There's a new hangout in Brooklyn for Black femme women who love books with the opening of Gladys Books & Wine, a two-story space that houses a bookstore, cafe and a wine bar all in one space.
Located at 306 Malcolm X Blvd., the bookstore and wine bar in Bedford-Stuyvesant is named after owner Tiffany Dockery’s grandmother, Gladys, who provided a safe space for Dockery when she was growing up. Dockery said she would spend a lot of time with her grandmother in their Chicago home, a space that made her feel safe in her identity.
Dockery's love and affection for her grandmother comes through in the store where walls are dotted with a variety of photos, including one of Gladys, along with a host of other famous Black folks.
The hints of green outlining the coffee bar are one of the shop's main focal points, showcasing its fun and communal feel. Neighbors can stop in to grab a cup of java at the cafe bar or snuggle with a book on the couch.
"We're very big on intergenerational connection,” explained Dockery, who noted that many older, Black queer women have found the space since she opened the shop in September.
“They also have spent time in the space, which means something to me," she said. "And I think they spend time in the space because we've invested a lot in it.”
After losing a tech job that gave her financial stability but left her spiritually bankrupt, Dockery knew she wanted to pursue a business with purpose.
Initially, the space was set to be a spa because of Dockery’s commitment to Black women’s health, but she had to abandon that plan, because the space didn't quite fit the bill for a wellness business. Instead, Dockery turned to what she loved best: her grandmother, books and Black women.
“My grandmother was really important to me. I still feel like she's very much still with me,” said Dockery.
Although Dockery has no formal experience in running a bookstore or a wine bar, the Bed-Stuy community is lending her a big helping hand through marketing support, interior design tips and assistance with the types of books to sell in the store.
The community's generosity touched Dockery's core: "The part I get emotional about is, like, you know, my grandmother didn't have anything,” she said.
“Who would have thought that this little Black girl from Mississippi, however many years later, [would have a granddaughter, who would] move to this place.
"And like, when people walk in and talk about the energy of the place, I just feel like it's her. It's her there," Dockery said.
