$50,089

pledged of$50,000 goal

260

0Days Left

Campaign Closed

Project Description

Literacy, Inclusively. Because everyone has a story worth listening to.

Although there have been strides towards inclusion and diversity in the DFW Metroplex, there is still an abundance of work that needs to be done to address concerns such as representation, the literacy gap, and the opportunity gap. BLACKLIT is fearless and committed to doing the WORK.

BLACKLIT is a minority & woman-owned subscription box and bookstore founded in 2019 by Nia-Tayler Clark. After hearing one of her 10th-grade students disqualify himself from experiencing the power of literacy due to the color of his skin, the seed for BLACKLIT was planted. As an educator and a mother, these words touched our CEO in more ways than one and she nurtured her big dream for 3 years while operating solo out of her 1 bedroom apartment. Community is the core of BLACKLIT.

Your experience starts with Monthly access, to Black authors and entrepreneurs delivered to your door

FIRST monthly subscription box to highlight Black authors and entrepreneurs, helping to support, promote, and bring visibility to Black authors and Black-owned businesses Each box includes 1 book, 1 shirt, 1 bookmark, and 3-5 products from Black-owned businesses

BLACKLIT is the first bookstore in the city of Farmers Branch. Our Ethiopian coffee shop, timeless pieces of original Black art, and central location make this space the perfect cultural hub. (and there is tons of parking!) Doubling as an event space, this recently opened real estate has the potential to nurture our community, draw new visitors to the city, and generate additional revenue.

Our goal with our first brick-and-mortar location is to curate

an in-person experience, where Black literature, Black excellence, and Black culture can be taught, explored, and celebrated.

Our unapologetic commitment to representation is one of our core values. Uplifting Black voices, sharing Black stories, and supporting

We have developed our competitive advantage on the community we’ve built, our commitment to representation, and the literacy-based innovation we bring to our book lovers.

the funds will be allocated to inventory, customer acquisition, hiring, and debt. this will double our purchasing power.

"Someone gifted me a BLACKLIT Box and I LOVED it! It was well packaged and everything included was of great quality. I’m so looking forward to using everything in my box! Also, the box was identity affirming and served as a gentle reminder to celebrate myself and other women of color in my village. I would highly recommend this box as a gift to yourself or a special person in your life!" -Paris B.

Connect with BLACKLIT. Please contact us by phone or by email: info@supportblacklit.com, 240-682-3282

Want to partner with us?

Interested in chatting with our CEO?

We would love to hear from you!

Come hang out with us on Instagram (@iamblacklit) and Facebook !

Just want some more information? Looking to make a quick purchase?

Please, visit iamblacklit.com.

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where is BLACKLIT located?

Dallas, TX. 4050 McEwen Rd. Suite 9105. It's right off of Midway Rd.

Who owns BLACKLIT?

BLACKLIT is proudly owned and operated by a Black woman.

Nia-Tayler Clark, a proud HBCU alum and former high school English teacher, started BLACKLIT after one of her students said to her: "I don't read Miss. I'm Black."

I am not Black. Does that exclude me from getting involved and supporting BLACKLIT?

Absolutely not! One of the reasons why I started BLACKLIT was to highlight Black authors and entrepreneurs. These individuals are incredibly talented and would appreciate the opportunity to reach audiences beyond their own race. In addition, my prayer is that BLACKLIT helps close the racial divide by increasing representation in literacy. We welcome you with open arms!

When is the grand opening of the BLACKLIT Bookstore?

The grand opening is currently scheduled for October 15, 2022! Please come join us if you can. Our schedule is below.

How do I get my book or product inside the BLACKLIT Box or inside the store?

Please click HERE

How can I partner with BLACKLIT ?

Please email us at [email protected]

Josh Hick

02/28/2023

BLACKLIT VIP

$55

Victoria M

02/22/2023

Monetary Contribution

$20

Crystal Obaseki

01/31/2023

Monetary Contribution

Scarlett

01/31/2023

Monetary Contribution

$17,444

TShanks

01/31/2023

Monetary Contribution

Vivian Asonye

01/31/2023

Fist Bump

$25

Chuka Akpom

01/30/2023

Monetary Contribution

$75

Reesh Reid

01/30/2023

BLACKLIT VIP

$55

Monique Lauren

01/29/2023

BLACKLIT VIP

$55

Laquetta

01/28/2023

Fist Bump

$25

Featured reward

25.00 USD

Fist Bump

You are so kind! Please let us thank you by throwing you a BLACKLIT Fist Bump on our Socials, reaching over 10K.

57 Supporters

Select this reward

Monetary Contribution

Want to help us fund the opening and daily operations of the BLACKLIT Bookstore and don't need anything in return? Thank you so much for believing in us! Your belief in our mission to help close the literacy gap and increase representation means the world to us.

126 Supporters

Select this reward

75.00 USD

Books & Brunch.

