Desiree Sanders is a phenomenal woman.
My first memory of Afrocentric Bookstore dates back to four years ago. I had done my first interview as the Book Review Editor of the Chicago Defender with my favorite author, Eric Jerome Dickey. I was spending the day with him and his last stop was Afrocentric Bookstore in the DePaul Center, 333 South State Street. I knew that was Desiree's territory as my predecessor had worked with her often, but it didn't stop me from being intimidated. That's when Eric told me that Desiree was cool and her store was "his favorite stop in the Windy City."
Unbeknownst to me at the time, I made two very good friends Friday, July 7, 1999 -- a day that will forever be treasured in my heart and etched in my memory.
Since then, I have seen many authors grace Sanders' upscale downtown location from self-published to famous and up and coming to New York Times Bestsellers. Included are: Maya Angelou; Walter Mosley; E. Lynn Harris; Iyanla Vanzant; Judge Greg Mathis; Vernon Jordan; Cornell West; Patti LaBelle; Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; Terry McMillan; LeVar Burton; Gladys Knight; Atty. Johnnie L. Cochran; Sinbad; Tavis Smiley; Chris Rock and Tyra Banks. And that is only a few names from Sanders' roster.
Publishers consider Afrocentric Bookstore a must-stop for authors who come to Chicago, and after seeing Afrocentric II's trendy new home in Bronzeville, 4655 South King Drive, I'm sure it will be yet another request on authors' wish list. Grand Opening will be Saturday, April 5, 2003. Doors open at 10 a.m., and activities will be held from noon until 6 p.m. I adjure you to come out and be a part of history as Desiree Sanders is a name you should know and a face you should recognize. She has seen authors such as E. Lynn Harris through self-published times to New York Times, and he is just one testimony of riches whom Desiree supported as "rags."
"This is really chapter two of the Afrocentric Bookstore story," said Sanders. "I'm excited to continue this legacy and I hope everyone comes out to help us celebrate."
Afrocentric II will be embraced by the community and we applaud Dorothy Tillman for her help in providing cultural entertainment for our people instead of yet another beauty supply store/ nail shop. The new bookstore is housed in the newly opened African Village Mall, an empowerment zone project launched by Third Ward Alderman Dorothy Tillman. The building is owned by Eastlake Management.
"I have to thank Alderman Tillman for her vision, and for inviting me to be a part of it. We would not have been able to do this without her support," Sanders said.
"The Afrocentric Bookstore is a great addition to this community. We have a community that is rich with the history and culture of African-American people. I envision people spending considerable quality time in the store where they can read and learn about our history and possibilities for our future," Alderman Tillman said.
Desiree and I have been talking about this store for what seems like more than a year, so I'd expected to be cool about it when I saw it. I wasn't. I was in awe of the store's beauty and relaxed in its aura. I could not have been more proud of my friend. I looked around as the men outside made sure her windows were perfect and to her satisfaction, and I was enveloped in wonderfully intoxicating scents. When Desiree finished her call, she pointed me toward the candles that were sending my senses into a frenzy. Then I noticed a couple of African bibelots that caught my eye. I made a mental note to myself to pick the space in my bookcase for at least one of them.
Then we went upstairs. The African decor is a sight for the eyes to behold and I was speechless as I noticed a lovely painting in a pastiche of blues with the store's name blended into the background. There was also a children's corner with furniture, activities and books especially for the kiddies. The painting, the leather rug and the bamboo hammock was only a few of furniture stunners in a hodgepodge of Africa. Desiree is doing her thing, and I appreciate her for appreciating us, because Afrocentric II is for us as a people - a family - To embrace, enjoy and celebrate.
Article copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.
Photograph (Desiree Sanders and Eric Jerome Dickey)
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