In the heart of the West End, the shelves of 44th & 3rd Bookseller are telling stories integral to African-American culture. Just steps from the Atlanta University Center, literary histories and rich legacies maintained and displayed with pride. In between the autobiographies of heralded figures in the Black community and the latest writings of living legends, Spelman College junior Sienna Keigwin is curating an experience for peers and many Atlantans that want to engage with and bask in the diaspora.
Keigwin, a sociology and curatorial studies major, first encountered the store as a student before eventually joining the staff. Its location near campus made it an easy stop for students searching for books or conversation. “I had been at Spelman for about a year before working here, so I had came by the store, been in the store plenty of times,” Keigwin said. Her familiarity with the space—and its mission—ultimately drew her in as an employee.
Sienna Keigwin, Spelmanite and Associate at 44th & 3rd Bookseller. (Courtesy: Sienna Keigwin)
Warren and Cheryl Lee, co-founders of 44th & 3rd Bookseller. (Courtesy: 44th & 3rd Bookseller/FB)
44th & 3rd Bookseller is more than a retail shop; it is a community space designed to celebrate Black literature, culture and intellectual life in Atlanta. Founded in 2017 by Warren and Cheryl Lee alongside their daughter Allyce, the family-owned bookstore was inspired by Cheryl Lee’s graduate thesis on independent bookstores and strategies for their success. 44th & 3rd Bookseller began in Little Five Points before relocating in 2021 to a space near the Atlanta University Center, placing it at the heart of a historic hub for Black education.
The store’s purpose is reflected in both its name and the books it sells. The “44” references former President Barack Obama, while the “3rd” represents the three themes guiding the store’s curation: life, literature and legacy.
First, the bookstore centers Black voices through intentional curation. According to Keigwin, the store organizes books into sections that reflect those themes. Works about personal experience and self-development fall under “life,” novels and storytelling under “literature,” and books on history and social science under “legacy.” The structure allows readers to explore different dimensions of Black thought and storytelling while discovering authors they may not encounter in mainstream bookstores.
Second, 44th & 3rd Bookseller functions as a cultural hub for the surrounding community. In addition to selling books, the store hosts open mic nights, book clubs and events for emerging writers. One initiative allows self-published authors to showcase their work in the store at no cost, helping them reach new audiences while keeping all of their sales. These gatherings transform the bookstore into a space for dialogue and creativity rather than simply a place to shop.
Finally, the store plays a role in promoting literacy and education in the community. Keigwin said the store has worked with local students to encourage reading and discussion during the summer months. The shop also participates in programming around banned books, highlighting titles that have faced restrictions elsewhere and inviting readers to explore them for themselves.
Readers interested in exploring the bookstore or supporting its mission can visit 44th & 3rd Bookseller in Atlanta’s West End near the Atlanta University Center. The store regularly hosts community events including book clubs, author showcases and open mic nights that highlight local writers and artists.
More information about the store, upcoming events and its mission to promote Black literature can be found on the bookstore’s website and social media platforms.
Noah Cathey is a sophomore journalism major attending Morehouse College. Cathey is a Dallas native who enjoys politics, hip-hop, basketball, photography, and poetry. With the aspirations of becoming an attorney, he desires to combine his storytelling skill and love of advocacy into a life of impact.
