Rooted MKE: New Milwaukee children's bookstore opens to empower Black, Brown readers

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A new children's bookstore in Milwaukee is focused on empowering the youngest Black and Brown readers.

It's called Rooted MKE.

Ashley Valentine is a mother and a former middle school teacher within Milwaukee Public Schools.

But her bookstore is not just for books.

It doubles as a tutoring and hands-on learning space.

An avid reader herself, Valentine wanted to create a space for Black and Brown children to see themselves in the stories.

"So I think of kids growing as readers, or growing into who they are and navigating life using stories. I know that was really helpful for me when I was a kid, conversations that my mom didn't feel comfortable having, we would go and get a book," Valentine said.

Rooted MKE is located on Vliet Street, across from the MPS district offices.

The bookstore is open now, but the official grand opening ceremony is Saturday morning, March 19, at 9 a.m.

For more information, click here.