BEM | books & more is a unique bookstore in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. All its books are penned by Black authors and explore the connections between food and culture. Co-owner Gabrielle Davenport puts it simply: “Why wouldn’t there be a Black food bookstore?”
This innovative shop opened in October 2021, making it one of the first Black-owned, food-focused bookstores in the U.S. Gabrielle and her sister, Danielle Davenport, have always aimed to amplify Black voices in their work. Gabrielle has a rich background in supporting Black artists, while Danielle’s passion for language shaped her journey as an actor and playwright.
The sisters always dreamed of starting a business. They even ran an Etsy shop but kept returning to the idea of combining their love for reading, cooking, and the richness of Black experiences. Danielle recalls, “The kitchen brought people together,” emphasizing how food stories intertwine with family narratives.
Just as they prepared to open a physical location, the pandemic shifted their plans. They swiftly launched an online store in the summer of 2021. The name “BEM” pays homage to their grandmother and highlights the impact of Black culture on the culinary world.
In early 2021, after the Black Lives Matter movement reignited discussions around Black representation in various fields, the sisters felt a renewed urgency to find a physical space. After an impressive Kickstarter campaign, which raised $75,000 in just 32 days, they opened their doors at 373 Lewis Avenue in Bed-Stuy.
BEM’s collection is impressive, featuring over 1,500 titles, including cookbooks by James Beard Award winners like Toni Tipton Martin and memoirs by culinary historians such as Jessica B. Harris. They promote books that cover themes from the Black Panther Party’s breakfast program to historical guides for African American travelers.
Danielle sums up their mission: “Food touches everything.” They host diverse programming, from cooking demos by award-winning chefs to literary discussions. The sisters envision BEM as a nurturing space for Black stories and cultures, creating a vibrant community hub.
As they look to the future, the sisters plan more cooking classes, dinners, and film screenings. “This really is going to be a living, breathing kind of organism,” says Danielle. Their journey is just beginning, and they invite the community to grow with them.
For more insights into the impact of Black culture in the food industry, you can explore studies from organizations like the James Beard Foundation. Their work highlights the essential narratives within American culinary history.
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