Edward “Ed” Vaughn, owner of Detroit’s First Black-Owned Bookstore and Civil Rights Icon, Dies at 90

Image courtesy of Bentley Historical Society of University of Michigan When Edward “Ed” Vaughn opened Vaughn’s Bookstore on Dexter Avenue in the 1960s, he wasn’t just selling books but creating a haven for Black Detroiters in search of knowledge, culture, and revolution. The store became a gathering place for activists, intellectuals, and community leaders, fueling the fight for civil rights and Black empowerment. Decades later, Vaughn’s impact stretched far beyond the shelves of his Bookstore as he transitioned from entrepreneur to state legislator, never losing sight of his mission: to uplift Detroit’s Black community. Today, his legacy will be forever etched into the heart of the city, a testament to his lifelong pursuit of justice, equality, and empowerment. Vaughn moved to Detroit in the 1950s, seeking opportunities in the auto industry, but quickly realized that his purpose was rooted in the fight for civil rights. Like many African Americans who had migrated from the South to the North, he encountered the racial inequality that was present all over the country. Inspired by his experiences and the growing Civil Rights Movement, Vaughn founded and organized the Pan-African Congress-USA in Detroit. This group was created to build connections with African nations and...