The Melanin Shelf

08/17/2026

A little late with this recap, but we couldn’t let July’s read go unrecognized! 📚🤎

The Melanin Shelf gathered at North Italia to discuss Don’t Cry for Me by Daniel Black, and this one gave us PLENTY to unpack. 🥹📖

From family and forgiveness to love, regret, identity, and the things left unsaid, the conversation went well beyond the pages. We shared different perspectives, reflected on some of the heavier moments, and—as always—had a discussion that was anything but dull! 🗣️🤎

Of course, book club wouldn’t be complete without good food, drinks, laughs, and fellowship. 🍝🍷✨ North Italia was the perfect backdrop for another memorable evening with this amazing group of women.

We may be late with the post, but July was definitely a chapter worth remembering! 📖🥂

08/17/2026

📚✨ The Melanin Shelf Book Club Recap ✨📚

Another book club Friday in the books! This month, we read Enigma by C.M. Barnes, and whew… let’s just say it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea 😂📖. But that’s part of the fun of book club! Different perspectives, different opinions, and a discussion that is NEVER dull when we get together. 🗣️😂

We gathered at Stout’s Signature, where the food was amazing, the drinks were flowing, and the conversation was even better. 🍸🍽️

Whether we love the book, hate the book, or fall somewhere in between, one thing is always guaranteed: it’s ALWAYS a time when The Melanin Shelf gets together! 🤎📚 The laughs, fellowship, and good conversation are what make these nights so special.

Until the next read… 📖🥂✨

06/27/2026

One year. 🤎📚

What started as a simple idea to bring women together through the love of reading has become something so much greater than I ever imagined.

Tonight, as we celebrated the first anniversary of The Melanin Shelf Book Club, I found myself looking around the room with a heart full of gratitude. This isn't just a book club—it's a sisterhood. It's a safe space where we've laughed until we cried, shared our stories, encouraged one another, and built friendships that extend far beyond the pages of any book.

To every woman who has been part of this journey, thank you. Thank you for showing up, for being authentically you, and for adding your own unique voice and perspective. Each of you has played a part in making The Melanin Shelf what it is today, and I love every single one of you for it.

I never could have imagined this little dream would grow into such a beautiful community, and I am incredibly thankful that we get to write this story together.

Here's to many more books, meaningful conversations, unforgettable memories, and a lifetime of friendship and sisterhood.

Happy 1st Anniversary to The Melanin Shelf! The best chapter is still ahead. 🤎✨📖

05/10/2026

Last night, The Melanin Shelf gathered at Scuzzi's Italian Restaurant for an evening filled with laughter, sisterhood, delicious food, and meaningful conversation as we discussed Maame by Jessica George . 📚✨

This book gave us so much to unpack — identity, family obligations, grief, self-discovery, and what it truly means to find your voice while navigating adulthood and expectations. The conversation was honest, relatable, emotional, and empowering in all the best ways.

One of the most beautiful parts of our club is how every discussion reminds us that Black women’s stories deserve space, reflection, and celebration. Thank you to everyone who came out and shared your perspectives so openly.

Cheers to another night of reading, growing, laughing, and building community together. The Melanin Shelf continues to be a safe space for connection, culture, and conversation — and we’re just getting started. 🖤📖

04/07/2026

Good morning Fam! 💛

I’m so excited to share that a dear friend of mine has officially published her children’s book, and it is now live on Amazon! 📚✨

Supporting Black authors, especially those creating beautiful stories for our children, is so important. If you’re able, please consider purchasing a copy today. Your support not only means a lot, but it also helps this book reach more families and little readers.

Thank you all for always showing love and supporting meaningful work in our community. 💛🏮✨

👉 Omar and the SuperTails: First Day of School

What if your child could walk into their first day feeling brave, confident, and ready to shine? In , Omar is getting ready for his very first day at Animal Academy—but like many children, he feels nervous about what to expect. Everything begins to change when he meets a group of kind and ...