Greetings everyone,
I'm happy to share that two months after suffering a serious brain injury that could have taken his life, my dad, Brother Monroe Brown, is well and recuperating. Though his recovery process will be long, I'm thankful that we all have a second chance to spend time with a man who has given so much of himself to his community.
By now, many people know that True South Books was at risk of closing in the wake of my father's brain injury. Beginning in October, the landlord will significantly raise the rent there to $3500 per month. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to save True South Bookstore in its current structure/format, such an exorbitant rent increase has effectively forced the store to close. True South Bookstore's last day open will be on Sept. 29th.
During the two months that I've been able to keep the store open I've worked with friends to organize some amazing fundraisers. I've met people from all around the world that have stopped by the store while in Bed-Stuy. For me, True South Bookstore is a place of learning and I've watched curious people of all backgrounds stop and take a picture of the sign "Reading is more important than watching T.V.". People from the community would often take one look at the store's window and begin conversations about black history that are far too uncommon.
Over the years, I've been to many events at the bookstore organized by my dad to promote cultural literacy amongst black people. In that respect, he is a part of a vanguard movement in our community that embraced the ideologies of folks like Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. His store is a tribute to the Underground Railroad, providing a safe space for the black community and anyone else interested in learning about unadulterated Black history.
For all of these reasons and more, True South Bookstore's closing is a great loss. But its untimely closing was also a chance for self-exploration and reflection. I'm thankful for the blessings and kindness of people who were touched by the store's mission, prayed for my dad, and offered financial and other kinds of assistance. This allowed me time to breathe some life into a business that could have easily shuttered and silently disappeared as many black-owned businesses do.
So, thank you to the community, family and friends for their support!
There are still a few more days to make some last minute purchases of excellent and rare black books before the closing of True South Bookstore. So please stop by and tell a friend!
Lastly, let's pray for Neville Samuel, the barber and close friend of Bro. Brown, who is currently at Kings County Hospital. The closing of the store has really affected him and I hope that he will be o.k..
Remaining Opening Hours
True South Bookstore will be open at 7 PM-9 PM from Thursday to Sunday for the next two weeks.
If you have any questions feel free to email me at [email protected].
Thanks again for your support!
