August is Black Business Month, founded in 2004 by Frederick E. Jordan and John William Templeton to acknowledge Black-owned businesses and their contributions to our economy. Black-owned businesses are a vital component of society — driving innovation, creating jobs, contributing to the community, and in the case of publishing — sharing and preserving important stories, history, and culture.
Just Us Books exists today because of the trail our ancestor entrepreneurs blazed before us, pioneers like John Brown Russwurm and Samuel Cornish, editors of Freedom’s Journal, the first Black-owned and operated newspaper in the U.S.; abolitionist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, who published a volume of poetry (Forest Leaves) in 1845 at the age of 20; and WEB DuBois, who launched The Brownies Book, the first magazine created especially for Black children. And we remain in business today with YOUR support and that of many children, parents, educators, librarians, and readers of all ages who buy, read, and recommend our books — and have done so for 35 years.
It’s fitting that Black Business Month takes place in August. This month is historically a slower time for book sales for many of us in publishing. That makes any purchases made during this period particularly impactful.
We’ve provided lists of Black publishing entrepreneurs for you to consider below. And of course Just Us Books would love to have your support as well. You can buy books or merch, like the shirts our founders are wearing in the photo below.
However you choose to celebrate Black businesses, this month or any month, know that your support will make a big impact! And we appreciate it!
Pictured: Paul Coates (Black Classic Press), Cheryl Willis Hudson (Just Us Books), Ramunda and Derrick Young (Mahogany Books) at the 2019 Black Pack party, hosted by AALBC.com, Linda Duggins, One Book One Bronx, and Kwame Alexander.
Did you know there are (at least):
📖 195 Black-owned publishers, self-publishers and imprints
✍🏾 Over 10,727 Black authors and writers
📝 22 Black literary agents
These are just some of the many creators and companies that make the world of Black book publishing so dynamic, valuable and inspiring. We encourage you to explore the lists linked above to learn more about these Black entrepreneurs. And if you’re looking for new ways to support, check out these tips: 5 Ways to Support Black-Owned Businesses
