TORONTO URBAN BOOK EXPO 2020 // "Durham Region's New Black Bookseller: Notability" by Stacey Marie Robinson

Durham Region is evolving into a cultural hub of activity and advancement for Canada's Black population, and a growing segment of Toronto's Black community specifically. The last published Statistics Canada census (2016) reported that the African Canadian population of Durham Region was 51,380--8% of the municipal population, and approximately 12% of Ontario's overall African Canadian population of 627,715.

In comparison, the Black community currently makes up 8.8% of the City of Toronto's population. Needless to say, the communities of the Greater Toronto Area are in constant flux, and along with the cultural changes come changes to the needs, interests, and requirements for the community as well.

With this increase in culturally-specific foods, organizations, services, and health/beauty stores over the years, there is now a growing presence of Black literature in Durham that is evolving. There is a new outlet for securing books and increasing your library's Black-authored publication collection.

Just over two years ago, Notability launched in Ajax, Ontario, as a part of the Durham District School Board Black History Month event hosted by their Durham Black Educators' Network. At the "And Still We Rise" function, Shevaun Pierre's concept began to grow.

Originally, Notability existed as a list of Black-authored books in Shevaun's phone after a memorable moment that took place in a local bookstore, where she was shopping for children's books that highlighted the unique experience of teaching and nurturing young girls about their natural hair and beauty.

"It was my niece's birthday...I wanted to get her a book with a little girl that looked like her," said Shevaun, who had been speaking to her sister about her niece's desire to straighten her hair. "I pulled out my list, searching for a title and in my list of about twenty possibilities...and I was only able to purchase one of the books off the shelf because that was all they had."

It's a predicament that readers often find themselves in, particularly those with limited access to travel, or limited time to explore. Particularly, those in the Durham Region where other cultural businesses have recently thrived and developed, but the book market has yet to catch up in convenience.

"In the east of Toronto, and east GTA, there were no Black-focused bookstores," said Shevaun. "I wanted to change that."

Born and raised in Toronto, Shevaun first fell in love with literature through a high school creative writing course. In addition to her passion for learning, taking in movies and narratives with her children, listening to music, and enjoying the waterside, she keeps busy reading, and exploring elements of Caribbean history and facets of meditation as well. Overall, her intrigue with education and wellness has nestled comfortably in the growth of Notability and the opportunities it cultivates.

Her favourite genre of book: poetry. "I love the way words connect, and how you can use a word in an unconventional way and create a deeply impactful thought," said Shevaun. "I love how poetry can speak to the deepest part of your soul, how it can express the most intimate thoughts, and how loud statements are in the smoothest tones."

Her consistent mood is connection, and her goal: sharing that feeling of connection with others, as a means of self-awareness, self-reflection, and empowerment.

In an attempt to stay neutral, Shevuan ensures that she doesn't intentionally select a favourite author. "I do not want to be biased when I select titles to list for Notability," she said. "With so many, MANY books, it's impossible for me: my five-star might be someone's two-star, but for me the point is to just read. For others to read. I, like many, believe that literacy is the foundation to success."

Also hesitant to claim a favourite book, Shevaun did note that Sister Souljah's "Coldest Winter Ever" was a book that ignited her appreciation for books in high school. "It drew me in, and I couldn't put it down."

She also noted that the process of selecting titles, and receiving shipments also brings her great joy, and enhances her ongoing learning process.

Shevaun's hopes for the future of Notability are unlimited. "Hopefully, a brick-and-mortar, creating freelance articles, and being able to host a book launch or two...or a few. Maybe even one day, more than one brick-and-mortar."

Shevaun also looks forward to expanding Notability's catalogue to include more independent Black authors, and it is a step she has been working on for quite some time, with excitement. If authors are interested in having Notability carry their titles, they are encouraged to send an email (via social media, or through direct link on their website) to inform her of the author's name, book title, contact information, and her team will happily forward the applicable information outlining the process.

With so many excellent selections, authors, and genres available, Shevaun has enjoyed the process of building her business, Notability, and the education and engagement that has happened along the way.

"I love meeting people, especially with pop-up shops," she said. "Experiencing Notability through people's eyes...it's amazing."


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Contact Shevaun Pierre and the Notability team through the Notability website, their Facebook page, or also through @Notability_ on Instagram.