Breaking Barriers, Book by Book.

“I’m going to strive to make it happen.”

- Mary Taris, Founder of Strive Publishing & Bookstore

Connecting Across Cultures

Our mission is to celebrate the power of stories by focusing on books that amplify marginalized voices, with a significant emphasis on works by Black authors. We aim to inspire readers and authors to connect across cultures, offering a unique selection of books and literary events that inform hungry minds and bridge communities.

A woman with curly hair and glasses sitting cross-legged with a laptop, surrounded by green leaves and abstract shapes, appearing thinking or confused.
Illustration of five red books arranged to resemble a bar chart on a patterned background.
A bookstore display with a large poster titled 'Native American Heritage' featuring quotes from various Native American individuals. There are multiple shelves filled with books on the left, a table with open books in the center, and a small table with books in front. The background has decorative items including drums and necklaces, and a red shawl draped on the right. The floor has a patterned rug and wooden flooring.

Publishing

Strive Publishing was founded to help solve two problems: the need for culturally relevant children’s books; and the underrepresentation of Black authors in book publishing.

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✨ NEWLY PUBLISHED AND SOLD OUT TWICE!

The children’s picture book: Our First Bus Ride, based on the film, Separate Not Equal: Minnesota’s Integration Story.

  • Click on the “Separate Not Equal” poster to view the 2-minute promo video for the film

  • MEET THE AUTHOR, Derek Francis - at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (see flyer below)

Bookstore

Strive Bookstore aims to bring the joy of book shopping back to Downtown Minneapolis.

Located at 825 Nicollet Mall - 1st Floor in the Medical Arts building

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