Black-owned bookstores in Chicago struggle after 2020 surge
WBEZ News · WBEZ Chicago
February 18, 20254m 21s
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (podcast-stream.wbez.org) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, Black-owned businesses across the country saw a big bump in support from consumers.
But some local Black-owned businesses say that support has since tapered off, which – when mixed with the impacts of COVID and inflation – has left them struggling.
One of those businesses is Underground Bookstore in Chicago’s Calumet Heights neighborhood.
The small shop has its regulars who spend the day reading all the books their hearts desire, but it’s been on the verge of closing on several occasions.
Sun-Times reporter Mariah Rush and WBEZ producer Noah Jennings visited the store to hear from its 30-plus-year owner Yoel Ahmechshadye on 2020’s impact.
HOST: LANE