This edition: Building the Free Black Women's Library
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Episode Details
Original tape date: November 3, 2025. First aired: November 25, 2025.In this episode, Sheryl McCarthy interviews OlaRonke Akinmowo, founder of The Free Black Women’s Library in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, which houses thousands of books by Black women and serves as a free community hub for workshops, reading groups, and cultural events. Akinmowo describes how the project began 10 years ago as a mobile stoop-based book-swap rooted in her love of reading, her artistic practice, and her desire to create empowering spaces for Black women. After the pandemic halted in-person gatherings, she crowdfunded $100,000 to open a permanent storefront that now hosts writing workshops, author talks, film screenings, and a free store. She reflects on the joy of watching visitors discover new writers and find community. Most footage and photos in this episode were provided by the library.
Guest List
OlaRonke Akinmowo Creator, Director, The Free Black Women's Library
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