Resilient Legacy: Missouri's Oldest Black Bookstore Defies Closure with Community Support

For over four decades, the 84-year-old icon, Ms. Willa Robinson, has dedicated her heart and spirit to Willa’s Books & Vinyl, the oldest enduring Black bookstore in Missouri. Following the tragic murders of her daughter and granddaughter, Ms. Willa transformed her sorrow into a mission, amassing a collection of texts that evolved into a haven for Black intellect, cultural heritage, and empowerment on Troost Avenue. This vibrant space serves as a living repository, housing more than 20,000 volumes, including first-edition works by Frederick Douglass and texts printed in 1863—the pivotal year of emancipation. It stands as one of the few locations where Black children in Kansas City can find themselves reflected in literature, yet its existence hangs by a thread. Amid soaring rents and a lack of staff, Ms. Willa nearly relinquished her precious archive to speculators. However, following urgent intervention by the Defender Mutual Aid Team, her legacy was safeguarded. This spring, they mobilized over 40 volunteers for a meticulous cataloging initiative and began covering her rent to preserve and honor Missouri's vital Black literary heritage.