Pasadena’s first Black-owned bookstore honors pioneering science-fiction author

Nikki High is the ultimate bookworm. The Pasadena, California, resident quit her full-time job as a customer communications director to open a bookstore. The bookstore isn’t just the average neighborhood book nook. It’s Pasadena’s first Black-owned bookstore and the namesake of Pasadena’s own, Octavia E. Butler.

Octavia’s Bookshelf opened on February 18 and pays homage to one of the leading Black authors in science fiction.

Butler was born in 1947 and resided in the Pasadena area majority of her life. She was bullied as a child because she had a slight case of dyslexia. Butler found comfort in books, especially science fiction and fantasy. She attended Pasadena City College, where she began trying her hand at writing. She received both Hugo and Nebula awards, the most distinguished American science fiction awards. Her work is revered for its discussion on racism, gender and Afrofuturism.

High was introduced to Butler by her grandmother. After her passing, High was inspired to take the leap. “There are some fabulous bookstores in Pasadena, but none of them were prioritizing Black, Indigenous and people of color,” she told Today.” I just thought how neat would it be to have a space where that is the priority every day.”

“I just thought that it was time to honor her work,” High added. “She’s a legend here and beyond. So I just wanted to honor what she meant to me as a teenager.”

High told the outlet she ultimately chose to name the bookstore after Butler because she wondered what would be on Butler’s bookshelf at home if she could have ever had a look.

High went on to create a GoFundMe to assist with start-up costs. Secret Los Angeles reports she blew past her initial goal and raised over $22,000. The online support manifested into physical support on opening day when the line was wrapped around the block.

The BIPOC-focused bookstore has received rave reviews for what it’s providing to the community by celebrating “the queen of Pasadena.”

Michelle Banks, an English professor at Pasadena City College, Butler’s alma mater, teaches Butler’s work in her classes while also encouraging her students to find inspiration through her words.

“We’re always letting our students know that she is an alumna, particularly in the English department,” Banks told Today. ”Most of the teachers, as I said, do speak of her and teach her work. And I think that’s the way to keep the legacy going.”

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.

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This story was originally published February 27, 2023 at 11:25 AM with the headline "Pasadena’s first Black-owned bookstore honors pioneering science-fiction author."