Somewhere between echo chamber and verbal assault is a space for healthy conversations about things that matter. But where?

How about these 5 small businesses that serve a good cuppa Joe and a safe place to be with your tribe? Perhaps too safe sometimes, but still legit options and where other voices are likely welcome. 

1. Baldwin & Co. • New Orleans, LA

Bold move naming your business after James Baldwin. DJ Johnson knew what he was doing though! From backyard gatherings to full house auditoriums, he’s brought in writers and thought leaders for important conversations on  social justice and social change. 

“Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.”
— James Baldwin

2. Leaves Bakery and Books • Ft. Worth, TX

Tina Howard started with a book and tea shop that now has a full grown bakery as well. She hosts Thursday book club night, Hot Takes and Cupcakes romance book club, Local Author book fairs, Brunch and Shop local vendor popups, and monthly After Hours alcohol-free space for her community to come and hang out! 

3. Crow & Co. • Hutchinson, KS

Join one of their many book clubs, mark your calendar for Third Thursday arts and music events, or join them every first Saturday for Interfaith Coffee Chats. LGBTQ-owned, women-owned, thank you Sara Crow!

4. Fulton Street Books & Coffee • Tulsa, OK

Onikah Asamoa-Caesar founded Fulton Street Books & Coffee as a love letter to her younger self, a safe space for Black & Brown folks. She’s on mission to “increase intergenerational literacy and build better community" in Tulsa. One example: Introvert Happy Hour, a low pressure event to read and meet other people without the stress!

5. Busboys and Poets • Washington D.C.

Busboys and Poets is a restaurant, bar, bookstore and community gathering place founded in 2005 by Andy Shallal as a “cultural hub for artists, activists, writers, thinkers, and dreamers". With 7 locations across D.C., they host a broad in-house series of events around:

• Poetry, of course
• A.C.T.O.R., A Continuing Talk on Race
• Zami: LGBTQ Cultural Performances & Conversation
• Bread & Roses, on workers and organized labor
• Peace Café, to bring together Arabs, Jews, and those interested in working toward a resolution to the conflict in the Middle East
• Climate Action, on markets, society, food systems and resiliency for environmental justice.

Have one in your neighborhood? Drop us a note and let us know!