Sister’s Uptown Bookstore, the only Black-owned bookstore in Manhattan, is hosting its inaugural “Voices of Harlem” gala on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Riverside Church, “celebrating literature, culture, and community.”
In addition to celebrating the bookstore, created by Janifer P. Wilson in 2000, and celebrating 26 years, the ceremony is honoring several figures who demonstrated commitment to the Harlem and uptown community over the years through their work.
Honorees include journalist, educator, and author Herb Boyd; Grandma’s Place owner Dawn Harris-Martine; Wade and Cheryl Hudson, a married couple who have published several children’s books for over 30 years; and Yvonne Stennett, leader of the Community League of the Heights for almost 50 years.
“It’s not just a celebration of Sisters; it’s a celebration of us as a people,” Wilson shared.
Wilson notes that her goal is to bring community together to learn more about each other’s work and forge new paths forward in addressing the major issues the Black community faces in Harlem and beyond.
“It’s a gathering where we’ll have that opportunity to exchange information and ideas, and then figure out how we can bring back our community of self … how we can find a way to bring back the support that we had when the money from our businesses stayed in our community before it went out into the universe,” Wilson shared.
“Right now our community is sort of broken … [the gala] is going to bring us all in the same circle so that we can start dialoguing and figure out what we are going to do,” Wilson continued.
Wilson emphasized the importance of unity, finding new solutions, and younger generations picking up the baton.
“How is it that Sister’s is the longest-standing Black-owned bookstore in the borough of Manhattan?” Wilson asked. “If our expenses are now superseding our income, we can’t keep doing donations and events; we have to figure out a sustainable plan where we can move past struggle.”
The event was fully organized by the team at Sister’s, including Wilson, as well as Clarence Reynolds and Wilson’s daughter, Kori Wilson, who both also work at the store. Next year, they look to have sponsors and continued growth.
Despite hurdles, Wilson remains empowered and motivated for the mission of Sister’s and by the love of her people.
“What really propels me is the love of the people that come through here [the bookstore]. They love Sister’s. They love literacy. They love the energy here. They love what we do,” Wilson said.
Tickets are available at GiveButter.
