A Passion Project Rooted in Family Tradition
Gabrielle and Danielle Davenport, two sisters from New York, have achieved a remarkable feat – the creation of the first Black food bookstore in the United States. Their venture, BEM | books & more, is a testament to the power of combining their lifelong passions for food and literature.
The Davenport sisters’ journey into the world of bookselling was deeply rooted in their childhood experiences. Inspired by the cherished moments spent in their grandmother’s kitchen, learning to perfect family recipes like deviled eggs, the sisters developed a profound appreciation for the stories and traditions that are woven into the fabric of Black cuisine.
Centering Black Food Narratives
As they grew older, Gabrielle and Danielle noticed a significant gap in the representation of Black food narratives in the literary landscape. Determined to change this, they set out on a mission to create a space that would celebrate and amplify the rich culinary heritage of the Black community.
“Our family has such a spirit of generosity and to be able to take that beautiful energy of sharing, cooking, telling stories, and loving one another to others in the community is truly life-changing,” Danielle Davenport reflects.
Launching BEM | books & more
In January 2021, the Davenport sisters launched their online bookstore, BEM | books & more, with the intention of eventually expanding to a brick-and-mortar location. Their goal was to curate a diverse selection of literature that explored the intersection of Black culture, food, and storytelling.
“We’ve gotten to know each other a bit more,” Gabrielle Davenport shares. “It is an outgrowing of our relationship and the things that are important to us.”
Embracing the Pop-Up Experience
While building towards their brick-and-mortar dream, the Davenport sisters embraced the pop-up shop experience, allowing them to connect with the community and share their passion for Black food literature. These temporary setups served as a way to reach a wider audience and build excitement for the future permanent location.
“When we celebrate our food, we create a welcoming atmosphere. We feel loved and nourished,” says Gabrielle Davis, a children’s author whose work will soon be available through BEM | books & more.
Securing the Brick-and-Mortar Dream
In March 2023, the Davenport sisters accomplished a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey – they raised enough funds through a successful Kickstarter campaign to sign a lease for their Brooklyn storefront. Their plan is to open the doors to their permanent location by the end of 2024.
“We received such a strong outpouring of love from the community, Black women, in particular, in the food space,” says Gabrielle Davenport, reflecting on the overwhelming support they received.
Reclaiming and Celebrating Black Food Traditions
The Davenport sisters are acutely aware of the importance of their work in preserving and celebrating Black food traditions. They believe that their bookstore serves as a vital space for community care and intergenerational bonding, providing a platform for the stories and experiences that have long been overlooked.
“Modern food culture, with its emphasis on convenience, threatens to erode our sacred food traditions. Spaces like BEM | books & more help us to reclaim them and the intellectual, emotional, and physical nourishment they provide,” emphasizes Gabrielle Davis.
A Sisterly Bond Strengthened by Shared Passion
Throughout their entrepreneurial journey, the Davenport sisters have found that their venture has not only allowed them to connect with their community but has also strengthened their own bond as siblings.
“It really feels like spirit work…the different ways that folks are building businesses around an ecosystem of supporting one another,” Danielle Davenport says. “There’s something really special about how we’re able to shape this as entrepreneurs enmeshed in a beautiful sense of community.”
