Nestled in The Arcade on Main Street in downtown Bridgeport, is Kindred Thoughts Bookstore, a Black-owned business that also elevates voices of colors.

The bookstore started out as a book club during the pandemic, before the owners decided to make it an online bookstore. After hosting pop-ups and vending in the community, the response was so great that the bookstore moved into its first brick and mortar space.

"We started out at a little space on Connecticut Avenue. And that was so small that if two people came in, one of us stepped out," said Derek Tompkins, co-owner of Kindred Thoughts Bookstore.

Tompkins said their business was the first bookstore to return to Bridgeport in over 15 years.

"We were proud to be able to fill that void," Tompkins said.

A total of 98% of the books in the store were written by authors of color.

During Black History Month, Tompkins said they are reading through Toni Morrison's work and having community discussions about the 1619 Project.

To find upcoming events and book club readings at the bookstore, click here.