Answering the call.

Usually this column focuses on an aspect of anti-racist work bookstores can apply to their businesses. But it is hard to judge how effective such work is just from the vantage point of your own store cash wrap. This is not work that can be done in a vacuum, and an anti-racist commitment doesn't stop at the front door to your shop. It is something you bring to your entire community, including your bookselling community.

Right now, the American Booksellers Association is seeking nominations to fill five vacancies for ABA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (DEIA), which serves as a sounding board and advisory council on issues related to anti-racism, equity, access, and representation, facing the bookselling community and ABA. Booksellers are invited to nominate themselves or another bookseller.

Nominate here

The committee, which has thirty members, is designed to provide the Board with a broad cross-section of views from within the community of independent booksellers, and has done work on a wide range of issues on behalf of independent booksellers. This includes everything from reviewing ABA policy to advising on programming and helping with advocacy.

Booksellers doing anti-racist work in their businesses should consider nominating themselves or key staff for the DEIA Committee. Not only is it an opportunity to bring your perspective to the wider bookselling community, it is also a chance to work with other booksellers who have the same goals, and to be an instrument of change in the industry.