The Howard Family Bookstore Shines A Bright Light To A Once Forgotten Detroit Neighborhood
Reading is fundamental and so is community. In Black spaces, reading, books and literature are sacred and special. We know they cannot be taken for granted as our right to […] The post The Howard Family Bookstore Shines A Bright Light To A Once Forgotten Detroit Neighborhood appeared first on Essence.
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By Bridgette Bartlett Royall ·Updated May 20, 2026 < /> Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… Reading is fundamental and so is community. In Black spaces, reading, books and literature are sacred and special. We know they cannot be taken for granted as our right to read and write was at one time not even legal. When Black people have the gumption to open bookstores that cater to Black audiences and center Black creativity and Black joy, it is a bona fide triumph.
The Howard Family of Detroit knows this all too well. Last month, the family opened their bookstore at 13803 Puritan Avenue on the city’s west side. Once an area notorious for economic depression plagued by high crime, it was not a place known for beautiful Black-owned bookstores. Thankfully native son Jerjuan Howard had the vision to see past the abandoned structure that now is home to the Howard Family Bookstore. 13803 Puritan Avenue sat vacant, overlooked and forgotten for more than 25 years. Then in 2024, Howard changed that by purchasing the property and roughly two years later, The Howard Family Bookstore became a reality.
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(@jerjuan.howard)
The proud Detroit native saw beyond just converting the space into a bookstore. He wanted to establish a safe place for his community that was rooted in purpose. After all, Howard faithfully passed the corner daily on his way home from middle school. And even today, within a 1.5 mile radius, there are five K-12 schools. Hundreds of impressionable young people pass through this area regularly. They now see a place that intentionally was built to pour into them and their families. They see a space that promotes literacy, progress and determination.
The owners are honest about the store coming to fruition being a selfless group effort. Family, friends and other loved ones donated their time and hard labor—from hanging dry wall, to painting, to installing flooring—in order for the bookstore to make their April 25, 2026 grand opening! Dozens of proud locals came out in the Midwestern city to show support for the family who took a chance on a vision where there was once vacancy.
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In addition to a large children’s books selection, there are wide selection of book offerings for the entire family and visitors can now purchase the daily newspaper, The Detroit Free Press in the store. Beyond books, there is a cafe, there are arts and crafts, games and other enrichment activities for the little ones and book readings and signings for the adult book lovers. Fun merch including canvas totes and statement tees are available for purchase on their website as well.
We are excited to see how The Howard Family Bookstore grows and expands their footprint while defying stereotypes about what a Black and family owned and run business should look and feel like.
TOPICS: black owned business detroitThe post The Howard Family Bookstore Shines A Bright Light To A Once Forgotten Detroit Neighborhood appeared first on Essence.
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