History The Know: The First African American bookstore in Durham, NC

The Know Bookstore, founded by Dr. Bruce Bridges in 1981, was the first African American bookstore and cultural center and a cherished commodity in the city of Durham for 29 years. Scholar Dr. C. Eric Lincoln (Duke University) said, "The Know Bookstore is an institution of unusual significance in the Research Triangle area. African Americans and others interested in the African American experience rely with confidence on the Know Bookstore to carry the books they need. Bruce Bridges keeps the black experience in stock. “ Dr. Bridges closed The Know Book Store in 2010.

The Know Bookstore was born out of the need of the students from the Thursday night lectures by Bruce Bridges. Lecture attendants began to realize that there was no outlet to acquire the very rare, but important books that he often quoted. A location was discovered near the Historic Hayti district of Durham North Carolina. The space became more than just a store that sold

books, it became a recognized Center of Black Culture. Some of the many activities at “The Know” included, lectures, book signings, community meetings, live jazz concerts, youth chess tournaments, and spoken word competitions. Below is a partial listing of the many well known guests who have visited The Know Bookstore during its years of service to the Durham North Carolina community.