Black bookshop fundraiser to preserve 'our story'

A bookseller who has dedicated more than 50 years to preserving and sharing black literature is calling on the public to help the save their north London base.

Baba Pepukayi, 76, founder of the MA'AT Cultural Centre in Tottenham, says more than one million books are at risk after repeated break-ins, the costs of maintaining the building, and personal health challenges forced the centre to close its doors.

Pepukayi described his job as "his duty" and added: "When it comes to telling our own story, That's our job. That's our responsibility."

Supporters launched a fundraising campaign to protect the collection and reopen the space, with more than £65,000 already raised towards a £75,000 target.

Since the 1970s, Baba Pepukayi has been collecting, distributing and promoting books by black authors from Africa, the Caribbean, the United States and the UK.

He said the collection represented far more than books alone, serving as a resource for education, culture and identity.

The fundraising appeal was launched by supporters including the Black British Book Festival.

Selina Brown, founder of the festival, said: "The response has been overwhelming.

"We've demonstrated through this campaign the support, the need and the impact that books have on people's lives.

"He's dedicated his life to the work and I think it's only right as a community we pour back into him now."

The money raised will be spent on securing the building, improving security measures and cataloguing the collection so it can be properly preserved.

Pepukayi's work has also helped young black authors to get into the industry, which Tyrone Smith, founder of Boukman Academy, feels is important as it helps share different perspectives and cultures.

He said: "It just gives you as a child or as an adult such a more well-rounded view of society, of your own life, of other people's lives and that can build community, it can build bridges, it can lead to a lot more harmony and understanding and ultimately a better society."

Pepukayi added: "Intelligence rules the world. Ignorance carries the burden.

"By reading, we arm in ourselves, we educate in ourselves, we gain the knowledge."

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