Join us for a BLACKLIT Brunch on February 18th with food, drinks, music, and good vibes.

In addition to your meal, you will also get a swag bag with a few surprises inside!

6 Supporters

Select this reward

55.00 USD

BLACKLIT VIP

Want to be a BLACKLIT VIP? Looking to add another book by a Black author to your bookshelf? Are bookish t-shirts your thing? If so, select this reward and you will receive:

a Books Are My Love Language t-shirt
exclusive in-store and online offers
10% off of all in-store and online purchases
special birthday offer on your birthday

36 Supporters

Select this reward

100.00 USD

Mini Black Book Stack

Looking to add some good Black reads to your library? This reward will earn you:

3 books written by Black authors
a digital copy of our #iamblacklit Reading Challenge
a digital shout-out on our Instagram page

24 Supporters

Select this reward

250.00 USD

Buy Some Books

You can't have a bookstore with no books! Help us fill the shelves.

You will receive:

A picture of your choice displayed in the store.
a handwritten thank you card
a digital shout-out on our Instagram page

5 Supporters

Select this reward

375.00 USD

3 Hour Space Rental: Private Event

Have an event coming up? If you are looking for a new, clean, bright, and airy space to host your event, we got you covered! Come host your next event at the BLACKLIT Bookstore, located just minutes from the Galleria Mall.

Let our Afrocentric Bohemian vibe take your event to the next level! Our space is a little over 2600 square feet and would be perfect for special events such as: book signings, poetry and art shows, networking events, meetings, workshops, baby showers, and more!

Capacity: 80 seated guests 150 standing guests

Amenities: Two Restrooms, Kitchenette w/ Full-size Refrigerator, Stage, An area for DJ and Bartender, Speaker with Bluetooth connection, Karaoke Machine

1 Supporter

Select this reward

2,500.00 USD

BLACK IN BUSINESS

Become a permanent part of our bookstore by sponsoring one of 20+ shelves from which thousands of parents, teachers, activists, and the general public will browse and buy books. Sponsoring a bookshelf is a great way for individuals and organizations to reach a diverse audience and be recognized for their generosity.

This contribution includes the following:

prominent placement of a sponsor plaque on your sponsored bookshelf/bookshelves
3-month guaranteed product and/or advertising space inside of BLACKLIT
business strategy session with our Founder/CEO
access to an exclusive networking event
your organization’s logo and message featured on BLACKLIT's website
a digital shout-out on our Instagram page
feature in our email newsletter with over 10,000 subscribers;
10% discount for you and members of your organization/association on all in-store book purchases

0 Supporters

Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

by BLACKLIT

Dallas, TX

Created 2 Campaigns

https://iamblacklit.com/

Social Good

Rewards

Featured reward

25.00 USD

Fist Bump

You are so kind! Please let us thank you by throwing you a BLACKLIT Fist Bump on our Socials, reaching over 10K.

57 Supporters

Select this reward

Monetary Contribution

126 Supporters

Select this reward

75.00 USD

Books & Brunch.

Join us for a BLACKLIT Brunch on February 18th with food, drinks, music, and good vibes.

In addition to your meal, you will also get a swag bag with a few surprises inside!

6 Supporters

Select this reward

55.00 USD

BLACKLIT VIP

Want to be a BLACKLIT VIP? Looking to add another book by a Black author to your bookshelf? Are bookish t-shirts your thing? If so, select this reward and you will receive:

a Books Are My Love Language t-shirt
exclusive in-store and online offers
10% off of all in-store and online purchases
special birthday offer on your birthday

36 Supporters

Select this reward

100.00 USD

Mini Black Book Stack

Looking to add some good Black reads to your library? This reward will earn you:

3 books written by Black authors
a digital copy of our #iamblacklit Reading Challenge
a digital shout-out on our Instagram page

24 Supporters

Select this reward

250.00 USD

Buy Some Books

You can't have a bookstore with no books! Help us fill the shelves.

You will receive:

A picture of your choice displayed in the store.
a handwritten thank you card
a digital shout-out on our Instagram page

5 Supporters

Select this reward

375.00 USD

3 Hour Space Rental: Private Event

Capacity: 80 seated guests 150 standing guests

Amenities: Two Restrooms, Kitchenette w/ Full-size Refrigerator, Stage, An area for DJ and Bartender, Speaker with Bluetooth connection, Karaoke Machine

1 Supporter

Select this reward

2,500.00 USD

BLACK IN BUSINESS

This contribution includes the following:

prominent placement of a sponsor plaque on your sponsored bookshelf/bookshelves
3-month guaranteed product and/or advertising space inside of BLACKLIT
business strategy session with our Founder/CEO
access to an exclusive networking event
your organization’s logo and message featured on BLACKLIT's website
a digital shout-out on our Instagram page
feature in our email newsletter with over 10,000 subscribers;
10% discount for you and members of your organization/association on all in-store book purchases

0 Supporters

Select this reward