Darkly Rooted Books, which is "centering sci-fi, fantasy, and horror by diverse authors while building plans for local literacy programs," had its grand opening celebration on October 24 at 839 Joseph E. Boone Blvd. NW, Suite E103, in Atlanta, Ga., the Atlanta Voice reported.
"It's been a long time coming," said owner and founder Camille Watwood, adding: "It was important for me, for others, to see themselves reflected in the stories that are so popular. For others who do not look like us, who aren't of the global majority, to start to expand their view outside of the same kind of FMCs (Female Main Character), the same kind of heroes, the same kind of horror."
Having lived on the Westside for four years, Watwood noticed that while the West End and South Downtown had their own Black-owned bookstores, there was nothing for the community of English Avenue to look to for diverse literature. "I think it provides people here and outside of this community with the knowledge that we're not just what you think," she noted. "We're not the box that you think we are here on English Avenue on the Westside. It's growing. It's changing for the better, and I'm excited to be a part of that growth and invite the community that has always been here to also come in and enjoy."
Watwood hopes to partner with local libraries, community centers, and schools to establish book clubs and summer literacy or year-round literacy programs for both children and adults.
She also wants customers to discover something new and exciting at her bookshop: "I'm excited for them to be surprised. I'm excited for them to walk in and it's like, 'Oh, this looks great. This feels great. This is a vibe....' Now that it's here, I just hope that the community enjoys it and sees what I'm trying to provide and do, and that it encourages readers of all ages to come in and discover something maybe out of their comfort zone, something new and unheard of."