In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp interviews Ola Akimowo, the visionary behind the Free Black Women’s Library in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. They discuss Ola’s journey of creating a grassroots, community-driven space dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black women and Black non-binary writers through literature, art, and mutual aid initiatives. From the library's unique book swap system to its role as a Black feminist archive and community care space, Ola shares how this social art project fosters activism and intergenerational connections while fighting gentrification. Together, they explore the importance of Black feminism, intersectionality, and the powerful stories that shape this transformative library.
Olaronke Akinmowo (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, librarian and cultural worker. She is also the Creator and Director of The Free Black Women’s Library, a literary hub, community care space and social art project located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. This grassroots space features over 5000 books written by Black women and Black non-binary folks, a free store, a period pantry, a backyard garden, a reading club and a wide range of free public programs, mutual aid initiatives and creative workshops. The library offers people of all ages, races and genders a space to read, write, work, rest, dream and connect. She is also a proud mom, union member, set decorator, busy body, book fairy, plant fiend, and dance machine. She grows and thrives in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
Discussed in this Episode:
- The founding of the Free Black Women’s Library and its growth from 100 to over 6,000 books
- How the library serves as a social art project, community care space, and Black feminist archive
- The role of Black feminist literature and authors like Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, and Jesmyn Ward
- Ola’s journey from street protests to library activism and her experience with gentrification in Brooklyn
- The library’s book swap system, mutual aid programs, and community organizing efforts
- The challenges of crowdfunding and maintaining the library as a grassroots space
- The significance of intersectional feminism and Black queer representation in literature
Resources Mentioned:
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