LOUISVILLE, Ky. — An independent bookstore in west Louisville aims to promote Black literacy.
Inside the family business, Jacy Prolific Jones emphasizes the need to highlight Black authors, African history and children’s books. It’s just one of the niche stores of its kind in the Commonwealth.
It’s called Gye Nyame Books and More.
Spectrum News visited on a hot August afternoon and Jones was shelving new books.
“Black authors write 365 days a year. So we need to be seen 365 days a year in the books that are being read to our kids, the books that we’re reading to ourselves, and so forth,” Jones said.
In their collection at Gye Nyame Books, they house 10 Louisville area authors and 100 or so from across the nation.
“That’s one of the reasons why my godmom started at the store or started selling books, with a focus on children’s and conscious books. Because a lot of times we would not see our, out kids wouldn’t see themselves in the books that were being read to them,” Jones said.
Jacy Prolific Jones (left) shows a customer the book collection at Gye Nyame Books and More. (Spectrum News 1/Khyati Patel)
With so few options for bookstores on the city’s west side, the store is looking to play a key role in filling that void.
“So it’s important to us because we’re giving the West End something that is needed,” Jones said.
She is an author and a substitute teacher.
“While I was subbing, what I noticed was that a lot of our kids had problems with reading,” Jones said.
With this location being only a year old, Jones hopes Gye Nyame becomes a symbol to improve literacy.
“What I felt like was if there was a bookstore that they were able to see on an everyday basis and they were able to come in and grab, you know, read books and learn about themselves, see themselves in these books, and even write their own stories to put in the bookstore — I think that would help with the literacy situation that we’re having,” Jones said. “When it comes down to authors writing books that are literally birthing their stories, they’re pregnant with these ideas of a story to tell kids or just the world in general. I’m just saying kids right now because, you know, putting these books out.”
Books that will offer their unique perspective.
The bookstore is in the historic Russell neighborhood. They also host several events to promote literacy, including Jazz N Central Park 2024.
