The motivation shared between three Black-owned bookstores in Memphis lies within one mission: to enrich the minds of its children and beyond. 

Literacy, accessibility and representation are what came to mind for each owner when The Daily Memphian asked about their stories.

‘I want my books to show children ... their voices do matter’

“In a city that is (more than 60%) African American, I couldn’t believe that there weren’t any Black owned bookstores,” Jeremee DeMoir said before opening DeMoir Books and Things at 739 White Station Road in 2021. 

DeMoir spent many years educating students as an English and creative writing teacher at White Station Middle School.

Working there, he noticed that many of his students didn’t have access to reading materials (outside of school) or a safe space to read. 

A year later, the owner has stocked the shelves of his literacy safe haven with volumes of new and used books for children of all ages, including adults. 

Determined to make a difference, he left teaching behind to pursue the bookstore full time.

The store carries fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, comics, and faith-based books, along with a local section that features literature published by Memphis authors. 

DeMoir Books also offers a literacy program where any child age 1-18 can come in the store and receive a free book, regardless of a parent making a purchase. 

DeMoir added that this is part of the mission to help increase literacy not only for children, but for everyone. 

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The mission of online bookstores Cafe Noir and Tribe Collective takes on an even broader purpose. 

Jasmine Settles, owner of Cafe Noir, remembers being introduced to Black literature at a young age by her grandmother. 

“The more I discovered, the more I kept saying I absolutely have to share this,” Settles said. 

But, as an adult, she couldn’t help but notice a lack of visibility for authors belonging to marginalized groups like people of color and the LGBTQ community. 

“They represent a group that doesn’t feel seen. Authors allow the reader to be seen through their work,” she said. 

Settles recently earned a master's degree in literature and African American history at the University of Memphis in 2021. 

Settles started Cafe Noir, the same year, with the idea of pairing ethically sourced coffee blends with books. She aims to open a storefront this summer. 

While she looks for the perfect space, Settles often hails at the Terra Cotta Nursery on Summer Avenue, selling memoirs, poetry books and social critique novels like “Civil Rights Queen: Constance Baker Motley and The Struggle for Equality.”

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Kylah Paige, co-owner of Tribe Collective, shares a similar perspective with Settles, aiming to add more room for voices of color to be seen and heard. 

Born to an African American mother and Puerto Rican father, Paige shared her story of gaining self-discovery through literature.

Paige, also an aspiring historian and freelance writer, said she struggled as a child with her identity. Adding that “anti-blackness” is deeply rooted in Caribbean culture. 

“I always got, you’re not Black because you speak Spanish or you’re not Spanish because your mother’s Black,” she said. 

Through the writings of Audre Lorde, a civil rights activist who dedicated her work to addressing injustices of racism, sexism, classism and homophobia, Paige learned the power of literature. 

Lorde was also of Caribbean descent.

In partnership with her husband Marsalis Paige, Kylah Paige plans to use Tribe Collective as a social hub to spark conversations, with the objective to dismantle anti-Black, anti-queer and anti-color constructs.

The Paige’s have also made their oldest daughter, Kasia, 11, part owner, making an early investment into her future. 

The couple offers books through their online site largely focused on Black history and art, children’s fiction, indigenous culture and more. Tribe also carries books published by Puerto Rican authors.

The mother of three (and one on the way) says they hope to have a storefront by September, and also looks to serve some Caribbean style meals inside. 

She is also preparing to graduate from the University of Memphis in the fall with a degree in African American history, and a minor in English.