Meet us where spiritual journeys intersect with African heritage
This independent, black-owned bookstore in Oak Park is so much more than a bookstore. It’s the community hub for activities, events, classes, and expression centered around African heritage and the African experience.
It’s a spiritual storefront where wellness is explored and hand-drumming circles are formed. It’s a place where black authors, artists, and activists are celebrated and offered a platform. It’s a source of cultural pride.
This is where books by black authors are launched; where women of color business owners gather; where conversations about African heritage begin.
Explore books that are banned or challenged. Learn about black musicians or read literature rooted in the black experience. Educate yourself on racism, resistance, and justice. Or shop for a gift from an extensive jewelry and journal section.
You can also take drawing classes or join the occasional Saturday morning drum circle!
Afriware Books is by appointment only.
Costs range for books, journals, jewelry, and events.
A puzzle featuring moments in black history is $15. A banned or challenged book title like “A Good Kind of Trouble” by Lisa Moore Ramée is about $8. A resource book for teachers like “Teaching for Black Lives” is about $30.
The book “Shades of Black: A Celebration of Our Children” is about $7 while “Woke Baby” by Mahogony Browne is about $8.
AfriWare Books Owner Nzingha Amma Nommo is an electrical engineer by trade, but her training, including a master’s degree from Georgia Institute of Technology, didn’t speak to her soul.
Instead, it was reading that inspired Nommo. Her extensive reading led her on the pursuit of a spiritual journey. AfriWare Books is the calling that speaks to her soul, and Nommo invites people and travelers at any point on their spiritual journey to come by the store.
AfriWare Books is located at 1033 South Blvd, in Oak Park, IL 60302.
