December 26, 2023
Na’Keia Warren: Can you describe your journey to becoming an author and owner of two bookstores?
Tamara Shiloh: My journey as an author started in 1998 or 1999 when I received an email that listed Black inventors and scientists that I had never heard of. I had just learned how to use Microsoft Publisher and had planned to create a pamphlet for my grandson with this information. Then I thought, ‘Well, maybe it’s a hoax. I’ll go to the library and see if there are any books about these folks.’ As it turned out, there were! After being pissed about the fact that I didn’t know any of them, I decided to write a book. The book was going to be about five inches thick, but I decided that no kid would read it and created a series instead. That’s how it began. I didn’t know anything about writing a book; the pamphlet became a series of books. My friend who is an illustrator designed the cover of the first book and the interior was filled with clip art. I sold a lot of them because people were interested in the information. My storytelling format made it easy and fun for kids to read.
I joined the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association and learned about writing and publishing. The Association shares information about writing, editing, illustrating, and publishing, and provides resources for book clubs and organizations based on different genres. I hired an editor and illustrator and created a second version of the book. There are seven books in the series that I’d like to publish; two of them are complete. I also wrote a book that was part of a teacher’s series for the Scholastic Corporation.
My journey as a bookstore owner began at Hilltop Mall [in Richmond, California]. Hilltop was not doing well at the time. I was doing a book signing in one of the empty stores, and a lady asked me if I’d be interested in starting a pop-up bookstore in one of the empty spaces. We asked a third person who happened to be friends with both of us. She was involved in seminars and conferences and had a ton of books in her garage, so she provided our inventory. We were only supposed to be open for two months, November and December 2017. At the end of December, we were asked to stay another six months at Hilltop Mall because we did so well. Our friend who provided the inventory wasn’t interested in a brick-and-mortar, so we purchased the inventory from her. The two of us operated the bookstore for a year before my partner decided to focus on her non-profit [organization]. I became the sole owner of a bookstore for a year and a half. The owners of Hilltop Mall were already thinking about selling the property. COVID-19 happened [in 2020], so I guess the pandemic made it easier for them to do so. (Hilltop Mall operated in Richmond, California from 1976 – 2021).
I had to find somewhere else to go. I leased a space at the Bay Area Girls Club in Richmond, California. Sharing a space with the Bay Area Girls Club has been the best thing that could’ve happened. It’s a wonderful location. There’s a beautiful patio and gazebo, and a wonderful yard for the kids to play. We host a lot of community events.
I’m really happy about what I’ve accomplished with the [Richmond, CA] bookstore. It’s a multicultural bookstore and I’d like to stay true to that. We have African American, Native American, Asian, Jewish, and Latino books. There’s a variety of genres – social justice, social-emotional, graphic novels, STEM, and LGBTQ. We have everything you can think of. If we don’t have it, we can get it. It just takes a couple of days. We have storytime, giveaways, and book signings with authors. We also celebrate grandparents and caregivers. Once a month, I invite them here to eat, drink, and be merry. No children for two hours! I also host a wine and cheese event occasionally for different groups like teachers and first responders. We have a good time. Folks need to feel appreciated. I want the bookstore to be a safe place.
NW: What led to the opening of your second bookstore in Las Vegas, Nevada?
TS: I lived in Las Vegas from 2000 – 2009 and met some wonderful people. Being the entrepreneurial spirit that I am, I started a magazine and was able to get five or six issues out. I also had an internet jazz show and a newsletter that became very popular. There were groups of people that I’d take to all the casinos and listen to jazz. I was always doing something! My friend, Carol Santiago, and I met right after I moved there. She’s a retired teacher and Education Department Director at the Las Vegas Urban League. We’ve always said that we wanted to do something together, so we decided to open a bookstore in Las Vegas. It turned out to be a very good investment.
Las Vegas has shown a lot of support for what Carol and I are doing. We’re making space for authors. We have an incredible resident illustrator – shout-out to Charles Holbert! The [Las Vegas] bookstore is located on the historic westside in the middle of all the growth that’s currently happening there. It’s across the street from Nevada Partners where the culinary school is located and near churches, community centers, and schools. We’re also near the famous Gritz Café owned by Trina Jiles. I have to plug that café because it’s my first stop every time I go to Las Vegas.
NW: What is the significance of owning multicultural bookstores, and why is literacy so important?
TS: Kids and adults should know more about their culture, as well as other cultures. We have diverse communities; a little bit of everybody is here. We’re not just interacting with one group of people. Instead of making wrong judgments about folks, you should read about them. Everybody should be able to read and write. Reading provides options, especially for children. If they’re playing in the dirt, they might be the next archaeologist. If they like playing with insects, they could be an entomologist.
