Meet Cori

The Local Book Pusher + Cultural Strategist

Cori Smith—also known as Your Local Book Pusher—is a cultural strategist, curator, and the founder of BLK + BRWN., an indie-bookstore and Fieldnotes. by BLK + BRWN., a creative studio and bookstore dedicated to honoring Black storytelling, memory, and imagination.

Her journey began with a love for reading. As a child growing up in Wyandotte County, regular visits to the West Wyandotte Public Library were a refuge and ritual. She was always drawn to books that centered Black history, Black futures, and Black liberation. That early love evolved into a calling—to create space for others to discover themselves in stories, too.

After graduating from Clark Atlanta University, Cori began working in the nonprofit world. While the work was impactful, it wasn’t enough. She craved something deeper—something rooted in cultural memory, joy, and ownership. That spark led her to open BLK + BRWN. in 2021, on Juneteenth, in the heart of Midtown Kansas City.

What began as a bookstore quickly grew into a literary and cultural hub. BLK + BRWN. is a space for books, yes—but also for gathering, growing, and imagining new futures. Even in the face of digital harassment, attempted silencing, and conservative backlash, Cori remains grounded in her mission: to build spaces where Black and Brown communities are seen, safe, and celebrated.

Through Fieldnotes by BLK + BRWN., Cori now works across disciplines—partnering with museums, educators, cultural institutions, and grassroots organizations to design programs, exhibitions, reading labs, and strategic experiences that honor Black traditions and spark critical dialogue.

Her approach is rooted in deep listening, intentional design, and the belief that collective narrative can transform not just how we see the world—but how we move through it. Whether she’s curating a conversation, shaping curriculum, or collaborating on a public art project, Cori brings care, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to cultural healing and liberation.

#BUYBLACKBOOKS