San Bernardino, California Afrocentric literature, black authors, poets & Black owned bookstores

San Bernardino, California is home to a rich tradition of African American literature, supported by Black-owned bookstores, libraries, and creative spaces that celebrate Black voices. Nearby towns like Rialto, Fontana, and Moreno Valley, along with neighborhoods such as Del Rosa, Westside, and Verdemont, host hubs where Black literature and poetry thrive. African American literature is essential—it tells our stories from our perspective, capturing our joy, pain, history, and dreams. Renowned spoken word artists and authors like Brandon Allen, Tanisha Hall, and Terry Boykins, who hail from the Inland Empire, have become pillars of literary expression. These voices reflect the highs and lows of Black life and are vital for inspiring the next generation. Historic Black-owned bookstores like Knowledge Bookstore in San Bernardino have long served as cultural landmarks. MyBrothaSpot proudly blogs about and promotes these businesses and creatives, helping to expand their reach. As Brandon Allen once said, “Our pens are swords, our stories are shields—this is how we fight for freedom.”