June at BLK + BRWN.

A newsletter for your bookish spirit — with new reads, real talk, and ways to plug in.

YOUR LOCAL BOOK PUSHER
June 01, 2025 • Est Reading Time: 2 minutes

Happy Sunday Friends.

June is coming in HOT — and if you know you know, it’s a very special month for BLK + BRWN. + the ecosystem. We’ve got new store hours, summer interns, countdown to our 4th birthday party (aka The Block Party), + more!

New Store Hours for June:

Thursdays → 3:30PM – 7PM
Fridays & Saturdays → 11AM – 5PM
Sundays — Closed for June (except during the Block Party on June 22)

Stop by, browse new releases, and say hey!

💛Need some new books? Don’t forget to use your Subscriber Discount!

Remember: 15% off. Use code SUB15.

➡ Shop Now

📚 What’s coming up at the Bookstore

Sat, June 7 @ 6-7 PM

Join us for a special event with Kansas City-based comic book creator Brandon Calloway, founder of Blerd Comics and creator of Black Spartans, Knights of Olympus, The Wolf of Kansas City and more!

This hands-on workshop is your launchpad to making your own comic—from the first idea to the final printed page.

Open to teens + adults.

Thur, June 19 @ 6-8 PM

Pull up for a special evening with Essence bestselling author + Kansas City native, Monica Garner.

She’ll be sharing the inspiration behind her newest novel, Summer on Cape May— a heartwarming, emotional novel about sisterhood, secrets, and second chances.

Set over one unforgettable summer in the charming seaside town of Cape May, New Jersey, three lifelong friends face love, betrayal, and life-changing choices while planning a lavish wedding. Perfect for fans of Brenda Jackson, Rhonda McKnight, and Susan Mallery, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22 • 12 - 4 PM This isn’t just a party — it’s a celebration of Black liberation, community, storytelling, and all the good energy we’ve built together over the years. You can expect to see: 20+ Black/Brown local vendors to support, music, dancing, food trucks + sweet treats, books, storytelling, + community.

The Block Party is loading, and your support is making it real! Here’s where we’re at:

88% of our sponsorship goal! Want to help close the gap?
We’ve hit 18% of our Book Drive goal! Want to gift a book?
And, exceeded the volunteer goal. Thanks for all the support so far!

Who’s All Coming to the Party You Ask….?

Here are just a few of the Black + Brown local businesses (vendors) pulling up on the block this year:

Now we just need YOU to pull up + bring your folks! RSVP Here

📖 Currently Reading:

💖 Toni at Random

A powerful look at Toni Morrison’s editorial legacy, revealing how she shaped Black literature and culture beyond her own writing while at Random House.

💜 In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens
Still buddy reading this one! The wisdom here? Unmatched. Literally.

Want to buddy read either of these? Hit our DM on IG or reply and let’s chat.

📚 A Quick Review: She Can’t Resist Her by Kianna Alexander

If you love a good “we shouldn’t, but we will” romance, this one’s for you. Set in a changing neighborhood in Austin, this story reunites two women — one an ambitious developer, the other a fierce community activist — who once shared a spark as teens and now find themselves on opposite sides of gentrification… and attraction.

Now me personally, I did not fall in love with this one — and I think it has a lot more to do with the quickness of the storyline, than the actual story. I just found myself saying — even for lesbians this feels fast. But, I do recommend you read for yourself, and find out if you agree or not. I loved the concept of how the two became reconnected — and I think the ending was sweet.