Senator Cooney Honors First Anniversary of City's Only Black-Owned Bookstore

(ROCHESTER, NY) - Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) honored Cerebral Kingdom (533 State Street, Rochester), the only black-owned bookstore in Rochester, with an NYS Senate Proclamation to commemorate its first year in business. 

Cerebral Kingdom opened its doors during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but continues to grow as a bookstore and community hub. Anthony King and Zakiya McAdams-King are the husband and wife co-owners and part of their goal is to reduce barriers for members of the community to access good books and reading material that represents Black people’s thought leadership, culture, along with the many other contributions throughout history. The bookstore offers a range of literature, apparel, and local art.

Sen. Cooney recognized Cerebral Kingdom’s work to serve the community and increase representation in business with the NYS award.

Senator Jeremy Cooney

Our community thrives when local businesses are committed to service. Cerebral Kingdom’s mission driven approach to improve access to the work of Black artists and authors while uplifting local creators is a welcome addition to State Street’s burgeoning business corridor.  Anthony and Zakiya are doing something that is challenging in normal times, but even more so during a global pandemic. If we have learned anything over the past 21-plus months is that we need spaces like Cerebral Kingdom and neighborhood minded entrepreneurs to help us feel whole as we look to recover. We are proud to have them as members of our Senate District and Rochester Community.”

 Anthony King and Zakiya McAdams-Kin, Owners, Cerebral Kingdom: 

“We want to make it as least challenging as possible for people to access books that are highly reflective of positive imagery and thought of who we are and the limitless contributions African Americans make and have made to America and the World throughout history. With that, we are appreciative that Senator Cooney and his staff see fit to recognize Cerebral Kingdom and our movement in Rochester and for their undying support of small businesses in the area.”

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