Founders' Reflection On 37 Years

Today marks the last day of Just Us Books’ anniversary month. We are so thankful that we have been able to do this work for 37 years! Publishing books that help our young people learn about Black history, Black culture, and Black experiences is an honor.

As with all businesses, there have been challenges to overcome and successes to celebrate. But, like our ancestors before us, Just Us Books remains committed to a mission that is bigger than us…telling our stories.

It is more important than ever that we continue to share our stories because Black history and Black institutions are under attack locally and nationally. The campaign to dominate the narrative about who we are as a country is going full throttle. This false narrative seeks to remove as much information as possible about Black people and other marginalized groups from the American story.

Just Us Books remains committed to the truth. To publishing books that center the rich and fertile history and culture of Black people who have contributed so much to this country and the world.

We truly appreciate the generous support we have received over the years from booksellers, educators, librarians, parents, and most of all from our audience of children and young people. That support is even more important now because the challenges we face — from censorship and book banning to a struggling economy — are enormous. But so is our faith. And we will continue to do all we can to push forward and help make this a better, more inclusive, and just society for all.

We encourage everyone to do the same. Be intentional with your spending; prioritize Black publishers like Just Us Books, Black Classic Press, Third World Press, Africa World Press, the community of Black writers, artists, and other institutions dedicated to telling and sharing Black stories. Borrow our books from the library, share them with friends, post about them on social media. Every action of support makes an impact.

And as always, remember,

Good Books Make a Difference!

Wade Hudson & Cheryl Willis Hudson