Books in Young Hands
We help expand access to culturally meaningful books for children and families, because seeing possibility on the page can shape what a young person believes is possible.
The heart of Akoma
Service to Others
Akoma Coffee & Books is a Black-owned bookstore, coffee shop and community gathering place in Stonecrest. We use books, space, relationships and lived experience to help strengthen young people, families and the communities around us.
$2,800Raised for books
200Books distributed
OngoingCommitment to youth literacy
A personal note
An Extension of Who I Am
Akoma is an extension of me. The books, conversations, music and the way people are welcomed reflect what I value. I created this as a place where people can be themselves, share what they know and discover something new. Service to others is not an added feature. It is part of why Akoma exists.
Kazemde Ajamu, OwnerHow service becomes practice
Books, Space and Relationships
Space for Community
Akoma makes room for conversations, programs and gatherings that help people connect, learn and grow.
Partnerships That Matter
We work with schools, housing communities and service organizations when the relationship, responsibility and purpose are clear.
200books placed in the hands of young readers
Community impact
What One Book Campaign Made Possible
Akoma helped raise approximately $2,800 and distribute 200 books to young readers. That experience showed what becomes possible when booksellers, community leaders and neighbors work together.
Explore Youth Literacy WorkClear roles, shared purpose
How the Work Is Organized
Akoma’s community work grows through distinct organizations and responsibilities. Keeping those roles clear helps visitors understand who does what and where to connect.
Akoma Coffee & Books
Provides bookselling knowledge, community space, fulfillment and relationships with readers and families.
Black Dot Leadership Academy
Leads charitable youth literacy, leadership and book-giveaway work as a distinct nonprofit organization.
Kazemde Ajamu
Brings civic and community experience that helps inform needs, relationships and responsible collaboration.
Choose your path
Connect With the Work
Whether you want to support youth book access, bring a meaningful program to Akoma or explore a community partnership, start with the path that fits your purpose.
Support Youth Book Access
Learn how the Leadership Academy advances literacy and leadership for young people.
Explore the WorkPlan a Community Program
Explore Akoma events and the ways our gathering place brings people together.
Explore EventsExplore a Partnership
Share the purpose, people and outcome you have in mind so we can determine the right next step.
Contact AkomaService begins with paying attention.
We listen to what people need, bring together the relationships and resources available to us, and do what we can to move the work forward. We may not be able to solve every problem, but we believe we are responsible for showing up.