freedom and justice always continues. It does not rest on any one event, whether successful or not.

As kidlit creators, educators, librarians, parents, and supporters, let’s continue to use our gifts and talents to positively impact the lives of our young people. Our books make a difference. Our teaching makes a difference. Our example makes a difference. Our guidance, mentorship, the time we spend listening, supporting, pouring into — it’s all valuable and needed. Especially now. 

Let’s find meaning and purpose with others who know that we MUST continue. 

And when we need a reminder, may we find encouragement in each other and the young people who deserve our best.