Your Local

Book Pusher


UPCOMING

EVENTS


Programs

  • Are you looking for a bookish community? Check out our bookclubs! We currently offer two (2) different bookclub groups: a BLK FEMINIST Bookclub and a COMMUNITY Bookclub. Bookclubs alternate every other month + meet on the third* Thursday of every other month.

    BLK FEMINIST

    • This group is currently exclusively a membership for Black Women-identifying people + created to resemble a sister circle community space.

    • This group is best for readers who consider themselves or have an interest in intersectional (Black) feminism.

    • Meetings are 100% virtual.

    COMMUNITY

    • This group is open to members of the community (i.e., Black, Brown, + Indigenous bodies) + genuine allies.

    • This group is best for readers who are interested in reading exclusively Black, Brown, +/or Indigenous authored work.

    • Meetings are 100% in-person (unless otherwise noted)

  • Each month join us for our free movie night in partnership with Stray Cat.

    • Screenings are on the last Sunday* of the month (unless otherwise noted in calendar)

    • Movies are typically PG-13 + .

    RESUMES JANUARY 2024

  • This collective is meant to create further access for Black and Brown folks to cultivate space for alternative health practices mentally + physically, restoration, + community. Each session and playlist is inspired by our monthly bookclub reads and led by our favorite yogi, Jennifer Lin. (You aren’t required to read the books to participate — the themes of the books will heavily lead our gentle flow for the month)

    • Yoga flow is 60 min

    • Classes are held inside of bookstore - limited space available.

    • Tickets are $10/person.

    • Each class is beginner-friendly

  • Join us every second (2nd) Sunday of the month.

    Bring your little bookworms to Roots + Wings, where learning is a joyous experience, and the joy of reading is contagious. It's more than just stories; it's a celebration of culture, discovery, and representation through a good book.

    COMING JANUARY 2024

  • This monthly literary analysis series, Sankofa (san-ko-fuh) Society (SS) aspires to illuminate the rich tapestry of Black literature, offering participants a comprehensive exploration of the works of prominent authors. Through intentionally curated sessions, attendees will delve into the life, literary style, and thematic contributions of different Black authors, engaging in discussions that dissect topics such as race, identity, sexuality, feminism, activism, and more. By creating a dynamic and engaging space at our bookstore, the series seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices within the Black literary tradition, encouraging participants to critically analyze and celebrate the cultural and historical significance embedded in these literary works.

    Class Format: The Sankofa Society will be comprised of a small group of bookish folks that meet monthly, each month will focus on a different theme supported by the works of some of our most thought-provoking Black literary author(s). Sessions will be a combination of lecture, group discussion, and interactive activities. Materials for each session will be provided in advance for participants to read and prepare for discussions. Guest speakers, if available, will be invited to provide additional insights.

    COMING JANUARY 2024

  • The Storyteller's Workshop series is a dynamic and culturally enriching program hosted by BLK + BRWN., designed to foster creativity, community, and literary exploration within the black community. Through a series of six workshops held throughout the year, participants will have the opportunity to engage with diverse writing genres and styles while celebrating the richness of black storytelling.

    COMING APRIL 2024


About Us

BLK + BRWN. is an independently operated bookstore based in Kansas City, Missouri, founded by Cori Smith, The Local Book Pusher (TLBP). Our journey began with a profound love for reading, ignited during TLBP’s childhood visits to the West Wyandotte Public Library. This passion, particularly for literature celebrating Black history and culture, has been the driving force behind our mission.

We provide a safe space for our community while fostering a deep appreciation for Black and Brown literature. Recognizing the scarcity of platforms where our voices could thrive and our experiences could be honored, we transformed this vision into reality. BLK + BRWN. serves as a haven where our stories are amplified, and our narratives are unapologetically celebrated.

In 2021, we proudly opened our brick + mortar storefront in Midtown Kansas City, Missouri, on Juneteenth (June 19th). Our journey has been marked by challenges that have only reinforced our commitment. Despite adversity, we persist in our mission to dismantle structures that perpetuate the marginalization of non-white lives. BLK + BRWN. stands as a testament to the resilience of our community and the enduring power of storytelling to drive change.


Store

Information

Thursday to Sunday / 12 - 6 pm

104 1/2 W 39th Street, Kansas City, Mo 64111