In a heartwarming story of family legacy and entrepreneurship, sisters Gabrielle and Danielle Davenport have founded BEM Books & More, the first-ever bookstore dedicated to celebrating Black food traditions and culinary history.
Inspired by Grandmother’s Kitchen
The Davenport sisters’ journey to establishing this unique bookstore is deeply rooted in their shared childhood memories in their grandmother’s kitchen.
From an early age, they developed a profound appreciation for the art of cooking and the power of storytelling.
“Whenever we would visit, it felt like we were in the library,” Danielle reminisces, recalling her grandmother’s love for children’s literature and audiobooks.
Bonding over Family Recipes
The sisters’ fondest memories include meticulously crafting their grandmother’s signature deviled eggs, experimenting with unique ingredients and techniques that added personal touches to the family recipe.
These intimate moments in the kitchen laid the foundation for their lifelong passion for food and its ability to bring people together.
Launching the First Black Food Bookstore
Recognizing the lack of representation of Black food traditions in the literary landscape, the Davenport sisters decided to take action.
In January 2021, they launched BEM Books & More, an online bookstore that celebrates works by and about Black culinary culture.
“Family legacy has everything to do with what we’re doing,” Danielle explains. “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.”
Serving the Community with a Brick-and-Mortar Shop
After a successful online launch, the Davenport sisters reached a significant milestone in March 2024 when they raised enough funds through a Kickstarter campaign to secure a physical storefront in Brooklyn, New York.
The sisters plan to open the doors to their brick-and-mortar shop by the end of 2024, fulfilling their vision of creating a welcoming space for the community to explore Black food traditions.
Amplifying Diverse Voices and Stories
BEM Books & More offers a curated selection of cookbooks, food fiction, and nonfiction works that highlight the rich tapestry of Black food culture.
From Ghetto Gastro’s “Black Power Kitchen” to Charmaine Wilkerson’s “Black Cake,” the store aims to uplift the diverse narratives and experiences of Black food traditions.
Strengthening Community Bonds
The Davenport sisters believe that by celebrating food and storytelling, they can create a sense of belonging and kinship within the community.
Their commitment to amplifying children’s books that explore family food traditions further reinforces their mission to foster intergenerational connections through the power of literature and culinary heritage.
As the Davenport sisters prepare to open the doors to their brick-and-mortar bookstore, they remain deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from the community, particularly Black women in the food industry.
