This piece reflects on a quick visit to Frugal Bookstore. Black History Month 2025.
A few weeks ago, my mom and I visited Boston. As is a necessary pre-trip custom whenever we travel, we researched Black historical sites we could visit while in the city. She came across Frugal Bookstore, the only Black-owned bookstore in Boston.
Frugal was such a vibe. When I walked in, I immediately felt at ease.
Its collection of books ranged from cookbooks [see image above] to political commentaries to memoirs to spiritual health books. The African American Studies major in me was beyond excited to see a world of familiar literature on the shelves: Angela Davis, James Baldwin, bell hooks, Ta-Nehisi Coates—the list goes on. But also the book lover in me, who has existed since childhood, felt at home. I didn’t have to reimagine the story to be from a Black girl’s perspective like I did for many books as a kid. Our stories are being told and have become more accessible, and these shelves and the years of history they represent was the proof.
The store stands in Roxbury, a neighborhood in Boston rich in Black history. Roxbury, since the mid-to-late 1900s, has been the “beating heart of Boston’s Black community,” and it remains very active today. Along with classic Black nonfictional texts, Frugal had many creative works on display, including some written by local artists. What stood out to me is that Boston writer and activist Mel King had his own section. I had never heard of King before going to Frugal, but I was quickly drawn to his poem book Streets and its colorful detail.
If I had to guess, I’d say we spent around 30 minutes in the store, but I could’ve been there much longer. If they had tables and chairs, I could’ve easily spent hours there. I remember wishing there was a bookstore like that near my hometown.
A quick visit to Frugal Bookstore reminded me of the power—and, really, the necessity—of storytelling and historical memory. This Black History Month, I want to highlight stories, sites, and people who formed African American culture, life, and history. Throughout the month, I will write about local stories that may not have reached a national audience but are just as important.
I want to de-center whiteness. I want to speak on our accomplishments, successes, and wins. I want to discuss our struggles. I want to call attention to our variety of experiences. I want to remind us of our power, amidst national chaos and active attempts by the system to disempower us. I want to tell our stories.
Stay tuned.
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