History goes up in smoke at Aquarian Bookshop
Los Angeles loses 50 years of wisdom as Aquarian Bookshop, among the nation’s oldest black owned stores, burns during the riot on April 30. Owner Dr. Alfred Ligon, 86, surveys the 5000 volumes, finds only a water damaged socialist magazine, and says there is no lesson to be learned from the riot. He reflects on attachments to material things and acceptance of loss.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Los Angeles
Aquarian
Alfred Ligon
California
Earl Ofaii Hutchinson
Black bookstore shaped LA literary scene and community
Dr Ligon’s shop in Los Angeles became a hub for black writers and artists, nurturing generations of authors and scholars. Wanda Coleman and others recall it as a rare space offering access to black literature and forming an early center for black studies courses. The bookstore’s legacy includes influencing culture and consciousness across decades.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dr. Ligon
Lih-Gon
Los Angeles
Southern
California
Wanda Coleman
Ms. Coleman
University of California At
Richard Yarborough
UCLA
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