Scholastic to launch “The Black Booksellers Conference: Connect. Build. Elevate.”
An Inaugural Free Virtual Conference on November 1, 2023
September 21, 2023 — Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children’s publishing, education and
media company, announced today The Black Booksellers Conference: Connect. Build. Elevate, a free
virtual conference to take place on November 1, 2023. This initiative aims to support Black-owned
bookstores, Black booksellers, and advocates by creating a curated space for dialogue and action. The Black Bookselling Conference will showcase a rich collection of books centering the histories and present-day realities of Black people in children’s literature while prioritizing Black stories, storytellers and the communities they serve and reflect. The live, broadcast event will include robust panels featuring bestselling authors and illustrators such as Tami Charles, Alaya Dawn Johnson and Jamar Nicholas as well as educators in children’s literature. The conference will aim to raise discoverability of future publishing from Black creators. An anchor of the program will be an open forum with Scholastic’s Trade publishing professionals to offer bookselling tools, merchandising materials and resources. In this session, a variety of topics and areas will be discussed, all
with the purpose of providing a greater understanding of how best to support Black independent
booksellers to achieve both their revenue and community goals. At the conclusion, attendees will be
invited to participate in breakout sessions that blend community engagement and professional growth. As part of conference registration, attendees will receive in the mail a complimentary kit in advance of the event that will include a copy of each participating author’s book, exclusive promotional materials, resources and more to support the programming throughout the event. Scholastic will also provide an accessibility grant to offset potential lost compensation resulting from attending the conference, aiming to increase access to the event. To affirm the conference’s mission, Scholastic formed a steering committee of Black booksellers from around the country, including members from the American Bookseller Association and regional Trade organizations. They have been actively involved in the planning process, serving as ambassadors and helping to curate and weigh in on content that will deeply resonate and serve as a contribution to the
Black bookselling community. “We are thrilled to support the Black bookselling community from around the country with a much-needed platform focused on this vital group of professionals,” said Ellie Berger, EVP and President of Scholastic Trade Publishing. “With the strategic contributions from the steering committee, The Black Bookselling Conference will foster community while sharing an amazing slate of Scholastic authors and illustrators. We hope this conference sparks lively discussions and that participants feel empowered and walk away with new tools to enrich their bookstores.” “My hope for the Black Booksellers Conference is to help open the door to leveling the playing field,” said Julia Davis, owner of The Bookworm Bookstore. “So often we struggle to get some of the big name authors, the financing and so much more to help us to not only stay open but to help make a difference in our community. The Black Bookseller Conference could be a great asset not only to the booksellers but the publisher, allowing the concerns and differences to be heard plus providing education and resources that black bookstores don’t always have access to.”
About Scholastic: For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been
encouraging the personal and intellectual growth of all children, beginning with literacy. Having earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families, Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services, and classroom magazines, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates and distributes bestselling books and e-books, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, and other products and services that support children's learning and literacy, both in school and at home. With 15 international operations and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online. Learn more at
www.scholastic.com.
For more information about Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), visit the Company’s media room:
http://mediaroom.scholastic.com
Participating Authors:
● Shakirah Bourne, Nightmare Island
● Tami Charles, We Are Here
● Alaya Dawn Johnson, The Library of Broken Worlds
● Bernard Mensah, Kwame’s Magic Quest
● Tanisia Moore, I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams
● Jamar Nicholas, Leon the Extraordinary
● Jonathan Todd, Timid: A Graphic Novel
● Traci N. Todd, Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes
Steering Committee:
● Isis Asare, owner, sistah scifi
● Linda Marie Barrett, director, SIBA Southern Indie Bookseller Association
● Tameca Blossom-Lyons, owner, Brown Babies Books
● Kathy Burnette, owner, Brain Lair Books
● Julia Davis, owner, The Book Worm Bookstore
● Heather Duncan, director, MPIBA Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association
● Candice Huber, membership relations coordinator, SIBA Southern Indie Bookseller Association
● D.J. Johnson, owner, Baldwin and Co.
● Carrie Obrey, director, MIBA Midwest Independent Booksellers Association
● Kristin Rasmussen, CALIBA California Indie Bookseller Alliance
● Robin Wood, bookseller/social media coordinator, Books & Books/SIBA Southern Indie
Bookseller Association

● K.C. Boyd, School Library Media Specialist, SLJ School Librarian of the Year, Washington D.C.
Scholastic Media Contact:
Seale Ballenger
VP, Publicity
Trade Division
[email protected]

