Black women-led bookstores host second Black Girl Book Fair in Decatur

Six Black- and women-led bookstores are reuniting to host Black Girl Book Fair at Brave and Kind Bookshop in Decatur on July 11.

Now in its second year, the free, family-friendly event is organized by Brave and Kind Bookshop, 44th and 3rd Bookseller in West End, the Book Cellar in Conyers, the Book Worm Bookstore in Powder Springs, A Small Place Bookshop in Avondale Estates and All Things Inspiration Giftique in Mableton and Marietta.

The outdoor gathering for book lovers and storytellers has already received more than 3,000 RSVPs.

Rather than competing for customers, the six independent bookstores have joined forces to create one of metro Atlanta’s largest celebrations of Black readers, writers and booksellers, reflecting a growing spirit of collaboration among Black-owned bookstores.

The mini-expo, themed “Books, Bites and Beats,” features music, 30 Black female vendors, an audiobook listening lounge, guest authors for book signings and meet-and-greets, and a limited-edition tote bag.

Kids and families can also expect book fair staples, including fragrant markers, friendship bracelets and colorful stationery.

Bunnie Hilliard, Brave and Kind founder and Black Girl Book Fair’s lead organizer, said she created the event to build a sense of sisterhood and relive her childhood — only better.

“I’m always looking for an excuse to get my bookseller friends together, but I thought about my own experiences as a kid at school. My mama gave me them $5, and it didn’t stretch very far,” Hilliard said, “so we want a redo with our grown-up pocketbooks.”

For Hilliard, the event is about more than selling books.

“This is a celebration of stories, the Black women-owned bookstores that are championing these stories and making sure they get in the hands of the community,” she said.

Brave and Kind Bookshop founder and owner Bunnie Hilliard is the chief organizer of the Black Girl Book Fair. (Courtesy of Brave and Kind Bookshop/2025)

A portion of the proceeds from The Imperial, Brave and Kind’s neighboring restaurant, during the event will benefit Brave and Kind Friends Foundation, a nonprofit Hilliard founded two years ago to support literacy programs and expand access to books in underresourced metro Atlanta schools.

“It’s an opportunity to bring author talks during their book tours to schools where the students don’t necessarily have the extra $20 to buy the book, or considered writing and stories that were made and written just for them,” Hilliard said.

The collaboration also reflects the growing network of Black-owned independent bookstores across metro Atlanta, with owners working together to promote literacy and introduce new readers to their stores, while supporting one another’s businesses.

At Black Girl Book Fair, each bookseller oversees a different literary genre. Although organizers originally planned the event for April, they moved it to summer to avoid competing with Atlanta’s busy spring festival season.

“April rolls out festival season, so we wanted to make sure we were able to give Black Girl Book Fair the attention that it deserves while also not being dog tired, because we wanted to do something really big and fun,” Hilliard said.

Julia Davis, owner of the Book Worm in Powder Springs, and the book fair mascot Paige Turner. Paige Turner is a butterfly with a peach beret, in case you were wondering. (Courtesy of Joe Adgie)

The fair also gives each bookseller a chance to introduce new titles, attract customers and showcase their stores.

Cheryl Lee, co-owner of 44th and 3rd Bookseller, will oversee fiction, biographies and coffee table books during the fair. She said her presence helps introduce her bookstore to nearby residents.

“It’s still a little surprising that people will come in and say they didn’t know I was there. You have people walking down the street who may not have known that this (book fair) was going on. It’s a fantastic feeling to share what we have and give people knowledge that we are in the community,” Lee said.

The Book Cellar owner Tamara Brown, who’s handling romance, fantasy and wellness titles at the fair, said the event presents people with an alternative for leisure and entertainment.

“Most people have not been to an adult book fair. We want people to enjoy each other, the music, livelihood and a (fun) time to escape, because books help provide that escape. We want them to come, get lost with us and leave with smiles,” she said.

LaVonya Williams, All Things Inspiration Bookstore and Giftique owner, said she anticipates making recommendations to new and longtime readers. “It’s pretty cool to introduce them to new titles and authors they’ve never heard of before. They’re able to come to us, get different suggestions and have conversations around them,” she said.

Williams also said she plans to arrive early to set up her booth. “Last year, I was putting the finishing touches on my table around 9:45 a.m., and I looked up about 9:55 a.m. to so many women ready to come on in. I was on skeleton book mode by noon, so it was not the day to be late to anything,” she said.

The Book Worm Bookstore in Powder Springs will be participating in the Black Girls Book Fair. (Courtesy of @skylarsnapsga)

For Brown, the fair is about more than one Saturday. It’s about helping independent bookstores thrive throughout the year.

“We’re able to introduce them to our individual stores and support us throughout the year. Summer is a slow time for bookstores, and we need that boost to keep going and let them know we’re here,” she said.

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