In Brooklyn, New York, the Davenport sisters, Gabrielle and Danielle, are rewriting the narrative of Black culinary traditions through their pioneering venture, BEM books & more.
This unique bookstore celebrates the intersection of food and literature, offering a diverse collection of books that explore the rich history and cultural significance of Black foodways.
The seeds of BEM were sown in the sisters’ childhood, where they developed a deep appreciation for both food and storytelling in their grandmother’s kitchen. Their shared love of deviled eggs and the captivating allure of their grandmother’s bookshelves laid the foundation for their entrepreneurial journey.
In January 2021, the Davenport sisters launched BEM as an online platform, with plans to expand to a physical storefront. Their mission is to create a space where Black culinary traditions are celebrated, shared, and preserved for future generations.
Through their carefully curated selection of cookbooks, food fiction, nonfiction works, and children’s literature, they aim to amplify the voices of Black authors and storytellers.
One of the bookstore’s core values is community engagement, and the sisters have embraced the pop-up shop experience to connect with their audience.
Their online store features a diverse range of works, including cookbooks like Ghetto Gastro’s Black Power Kitchen, food fiction such as Charmaine Wilkerson’s Black Cake, and children’s books that celebrate food traditions.
In March, the Davenport sisters achieved a significant milestone by raising enough funds through Kickstarter to secure a lease for their Brooklyn storefront. Set to open by the end of 2024, the physical space will serve as a hub for literary and culinary enthusiasts alike.
For Gabrielle and Danielle, BEM is more than just a bookstore—it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of Black women entrepreneurs. As they prepare to embark on this new chapter, they are grateful for the outpouring of support from their community and excited to continue shaping the narrative of Black food culture.
In a society where convenience often trumps tradition, BEM books & more is a beacon of hope, reminding us of the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage.
As Gabrielle eloquently puts it:
“The feeding of this country has been Black women’s work from the very start, and unfortunately, we are the ones who have gotten the least recognition for that. But it feels really special to recenter the idea that the ways Americans eat from coast to coast has truly been defined by Black women.”
