The celebration began at noon in BLK + BRWN’s parking lot on 39th Street. Despite the scorching heat and strong winds, hundreds of attendees showed up to support The Local Book Pusher, Cori Smith. Over 20 vendors filled up the lot space at 104 1/2 W 39th St., creating a vibrant marketplace of food, music, and community.
The block party included a live DJ,, games, and local art. People from varying backgrounds came together to celebrate with BLK + BRWN and other local businesses, including AIMWell Yoga, Sage Sol Ceramics, Moonlit Juicery, and EvalineEsthetics. Sponsors included BlaqOut and Andrews McMeel Publishing. Food vendor Sparker Kitchen grilled Philly cheesesteaks while Kinship Cafe served up the chai lattes.
In 2021, Cori Smith opened BLK + BRWN. Smith, who grew up in Wyandotte, Kansas and graduated from Clark Atlanta, saw a gap in the local literary scene…