Over the next few weeks, The duty offers a foray into unique independent bookstores rooted in their community to discover the stories, dreams and favorites of those who carry them at arm’s length. Today, we present to you a bookstore that highlights Indigenous and racialized authors.
Literature came late in Gabriella Garbeau’s life. The founder of the Racines bookstore, who today is immersed every day in works that change the world, has long associated reading with a task. “The books that were imposed by the school program did not affect me. As a little black girl, I rarely recognized myself there. »
Everything changes when a teacher offers her class, at the beginning of secondary school, to read Anne Frank’s diary (1945), in which a young German Jewish girl recounts her family’s exile in the Netherlands and her forced two-year stay in a tiny company annex in Amsterdam.
“This story of humanity and empathy allowed me to understand things about my privileges, prejudices and injustices, says Gabriella Garbeau. I was no longer the same person when I closed this book, which, for a child, was an absolutely overwhelming experience. For the first time, I understood that literature had a power, that of leading us to reflect, to question ourselves on what we take for granted. That’s when I started letting my interests and emotions guide me, rather than letting others decide for me. And it changed my life. »
However, the young woman does not take long to find herself in a cul-de-sac. On the shelves, the offer is more limited than expected. “I quickly made the rounds of authors and political subjects who resembled me. From then on, Gabriella Garbeau dreamed of helping to fill this gap. “While talking around me, I discovered that the works existed, but that they were all scattered and little put forward. To change things, I decided to shed light on what was already there, creating a space for dissemination that would celebrate voices from cultural communities. »
In 2017, the Racines bookstore opened its doors. First located on Henri-Bourassa Boulevard, in Montreal North, the store sells committed novels, essays, collections of poetry and comics, written by Indigenous and racialized authors, in addition to putting before an impressive selection of children’s literature that shines with its diversity. “I know how much of an impact it can have for a young person to recognize himself or to be able to identify with a character. Unfortunately, a large part of our youth offer is in English, because the Quebec offer is still very limited. »
Provide a space for discussion
A few years later, in 2021, the bookstore moved to Plaza Saint-Hubert. “The pandemic has forced us to reduce opening hours and area. With its unique offering and eye-catching storefront, the business soon made its mark in the neighborhood.
“At the beginning, our mission attracted people from all over Montreal and a lot of tourists. We are at the crossroads of so many currents. Anyone looking for a store “black owned” or a more politicized bookstore finds us easily. But more and more, local residents come in, ask questions, take an interest, especially when a positive or negative event makes the news, ”explains Gabriella Garbeau, citing the example of the tragic assassination of George Floyd, in the States. States, the debate on systemic racism or Michelle Obama’s visit to Montreal.
More than a clientele, it is first and foremost a community that the bookseller seeks to build around Racines. “I think people visit us first and foremost for the conversation. We have created a safe space, where everyone can debate, tell their experience, talk without fear about subjects that may be taboo elsewhere. We proudly carry our anti-racist mission. We don’t see bookstores as neutral places, but as places that can make a difference by taking a stand. »
Gabriella Garbeau and her team never hesitate to create partnerships or participate in activities organized by organizations that promote an inclusive and egalitarian vision. This winter, for example, they offered books during the Here and Queer event, organized by Montreal Pride as part of Black History Month.
Recently, the bookstore also hosted the trial launch It was necessary to defend oneself (2023), published by Mémoire d’encrier, which tells the story of the first Haitian gang in Montreal, and questions the prejudices and public responses to racialized and criminalized youth. “Hearing the testimonies of men who were there at the time and who saw their story told for the first time, it was an unforgettable moment. Little space allows them to express themselves like that. »
For the bookseller, it is often the simplest moments, from everyday life, that make her proud of the progress made. “When a little girl or boy stops, eyes shining, looking at our window, it’s very rewarding. Last year, a black Santa Claus was installed there. This small gesture has changed so many things. We imposed conversations on parents, we allowed several children to perceive this imagination differently. That completely sums up our mission. »
While the bookstore is well established and experiencing more and more success, Gabriella Garbeau thinks of passing the torch. “I think other people might be able to push Roots even further, to do even more good in the community. The bookseller, for her part, does not intend to give up. Her next goals may well lead her to have even greater influence. “I now dream of getting into children’s literature. » This promises!