Frederick Douglass Book Center
| Company type | Bookstore and community space |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bookselling, cultural activism |
| Founded | 1942 |
| Founder | Richard B. Moore |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | New York City (Harlem) , United States |
Area served | New York City minority populations |
Key people | Richard B. Moore, Lodie M. Biggs |
| Products | Literature on African, Afro-American, and Caribbean heritage and culture |
The Frederick Douglass Book Center operated as both a bookstore and a communal space serving New York City's minority populations. It specialized in literature focused on African, Afro-American, and Caribbean heritage and cultural topics. Situated in Harlem, the center remained active until the building was demolished in 1968.[1]
Founder
Established in 1942 by Richard B. Moore, the Frederick Douglass Book Center reflected his dedication to activism.[2] Moore, a Caribbean-born advocate and entrepreneur, was known for his commitment to socialism and black nationalism.[1] The inception of the center was supported significantly by his close associate and second wife, Lodie M. Biggs.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Subsequently, Biggs assumed the role of sales representative for the establishment.[3]
Background
In 1942, Richard B. Moore inaugurated the Frederick Douglass Book Center on West 125th Street within the Harlem neighborhood of New York City.[2] His venture drew inspiration from George Young, who had pioneered the first Afro-American bookstore in Harlem.[2][3] The initial inventory largely consisted of Moore’s personal book collection.[3] Despite this, most volumes housed at the center were not available for purchase; indeed, the establishment was not regarded as a conventional retail store.[2] Over time, it evolved into a hub for Caribbean activists throughout the state.[2] These individuals often aligned with progressive or socialist ideologies and championed economic development and independence for Caribbean nations.[2] Among those involved were Dr. C. A. Petioni from Trinidad; historian J. A. Rodgers, A. M. Wendell Malliet, W. A. Domingo, and Miss Vivienne Packer representing Jamaica; Reginald Pierrepointe, Bishop Reginald G. Barrow, and Lionel M. Yard from Barbados; Attorney Hope R. Stevens of Nevis; Dr. Gerald A. Spencer from St. Lucia; Arthur E. King of Guyana; and Hodge Kirnon hailing from Montserrat.[2]
Closure of the Center
In 1968, the state of New York dismantled the center to make way for the development of the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building.