Karibu Books started off as a kiosk specializing in books for African-Americans, but over the years transformed into something more.
It became a place where African-American authors could promote their books when mainstream stores turned them away. Some went on to become best-selling authors.
Now, after 15 years, Karibu (ka-REE-boo) is going out of business, leaving behind what some say will be a cultural void.
FOR THE RECORD
An article in yesterday's Business section about the closing of Karibu Books incorrectly stated that Cynthia A. Coates-Harris, a manager at the chain's Woodlawn store, is also a lawyer. She is an accounts payable specialist with a Washington law firm.
THE SUN REGRETS THE ERROR
On Sunday, the chain based in Temple Hills, in Prince George's County, will close its Woodlawn store at Security Square Mall, as well as a store in Forestville in Prince George's County. It will close three other Prince George's stores Feb. 10. The chain's store in Pentagon City in Virginia shut its doors last month.
"Everyone will be affected by this - our readers, our community of writers and publishers," said Paul Coates, owner of Black Classic Press, a Baltimore publishing house that frequently turned to Karibu to promote its authors. "As a publisher we've lost a major outlet. But more importantly, our community has lost an institution."
Simba Sana, the founder and chief executive officer, posted a letter announcing the closing, which he also e-mailed to customers, on the Karibu Web site yesterday.
In a phone interview, Sana blamed internal management problems for the financial plight of the book chain. He said the company owed vendors thousands of dollars and planned to file for bankruptcy.
"The blame falls squarely on myself and others in the company," Sana said.
"The financial position was a downward spiral," he added. "I would need a miracle to pay back all the debt now."
Over the years, Karibu became a gathering spot for African-Americans. The bookstore chain has held hundreds of book signings and helped launch careers. Black publishers could always find a spot on the shelf for their authors.
Black Classic Press had scheduled book signings for the April release of mystery writer Walter Mosley's latest book.
Best-seller author Zane - she uses only one name - remembers Karibu being the only store that would sell her first self-published book, The Sex Chronicles: Shattering the Myth, in 2000. Now head of her own publishing house in Prince George's County with 54 authors, Zane continued to make Karibu one of her first stops when promoting a book.
"They helped a lot of authors better their careers," Zane said. "The closing is going to hurt the industry in a lot of ways."
