Did you know tucked away in the Brighthelm Centre on North Road, there's an independent bookshop with a mission to diversify bookshelves?
Founded by Carolynn Bain, Afrori Books started online before opening its first physical shop in 2021. The idea came from noticing how difficult it could be to find books by Black authors in mainstream bookshops.
Rather than waiting for things to change, Carolynn decided to create a space where these authors and their stories could take centre stage.
It is the UK's largest bookstore specialising in books by Black authors.
What is on the shelves
Walking into Afrori Books is a chance to discover something new. There are books covering all sorts of subjects and genres, including fiction, romance, history, children's books and non-fiction.
Whether readers know exactly what they are looking for or just fancy a browse, there is plenty to explore.
Talks, events and podcast
Over the years, the shop has hosted a range of book talks and author events, giving readers the opportunity to meet writers, hear about their work and take part in interesting conversations.
These events have helped bring authors and readers together and created a real sense of community around the shop.
It has its own podcast, The New Black Canon: 100 Books to Read Before You Die, with each episode celebrating Black writers, discovering important stories and challenging the traditional idea of what belongs in the literary canon.
There is also a strong educational and community side to the business, with workshops, book clubs and anti-racism education forming part of its wider work.
National recognition
Afrori Books has received national recognition, including being named Retailer of the Year in 2024 and 2025 as well as British Bookseller of the Year in 2023 and 2025.
Ultimately, Afrori Books is one of those places that makes Brighton such an interesting city. It is welcoming, independent and full of character.
More importantly, it reminds readers that books are not just about reading; they are about learning, connecting with others and seeing the world through different eyes.
Visitors to Brighton can pop in, have a browse and perhaps pick up a book by an author they have not come across before.
