Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia “Nailah” Nelson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 1970, under the direction of Barbara Martin a center for black culture and heritage, the Sudan Import Specialty Shop was created. The store, later named the Shrine of the Black Madonna™ Cultural Center and Bookstore, provided an outlet for black authors, historians, poets, educators and artists as a place for the black community to learn their history and culture. The Cultural Center started with books, jewelry, African carvings and paintings, and African fashions manufactured onsite by the Black Star Clothing Factory. The Cultural Center and Bookstore has been an integral part of the Shrines’ program of economic development in the cities of Detroit, Atlanta and Houston. The Houston location- opened in 1986, was the largest of the bookstores and served as a thriving platform for consciousness. The disaster of Hurricane Ike, with losses of over 1.5 million dollars- caused us to close our doors in 2009. The insurance claim was denied. We were forced to reinvent the business model of the Houston center.
We were reduced to a small inventory of books, and art. Black owned bookstores were down to only 54 in the US. -and could not compete with the online or e-book readers. We decided the best way forward was to maintain our program of an enlightenment center by continuing to bring speakers, artists, classes and community services. Within the 40,000 square foot building- the one thing that we had was space. The renovations were designed to provide rental space for events. We reopened in 2013 with the wonderful help of Melodrama owner Jackie Adams- who created the Book and Art Fair. We decided to continue with this program during the holiday season of 2014- offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their products. We expanded to a Buy Black Friday Weekend in 2015, to the current monthly Buy Black Marketplace. This is a format that is used to promote the movement of Buying Black and reinvesting our money into our communities.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When we originally began the Buy Black Marketplace, it did not catch on quickly. With the later events of social injustice-and the realization that our money was our voice- the challenge was made: Black people have 1.5 trillion dollars of spending POWER. It is only POWER when WE use it to help our community. Understanding that the largest employer of Black people aside from the Federal government are Black owned businesses. This began our movement. The Buy Black Marketplace exists to empower/grow existing Black owned businesses, create a launchpad for entrepreneurs, and expose the community to goods and services. provided for by Black people.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural and Event Center – what should we know?
The Shrine Cultural and Event Center Houston (formerly known as Shrine Bookstore & Cultural Center Houston) is located at 5309 Martin Luther King Blvd. We specialize in the Buy Black Marketplace held the first Saturday of each month, venue rental, authentic African art/artifacts, free tax services, classes, and showcase speakers/lectures and artists. We house the African Holocaust Museum, and the Black Inventors Exhibit. We are an excellent learning space for both children and adults. We are extremely proud of being the largest Black owned bookstore chain in the US, and our length in business (since 1970) providing cultural enlightenment for the community. We partner with various groups to continue to provide information and events relevant to the Black community. We are 100% Black owned and operated.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
We provide programs and services that elevate consciousness and stimulate cultural awareness. The Shrine Cultural and Event Center provides an authentic communal fellowship where like-minded people come together and share ideas, information, interests, products, and dreams.
Pricing:
- Buy Black Marketplace Vending $35
- Authentic African Art/ Artifacts $ 100- $5000
- African Holocaust Museum Tours by appointment only
Contact Info:
- Address: 5309 Martin Luther King Boulevard
- Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-shrine-cultural-and-event-center-6138741483
- Phone: 8324081071
- Email: nailah@shrinebookstore.com
- Instagram: @shrinecenterhou
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheShrineCulturalandEvent/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShrineCenterHOU
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
