STORY

Sharon and Kenneth Holley opened Harambee Books and Crafts (renamed Zawadi Books in 2010) around 1976 in Buffalo, NY. Zawadi means "gift" in Swahili, one of the purposes of the products we carry. Our mission is to provide the community with a bookstore that specializes in books and materials that are by and about people of African descent.

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We sponsor and support author readings, book discussions, book signings, storytelling and other community based activities. We have affiliated with notable events like the Buffalo African American Read-In, Marcus Garvey Day Parade, Malcolm X Day and The Kwanzaa Committee of Buffalo.

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Today Zawadi Books is one of America's longest operated independent-black owned bookstores, with over 40 years in business!

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