Opening a bookstore that challenges the next generation to rise

As the first generation grows up in America that may never have the opportunity to pick up a book, House Representative Angie Nixon-Morene is committed to ensuring that the lost art and beauty of the book is not lost with the opening of Café Resistance.

The literary oasis recently opened its doors and focuses on works related to black history, with a special emphasis on titles banned by the Florida Department of Education.

“We can learn our true history to the core and stand up to arrogant legislators and an arrogant governor who just wants to keep the people uneducated,” Nixon told First Coats News.

There is a Black Renaissance happening in Jacksonville and across the country, returning to our African roots of unity in community. The current ban on many authors who reflect diversity and designations in Florida’s schools has created visionary ways to empower, educate and engage children and communities.

For more than 15 years, the presence of bookstores in Duval County has been stale. To revitalize the presence of African-American bookstores in the Northside, Nixon and her team recently cut the grand opening ribbon for the Café Resistance bookstore on Soutel Drive. Hundreds of neighbors, guests, dignitaries, business owners and local authors attended the festivities to view the many in-house books that line the shelves. The location offers a dedicated coffee area, a children’s reading area and workshop programs for all ages.

“This is prosperity for the north side and for Black/Brown people, a sense of community and belonging,” Nixon-Morene said. She believes some of these banned books are essential to teaching accurate history, especially Black history.

Cafe Resistance, operated by the Moxie Group, of which Nixon is executive director, aims to provide health seminars and free tutoring programs to help Jacksonville’s children achieve the level of education they need.