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RMB publisher Don Gorman creates new Google map tracking Black-owned bookstores

Black-owned bookstore mapIn the early days of the COVID-19 lockdowns in Canada, Rocky Mountain Books publisher Don Gorman created a Google Map tracking all the independent bookstores across the country offering delivery and pick-up services.

That map, which has been viewed more than 130,000 times, currently lists 291 bookstores open for business. Gorman has now created a new map listing all of the Black-owned and -focussed bookstores across North America. Of the 61 stores listed, only two are in Canada: A Different Booklist in Toronto and Knowledge Bookstore in Brampton, Ontario.

Gorman says online: “Book lovers who support Black Lives Matter are encouraged to shop at Black-owned and Black-focussed bookstores now and in the future. There are numerous lists online which offer fantastic suggestions and, with this map, the hope is that we can make it even easier for everyone to show solidarity against police violence, racism, and bigotry.”