Black-Owned Bookstore Calls Out Former NBA Star Kevin Johnson & NAB2 Over Colin Kaepernick Book Tour, Claims Stores Lost ‘Considerable Revenue’

Black-Owned Bookstore Calls Out Former NBA Star Kevin Johnson & NAB2 Over Colin Kaepernick Book Tour, Claims Stores Lost ‘Considerable Revenue’

A Black-owned bookstore is publicly calling out former NBA star and Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson and the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) over the handling of Colin Kaepernick’s upcoming book tour.

Philadelphia-based Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books said it was “profoundly disappointed” with Johnson and NAB2, which Johnson founded and currently serves as board chair. According to the bookstore, another tour involving several bookstores — including Uncle Bobbie’s — had already been organized before the current tour was announced. Uncle Bobbie’s alleges NAB2 knew about those arrangements but “nonetheless chose to undermine our collective efforts,” resulting in previously scheduled dates being canceled.

The bookstore claims the fallout had a financial impact, stating, “As a result, multiple bookstores (including Black-owned stores) lost considerable revenue, and wasted valuable resources planning these events.” Uncle Bobbie’s said the situation was especially concerning because NAB2’s stated mission centers on supporting and uplifting Black-owned bookstores. NAB2 is presenting Kaepernick’s current book tour in partnership with his publisher, Legacy Lit.

Uncle Bobbie’s ended its statement with an even stronger accusation: “Unfortunately, there’s no way to recover what has been lost.” The business said it hopes Johnson and NAB2 “ceases these harmful business practices” and does not further undermine other Black-owned bookstores. Notably, Uncle Bobbie’s did not accuse Kaepernick himself of wrongdoing, directing its criticism specifically at Johnson and NAB2.