Former Employees of Wolfman Books Say 'Not So Fast'

Former employees of Wolfman Books known collectively as Wolfemme+Them have raised funds to take over the bookstore's lease and create a new BIPOC- and QTPOC-led community space in Oakland, California. (As mentioned in a July 28 Harriet post, Wolfman Books—friend to many poets and their readings—had previously announced the bookstore's closure.) At SF Gate, Madeline Wells catches us up to speed: 

On Wednesday, the five former employees — who are part of a collective called Wolfemme+Them — announced their decision to collectively take over the lease to build a new BIPOC- and QTPOC-led community space.

Their vision for the new Wolfman includes “hosting events where emerging writers of color share the stage with heavy hitters; where poets and musicians can co-conspire with community organizers; a safe space for community workshops on ‘fostering the Black Imagination,’ for example, all while providing food and resources for the community. Given the ongoing economic and public health uncertainties, we need to hold space dedicated to our folks," said poet and artist Jevohn Tyler Newsome in a press release.

The space will carry books by "Black, Indigenous, brown, queer, trans, revolutionary, local, and youth writers" and will also host a zine library, a gallery, a meeting space for education and organizing and free resources for the community, including groceries.

Read more at SF Gate.