L.E.M.S. Bookstore

The Life Enrichment Bookstore, more commonly known as L.E.M.S., has been a fixture and cultural hub in Seattle since it was originally founded by Vicki Williams over 20 years ago. As one of only two Black-owned bookstores in Washington, L.E.M.S. has historically held cultural events for Seattle’s Black community, including holiday and Kwanzaa bazaars and African church services. Today, Vicki’s godson, Hassan Messiah, and his niece, Tylicia Messiah, are working to continue Vickie’s legacy by providing a safe space to gather, learn about, and celebrate African and African-American culture and literature.