Brave + Kind Bookshop: Amplifying Inclusive Stories

While some school systems are banning books and dropping AP courses on African American history, Brave + Kind Bookstore Owner Bunnie Hilliard makes sure that black children and young adults can find themselves within the books on her shelves.

Her bookstore is one in all several black-owned businesses featured in our Black Made series.

“We intentionally seek representation in the stories we share because it’s important to share our stories,” Hilliard said. “The world is more beautiful because of its diversity.”

For six years, her shop has been welcoming customers to Decatur, Georgia.

Hilliard — an HBCU graduate who worked in corporate America before becoming an entrepreneur — says having children prompted her to make a profession change.

“I had a hard time finding books whose stories would resonate with the kids I wanted to raise,” Hilliard explained. “I asked myself, ‘What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?’ and that was it.”

Not only does she handpick every book offered in her store, she also hosts events where customers can meet the authors and illustrators behind them. Hilliard says it’s one in all the numerous things that sets her aside from e-commerce giants.

“I don’t want to name names, but we had Tabitha Brown and Jada Pinkett Smith. I always feel like when we do an event in the store, that’s what it’s about—building community around stories.”

Hilliard believes young black children deserve the posh of immersing themselves in books with characters which are just like them, and books crammed with inspiring messages that show them they may be anything they need to be.

“Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing a family come into the store and leave with a handful of books that reflect how they want to raise their children and who they want to be in the world.”