Family-owned Tacoma bookstore marks Black History Month with readings, community events
February is Black History Month, and some Washingtonians may be looking for books about Black history and culture. Among the few local events and happenings during the month regionally, Tacoma-based Parable bookstore is a standout.
Parable is a Black- and women-owned business that opened in August 2021. It aims to preserve the works of enduring Black authors like Octavia Butler, James Baldwin and Maya Angelou, all while writing its own history in the Tacoma community.
The store is owned and run by siblings Le’Ecia Farmer and LaKecia Farmer and their cousin Deatricia “Dee Dee ‘‘ Williams. The boutique’s space at 3502 McKinley Ave. is regularly used for events and gatherings like open mic and comedy nights, author readings, artisan markets and knitting classes. The shop is also partnering with other community organizations to put on events for Black History Month.
The store’s name is a nod to renowned Black author Octavia Butler, who lived in King County prior to her death in 2006. Butler was a recipient of the MacArthur “Genius Grant” fellowships and other prestigious writing awards. She’s the author of many recognized titles including the novella “Bloodchild,” the novel “Parable of the Talents” and other works that explore themes of Black injustice, women’s rights and political disparity.
When the store first opened in 2021, a flood of activity came with it, according to LaKecia Farmer in a recent interview. More than 18 months later, she says it hasn’t slowed down. The business has partnered with food, political and publishing organizations such as Yeastside Bakery, activist group The People’s Assembly, political party Black Panther Party of WA, Tacoma publisher Blue Cactus Press and local chef Jan Parker.
When the trio opened the business, their chief mission was to provide a comfortable space where they could educate and bring joy to community members. Parable has succeeded in that area.
“Whenever we do throw events, like the open mics, people have always said, ‘Wow, it feels like I’m going into like, my family’s house,’ ” Farmer said. She said customers have told her that they feel represented and acknowledged in Parable because the store puts on display authors who look like them, which they may not find in other bookshops.
The co-owners said they were also compelled to open the business around the time Tacoma resident Manual Ellis and Minneapolis native George Floyd both died in police custody. Former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder in 2021, while trial dates for Tacoma police office charged in Ellis’ death are set for September.
Parable Black History Month events
The store curates a list of staff picks for African-American authors on its website. Farmer recommends titles written by Black authors such as:
Octavia Butler: An author known for works of various genres, including science fiction, like “Fledgling”, “Kindred” and “Dawn.”
Mariame Kaba: A social justice activist and author. She is the author of “We Do This ‘Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice” and “No More Police: A Case for Abolition.”
Ta-Nehisi Coates: An influential and renowned writer and journalist who wrote the celebrated “Between the World and Me.”
Gloria Jean Watkins a.k.a bell hooks: A writer and activist. She is the author of works such as ”All About Love: New Visions” and “The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love.”
Isabel Wilkerson: A journalist and the first African-American to win the Pulitzer Prize. She is known for her book “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration.”
Zora Neale Hurston: An influential early 20th century author. She is well known for her novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” Another of her works, “Barracoon,” is based on interviews she had in the 1920s but wasn’t published until 2018.
Maya Angelou: A celebrated mid-20th century African-American writer and poet. One of her most well-known works is the memoir “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
Claudia Rankine: An poet and essayist. She wrote the poem “Citizen: An American Essay” and book “Just Us: An American Conversation.”
James Baldwin: A well-known writer of the Civil Rights era, known in part for his essay collection “Notes of a Native Son.”
Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor: An activist and writer. She has written “Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership.”
Parable events celebrating Black culture
Parable is coordinating with the Pierce County Library System to celebrate Black heritage and culture with multiple events over the next few weeks:
Feb. 15: Listen to author Tyrah Majors read her book, “Grammy and Me,” at a luncheon from noon to 1 p.m. at Parable. You can view more information and register for the event on Pierce County Library’s website.
Feb. 18: The Black Panther Party is screening the 2021 film “Judas and the Black Messiah” from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Parable. The African-American Film Critics Association named it the best picture of 2021. Actor Daniel Kaluuya also won awards from multiple organizations for supporting role, such as the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and British Academy Film Awards.
Feb. 23: Tune in to the Pierce County African-American Read-In. This year’s panelists include authors Robert Liu-Trujillo, Tyrah Majors and Lenny Williams. The event is virtual from 4 to 5:30 p.m. You can register to attend online at Pierce County Library System’s website.
Feb. 25: Attend the Black Author’s Appreciation Market, which will feature 12 Black authors, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Parable.
For more information on these events, check out Parable’s website.
If you want to check out Parable’s shop, head to 3502 McKinley Ave., Suite A. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. To reach the store, call 253-212-3473.
