By: Jake Blumberg
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YoutubeEver marveled at the futuristic world of Wakanda in Black Panther? That’s Afro-Futurism at its finest—a blend of advanced technology and rich African culture. Leading this literary revolution is none other than Isis Asare, the innovative founder of Sistah Scifi.
In 2019, Isis Asare founded Sistah Scifi, the first Black-owned bookstore in the United States dedicated to science fiction and fantasy. This online platform is a haven for works by Black and Indigenous authors. “I wanted to create a platform where Black and Indigenous voices in science fiction and fantasy could be celebrated and reach a wider audience,” says Asare. Her goal is to inspire a love for speculative fiction in diverse communities.
Asare’s journey combines personal passion with professional expertise. With a background in e-commerce and experience at leading tech companies, she brings innovation to the literary world. Her academic achievements, including a joint Master’s degree in public policy and an MBA, underscore her commitment to driving social change. “My background in tech and business has been instrumental in building Sistah Scifi and implementing innovative solutions like the book vending machines,” Asare shares.
Asare didn’t stop there. She introduced book vending machines—yes, vending machines that dispense books! Placed in coffee shops and museums in Seattle and Oakland, these machines make it incredibly easy to access great reads. “The book vending machines are a way to bring literature into the community spaces where people gather, making it convenient and fun to access books,” explains Asare. This innovative idea merges technology with community engagement.
The first of these machines debuted at Oaklandia Cafe x Bakery, an establishment that has embraced local Black culture and art. The vending machines, stocked with works by authors like Octavia Butler and N.K. Jemisin, are designed to make Afro-Futurist literature as accessible as buying a candy bar.
These vending machines do more than provide convenience; they offer books that reflect the diverse experiences of the community. “Representation matters. When people see themselves reflected in the stories they read, it fosters a deeper connection to literature and learning,” Asare emphasizes. By promoting literacy and celebrating cultural diversity, Asare is making a significant impact on the social and educational fabric of these communities.
For instance, at the Northwest African American Museum, the vending machine has become a pivotal educational tool, allowing visitors to access works that center Black narratives and experiences (USA Today).
Looking ahead, Isis Asare has a clear vision and ambitious goals for the future of Sistah Scifi and her book vending machines. She aims to not only expand this initiative nationally but also make these machines as commonplace as ATMs, ensuring that diverse literature is readily accessible to everyone, everywhere. With a global perspective, Asare also envisions taking her mission beyond borders, championing diverse voices in literature on a global scale. Her passion for promoting inclusivity and representation in literature drives her to continuously innovate and make a lasting impact on communities worldwide. Through Sistah Scifi and her innovative approach to literacy, Asare is paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive literary landscape.
Asare’s journey combines personal passion with professional expertise. With a background in e-commerce and experience at leading tech companies, she brings innovation to the literary world. Her academic achievements, including a joint Master’s degree in public policy and an MBA, underscore her commitment to driving social change. “My background in tech and business has been instrumental in building Sistah Scifi and implementing innovative solutions like the book vending machines,” Asare shares.
Don’t miss the chance to hear her inspiring journey in her own words. Watch her episode on The Reading Revolution Podcast: Transforming Communities with BOOK VENDING MACHINES! Isis Asare’s Inspiring Story. Discover how one visionary is changing the landscape of community literacy and empowering diverse voices in literature.
For more information on Isis Asare and Sistah Scifi, visit their website or follow them on social media.
The Reading Revolution is a bi-weekly podcast exploring the world of literacy and its influencers and advocates of childhood reading brought to you by bookvending.com. If you would like to be a guest on the Reading Revolution, have an idea for an episode, or would like to ask a question, drop us a line at readingrevolutionpod@gmail.com.