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Janet and her team for the past decade, but she was championing bookselling and reading throughout Southeast MI long before that. I first called on Janet on a cold winter day in February 2014 – Detroit was just starting to emerge from its economic woes and the Cass Corridor in midtown was on the cusp – with Source anchoring a neighborhood on the rise. What I remember most that day is the warmth and acceptance radiating from Janet and the team for every patron walking through the door – including myself. Janet led Source through its most impressive feat by pivoting during the pandemic in previously unimaginable ways with an online store, virtual events with leading voices in the social justice movement and doubling their physical space. Another important reason Janet deserves this award is the groundwork she has laid for other Indies opening in the Detroit area. A mentor to these younger booksellers, Janet’s impeccable taste in great books and tireless grit make for a great role model for the bookselling community. Congratulations Janet – keep smiling.”
- John Tewsley, Sales Rep (IPS)

“There is never not a time when I'm visiting Source Booksellers and Janet Jones isn't planning for something. Usually, it's planning for an event later that evening -- an author talk, a community discussion, a panel of thinkers -- that always, inevitably, enriches our home city's intellect. Or she might be planning to order more books from local authors, as they routinely sell out based on her recommendations to customers. Janet is always busy -- and in the best way possible, because Source is a crucial part of not just Detroit's literary scene, but one of the city's premier small businesses period. Her commitment to education and enlightenment is why people keep coming back over and over, always served with warmth and care.”
- Aaron Foley, Journalist and Author

“Janet Jones is the absolute best sort of independent bookseller. She fell into it naturally after a career in teaching when she found herself continuing to teach informally by selling books on folding tables at events. When she opened her modest bricks and mortar store, she, in her words, "was answering the needs of people." Which is the best way to come to bookselling. She understood that "the business has to be meaningful in the community where it is." For these reasons and so many more--her clear sense of purpose, her erudition, passion for what she does, her kind encouragement of young BIPOC booksellers, her prioritizing of mission over profit--I can't think of a better person to receive this recognition.”
- Kris Kleindienst, Owner (Left Bank Books, MO), 2022 Voice of the Heartland Winner

“Janet Jones, founder of Source Booksellers, is an exemplar of the entrepreneurial spirit, the wisdom of elders, and concern for community. She is a reflection of perseverance and academic striving within the Black experience in Detroit. Dedicated to the love of books - even in the midst of increased E-readership - she is a pillar of Midtown Detroit redevelopment, and engagement with ideas, connection and counsel. She has been a mentor in my life as a writer, and I am ever thankful for her presence when I cross the threshold of the bookstore that she runs with her daughter – their generational legacy. She is the very definition of a Voice of the Heartland, in her amplification of literary voices, in Detroit and beyond.”
- Marsha Philpot, aka Marsha Music, Detroitist, Writer and Poet

“I always feel like I'm in the presence of royalty whenever I interact with Janet: Book Industry royalty, Detroit royalty, African American royalty, woman-owned business royalty-- but without all the pomp and circumstance, because she also feels like family. I'm never at a loss for something to talk about with Janet... and really, books just end up being the catalyst for the good conversations. So, it never feels like a job. Source Booksellers is legendary. And I'm so lucky to have been able to peer behind the curtain and meet the queens running the place! 
 - Chris Conti, Creative Producer & Manager (MASS Moca Research and Development Store)

“Janet is someone that I really admire. She has brought books to her community for years, and still has the drive and energy of someone who is just starting out in the industry. Top that off with her spirit of generosity with everyone she comes in contact with, and you have someone who is an example to all of us of what it means to truly connect people through books.”
- Tim Smith, Operations Manager (Schuler Books, MI), GLIBA Board President 

Janet has been someone I have admired from the moment I met her. Her work within the community is remarkable and has helped to change the face of the Detroit literary scene. This accomplishment or her work as a judge for the National Book Award alone would make Janet worthy of the Voice of the Heartland Award. But on top of her professional and community-driven accomplishments, Janet is one of the most generous, loving, welcoming, and motivating people you will ever meet. Every conversation with Janet leaves you happier, more peaceful, enlightened, and optimistic. Janet is a rare individual who is truly kind and effortlessly generous with her time. We are a better community because Janet is a part of it.
- Larry Law, Executive Director (Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association)

The Voice of the Heartland award is a collaboration between the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association and the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, who come together each year to produce the Heartland Fall Forum – a trade show for independent booksellers across the Great Lakes and Midwest. Voice of the Heartland is an annual highlight of the joint awards celebration hosted at the trade show.

Ms. Jones will be presented with the award during Heartland Fall Forum in Detroit at the Heartland Booksellers Award Ceremony, on Wednesday, October 18. ​