Durham, NC

The KNOW Book Store
Bruce Bridges opened the bookstore in 1982; African American books collections from writers like Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker, Terry McMillan, Toni Morrison, Langston Hughes, Paul Lawrence Dunbar and Countee Cullen, records, magazines, tapes, cards, jewelry and a notable 1960s-80s R&B album collection; author readings at the store are frequent; Live Jazz Fridays 8p-10:30p, small cover charge; regular hours Mon-Sat 10:30a-9p; 2520 Fayetteville Street; 919-682-7223; http://www.theknowbookstore.com

North Carolina Central University Bookstore
Africana studies books as well as non-academic books; Black College and Afrocentric souvenirs; Mon-Fri 8 a-5p; 1801 Fayetteville Street; 919-560-6445

Artful Greetings
A colorful gallery of prints, original artworks and greeting cards; major credit cards ok; Mon-Fri 10a-5p; temporary location 2104 Riddle Road; 919-598-7599; http://www.artfulgreetings.com

Elite Stylz
Hip-Hop and theme shirts, digital and name belts, colored and engraved dog tags, hats, accessories and the Don Bling Street Collection; daily 10a-9p; 1058 West Club Blvd in Northgate Mall; 919-416-9890; http://www.elitestylz.com

Sankofa Fine Art
A fine art gallery and frame shop that also features Black figurines and collectibles; 4900 North Carolina Highway 55; 919-361-9813
 
Zola Craft Gallery
Handcrafted jewelry, furniture, pottery and garden art are just some of the highlights here; Mon-Wed & Sat 10a-6p, Thu-Fri 10a-8p; Sun Noon-5p; 626 B Ninth Street; 919-286-5112

Raleigh, NC

Blacknificent Books & More
Opened 1994 the store has over 2,000 Africana history, psychology and children’s books; the cultural center is a haven for celebrity author readings and lectures; the center hosts a stirring series of African dance and drum classes, poetry & jazz nights, sister circles and brother circles; Mon-Sat 12p-7p; Sat 12-7:30p; 2011 Poole Road; 919-250-9110; http://www.blacknificent.com

Cary, NC

Vanya’s Arts & Accessories
Opened 1986, this gallery carries thousands of open edition and limited edition prints, sculptures as well as original graphics, seriographs and etchings; Mon-Fri 10a-7p; Sat 9:30a-5p; 502 East Chatham Street; 919-469-5512; http://www.vanyasarts.com