NW: What led you to write children’s books?
TS: Learning about Black people who’ve done wonderful things – the inventors and scientists – led me to write. I thought it was important for children to know that Black people have been in these industries for a very long time. Books provide information about careers that children may not have considered because they’ve never seen a Black person in that profession.
NW: Who are some of your favorite authors? Do you have any favorite books?
TS: I can’t answer that because I read books by a lot of different authors. I like espionage and detective novels – Walter Mosley, James Patterson’s Alex Cross series, Valerie Wilson Wesley’s Tamara Hayle series, and Lee Child [whose] Jack Reacher series is on [Amazon] Prime right now. I’m an audiobook person even though I own bookstores. I can read or listen to them anytime, anywhere. I’ve been doing that for a few years now. One of my favorite authors is Carole Boston Weatherford who writes children’s books. She has a way of writing about Black history so eloquently for children to understand. The Tulsa [Race] Massacre – I would’ve never been able to write that in “kid-ese”.
NW: In addition to being an author, you‘re also a writer for the Richmond Post. For those who are unfamiliar, can you please describe it?
TS: The Richmond Post is a Black-owned newspaper that covers news about Black folks in entertainment, sports, arts, culture, health, and the environment. I’ve been writing for about three years. Paul Cobb is the owner. We met at an event in Oakland, [California] where I was selling my books. I love sharing information about Black folks, past and present. We started talking and that’s how it began.
NW: Your email auto signature says, “Black History CAN and SHOULD be taught all year!” Why is Black history so important to you?
TS: Black history can be taught all year when educators have the right tools. Teachers can’t teach what they don’t know. I created a Black history course for educators, so they have more information and don’t teach about the same [Black] folks. I’m not saying that those folks aren’t important, but there are thousands of other people who’ve accomplished so much. I introduce teachers to books as well.
Children should be introduced to Black people’s contributions to this country. Black children should feel good about their history and know that their history is not all about slavery. That’s why I say ‘Black History CAN and SHOULD be taught all year.’ 90% of the books in my store are face forward, so when kids walk in, they can immediately see themselves on book covers. Teachers and parents don’t have to know the names of authors or books. It’s important for all children to walk into a bookstore and see themselves, especially African American children who hardly ever see themselves.
NW: Outside of literature, your voice can also be heard via podcast. Can you share some information regarding your podcast episodes?
TS: My podcast is called ‘Once Upon a Time in Black History’. Each segment includes five to six minutes of information about Black history. It’s on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple platforms. New episodes are posted twice per month on the second and fourth Monday. You can also find it on my website, onceuponatimeinblackhistory.com.
NW: Most of your business affairs and contributions are based in Richmond, California. Is there something significant about this city, or is it coincidental?
TS: It is coincidental but I was born and raised here. I’m just happy to be able to share this bookstore with folks in Richmond. It’s a very diverse city and a lot of wonderful things are happening here contrary to what’s reported in the news. We’re just like most cities in the United States. We have pride and purpose in Richmond. The first Black pharmacist, Mr. Jim McMillan is still around and he’s in his 90s! I went to school here – Peres Elementary and Roosevelt Jr. High School, which is now [Sylvester] Greenwood Academy. I was in the first graduating class of John F. Kennedy High School, and I say that proudly. (John F. Kennedy High School is part of West Contra Costa Unified School District and opened in 1967 in Richmond, California). It’s home, so why not? It was by coincidence, but I’m really happy that it happened here.
NW: What advice do you have for future entrepreneurs who may feel hesitant or excited about a new venture?
TS: Do your homework and be prepared financially. There’s a lot involved in running a business. Enroll in some classes. Don’t go into business thinking you’re about to make a lot of money. You may, but be prepared in case you don’t. I’m saying that sincerely. Don’t just open a bookstore and order a bunch of books. I had to learn that the hard way. Know about sales, marketing, and staffing. Find other businesses that are similar to yours and learn about their successes. Ask questions. People are usually pretty open. I think that’s probably more important than anything else.
NW: Regarding your legacy, how do you want to be remembered?
TS: I tried my best to ensure that our children know their history and that educators know how to teach Black history. I am so passionate about Black history. I want to be remembered by my family and friends. I’m learning something new all the time and it just amazes me how much we’ve done and are doing.
My current newsletter is about present accomplishments and what young folks are doing. I don’t know or remember everything and don’t try to pretend that I do, but I’m happy to share information. People also share with me. That’s what’s important – sharing. A lot of what I write about in my column is based on what was shared with me. I love what I’m doing.
Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts in Richmond is located at 260 Broadway, Richmond, California 94804.
Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts in Las Vegas is located at 2027 Revere Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89106.
Images courtesy of Tamara Shiloh