Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyree Jennings
Tyree, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Black Book Club started on a whim honestly. After watching “Black Panther” with my family, I was strolling online a few days later and came across a program to establish a free library in Africa. My wife immediately agreeing to the plan for the library also helped because it felt like fate. The energy was so positive throughout the process that I wanted to do something locally. That is how The Black Book Club was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a “smooth” road at all. I dealt with a litany of emotions while trying to put The Black Book Club together.
One of the biggest hurdles that you have to constantly face and overcome is imposter syndrome. You feel like you might not “deserve” the positions that you’re going for, this can make you get complacent. One thing that helps me with that, is reading autobiographies from people that come from a similar background that have achieved great things. This helps me to keep things in prospective.
I remember I also ran into a problem of inventory. I was doing vendor events and forgetting to update my inventory on my online store. I was able to overcome this by forcing myself to update my inventory as soon as the event ends.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Black Book Club . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
One thing that separates The Black Book Club from a lot of other book stores/book clubs is really in the name, this book club intentionally specializes in literature that is written by and highlights my culture. I believe what can separate anything is the intent, everything about The Black Book Club is showing the intentional love for my people. From the background and font used in the logo, to the music that I use whenever I post on my story, I want people to know I’m here for us. Intentionally.
I know the beautiful capabilities of books, they can literally change your life and I know that because it changed mine. So now, I feel as if it is my life purpose to share these capabilities with everybody by directing them to books that I know will interest them, because I am them.
One thing I also want to be intentional about is how welcoming The Black Book Club is to everybody of any level of their literary journey. I think that it is the job of the book club to be welcoming to anybody that is gracious enough to spend some time with us. We’re all on a journey, and it should all be respected and honored. I’m not going to look down on my people for things like watching reality TV, because I will watch it with you. We’re not doing any fronting in The Black Book Club.
The Black Book Club is also a podcast, bookstore, and book club all in one. I want be able to be that bridge in totality to authors as well. I know how some times, black authors can feel as if their options are limited for marketing their amazing books and work of art, that’s where The Black Book Club can help authors as well. We’re here to help all around.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
One big shift in literature I can see happening is the complete shift to online sales. The internet connects everybody, and it’s easier than ever to buy things from the comfort of your phone. This can be a great thing, with some negative results as well. One negative that can happen is the dehumanizing of book sales. My memory of the local book store is being able to talk to the cashier and build a personal connection. From that personal connection you’re able to then get personal recommendations that you can trust. The internet can take that away if we’re not able to shift authentically.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @blackbookclub1
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theblackbookclub1?si=kRQdKJ0msvJwrHGS
