The Pitch
Community Book Center was founded in 1983 and is a cultural and literary hub that specializes in books, educational materials, art and gifts by and about people of African descent. The mission is to “highlight the contributions African people throughout the diaspora have made to world civilization; debunking the myth that our history began with slavery.” More than a bookstore, CBC is a gathering and meeting place for individuals and grassroots organizers dedicated to addressing educational and social justice issues impacting the community.
Vera Warren Williams
The Entrepreneur
Vera Williams has always been passionate about the preservation and celebration of African cultural heritage. As a substitute teacher, she founded Community Book Center while working to provide books, educational materials, and cultural resources to area students, parents and educators which highlighted the true history and contributions African people have made to world civilization. What began as a home based community service nearly 40 years ago, Community Book Center continues to serve New Orleans and the world. Vera is a 1976 graduate of McDonogh#35 Senior High and received her Bachelor of Social Work (1981) and Master of Arts in Museum Studies (2018) both from Southern University in New Orleans.