When Janifer Wilson opened Sister’s Uptown Bookstore & Cultural Center in 2000, the space had previously served as a funeral parlor.
There were not only serious business and renovation problems, but wary of looming spirits in the building, she mollified them by burning incense and sage, telling them, “I ain’t going nowhere.”
A testament to her self-determination was evident last Saturday at Riverside Church, where she hosted the “Voices of Harlem” Inaugural Gala, celebrating literature, culture, and community. I was proudly one of the honorees at the event, with others including educator and business owner Dawn Harris-Martine; publishers and owner of Just Us Books Wade and Cheryl Hudson; and Yvonne Stennett, executive director of the Community League of the Heights.
In several ways, it was a reunion for me to share moments with graffiti artist and videographer James Top; Joe Rogers, one of the evening’s emcees, a duty he shared with Skyller Walker and Ceci Davidson; and Atiba Kwabena, a prominent member of the GET Up Ensemble, who performed.
Present, too, was State Senator Cordell Cleare; Glenn Hunter of the Harlem Cultural Archives; Portia and Dr. John-Martin Green, who delivered a lengthy duet about the importance of books; Norma Jean Darden of Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread, who catered the gala; and Clarence Reynolds, a prime mover and curator of the affair. There was also a first-time experience enjoying the dance and narration of Solenn Etienne and Uniqua Simmons.
However, it was recommitting to Janifer and her enduring struggle to keep the bookstore and cultural center afloat that was most rewarding.
“The past 26 years have been a rewarding journey,” she told the crowd. “They have been gratifying, memorable, and wonderful years that I hope have enriched my life and pray they have had some meaningful impact on your lives and our community.”
To some extent, particularly when compared to human longevity, this is just a youthful phase. Let us hope that the center will make it long beyond adulthood in the neighborhood. Yes, the evening was “one for the books”!
