Black-owned bookstores in the U.S. went through a major decline in the past 20 years. According to Troy Johnson who runs the online book database The African American Literature Book Club, there were more than 325 black-owned bookstores in the U.S. in 1999. By 2014, the number of black-owned bookstores declined by 83%, leaving only 54 in existence.

“They were closing left and right, and the major ones were struggling,” says Johnson to Publishers Weekly.

Fortunately, the number of black-owned bookstores is growing. Although they aren’t existent in all 50 states, there is still an effort being made to shop locally at black-owned bookstores.

If your state isn’t on the list, head to www.africanbookstore.net to shop black virtually.

Arkansas

Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing has been opened for 30 years and is located in Little Rock, Arkansas.

R&B singer Candice Cooper and Arkansas Legend Chief Master Anderson at book signing. Get a piece of history at Pyramid Art Books & Custom Framing $38! pic.twitter.com/k3p2TmJPoW
— Anderson Taekwondo (@AndersonsTKD) August 26, 2018

California

Ashay By The Bay is the #1 Black Children’s Bookstore located in Oakland, California. They were founded in 1997 and began selling books online in 2002.

Eso Won Books is located in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles and is an independent black-owned bookstore.

They sell both indie books as well as mainstream and has monthly events.

Eso Won books #LeimertPark pic.twitter.com/d3Blh4rkr5
— StopKillingUs (@this_natalia) September 23, 2018

Marcus Books Oakland is located in Oakland and has been “offering books by and about black people everywhere, since 1960.”

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To kick off #BlackHistoryMonth, we're shining the spotlight on Marcus Books: the oldest independent black bookstore in the country. Founded in 1960 in the back of a San Francisco print shop, Marcus Books now calls Oakland home—and it's still operated by the original owners, Julian and Raye Richardson. In the 60s and 70s, the shop served as a meeting place and lecture room for the Black Panthers and writers. If you are local, give them a visit! You can also shop from their website to show your support—link in bio. 📷: @streetsalad.co #ThisIsMyBookstore

A post shared by Chronicle Books (@chroniclebooks) on Feb 1, 2019 at 8:41am PST

Smiley’s Bookstore is located in Carson, California. They’ve been open since 1993 and aim to feed children’s imaginations through books.

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Bookstore run this evening w/babies!!! Reading is fundamental and important!!! #itstartsathome #books #creatingleaders #success #leadership #reading #smileysbookstore #juicecjuice #carson #grateful #wealthy #abundantliving

A post shared by Brandi Williams-Murdock (@brandimurdock) on Feb 4, 2015 at 7:22pm PST

Underground Books is located in the Oak Park area of Sacramento. They’ve been open since the summer of 2003 and hosts book signings by both local and national authors.

We just finished with a great Discussion & Book Signing with Deborah Harris, who joined us from LA. Come to underground books to get your copy of “Grant Me The Serenity” today! pic.twitter.com/3FweTi2AIO
— UndergroundBooks (@UndergroundBks) July 13, 2019

West County READS Multicultural Children’s Book Store is located at The Shops at Hilltop in Richmond, California. They sell books for all ages of children about different cultures and customs.

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: A wonderful ode to being comfortable in your own skin, or in this case your own hair.

A post shared by The Multicultural Bookstore (@multiculturalbookstore) on May 25, 2018 at 11:26am PDT

Delaware

MeJah Books & Crafts is a small bookstore located in Claymont, Delaware.

@FLOTUS this beautiful painted picture of the Obama Family hangs in the MeJah Books in Claymont De❤️🙏🏽 #firstfamily pic.twitter.com/CFJCKmaiw8
— Author Freda Camille (@AuthorFreda) February 23, 2016

Florida

Cultured Books is located in Saint Petersburg, Florida. They are currently in a pop-up stage, so they’re only open on Sundays from 1 – 4 p.m. with intentions one day becoming a brick and mortar.

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Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time was brought to life by Ava DuVernay!✨ • We had a great time at Cobb for our book club meet-up!🍿 • • For #FinancialLiteracyMonth, April’s book club pick is 🥁🥁… Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire: The Lemonade Escapade by Ty Allan Jackson, BiG HeAd BoOkS!

A post shared by cultured books (@culturedbooks) on Mar 26, 2018 at 5:15am PDT

Dare Books is located in Longwood, Florida and their motto is “We Educate From The Cradle To The Grave.”

Pyramid Books has been open since 1993 and is located in Boynton Beach, Florida. This community bookstore specializes in hard-to-find books and Afrocentric literature.

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#TBT | @taymermason taking a selfie in #PyramidsCorner at the 6th annual ‘South Florida Book Festival’. Her book “Caribbean Vegan: Meat-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion” is available for purchase now.

A post shared by PYRAMID BOOKS (@pyramidbooks) on Jul 19, 2018 at 9:31am PDT

The Gathering Awareness and Book Center is located in Pensacola, Florida. They specialize in books of African American history and self-awareness.

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My ride and live partner, my mama, still going strong and supporting me all the way!!

A post shared by melaniegamble (@melaniegamble) on Nov 26, 2017 at 5:37am PST

Georgia

Black Dot Cultural Center and Bookstore is located in Lithonia, Georgia.

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Phi Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is supporting black-owned businesses 365 days of the year! Black Dot Cultural Center and Bookstore in Lithonia, Georgia, was born out of a love and appreciation of Afrikan culture and heritage. Come in and relax with a cup of coffee made from the finest African coffee beans and a good book, or bring in your laptop and connect to free wi-fi. In addition to unique books and fine coffee, you can also shop for jewelry, art, clothing and gifts. Adigun Kazemde Ajamu is the business owner and visionary. http://blackdotcc.com/ #aka1908 #blackdollar365 #ppopearls

A post shared by AKA – Phi Phi Omega (@phiphiomega) on Jul 3, 2019 at 5:46pm PDT

Book Boutique is located in Atlanta and has a large selection of African American literature.

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@anthonyhamiltonofficial & @writeitoutpublishingllc

A post shared by Book Boutique (@bookboutiqueatl) on Jul 6, 2019 at 1:02pm PDT

Medu Bookstore is the second-largest African-American owned bookstore in Atlanta. They’ve been open since 1989 and specialize in hard-to-find books.

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Derrick Boazman at Medu Bookstore

A post shared by Medu Book Store (@medubookstoreatl) on Jun 8, 2019 at 8:44am PDT

Nubian Bookstore is located in Morrow, Georgia and sells African-American books, DVDs, artwork, Greek paraphernalia, and greeting cards.

Author Tyrik Wynn @TyrikWynnTV (left) with a couple who purchased a copy of his book Green Is The Thing! Money Management For Kids during his book signing today at Nubian Bookstore in Morrow, Georgia pic.twitter.com/jyg8LzEaHP
— Marcus Williams (@nubianbookstore) August 31, 2019

The Shrine of the Black Madonna Bookstore is located in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Author showcase at The Shrine of the Black Madonna.

A post shared by Adria Luster (@drluster777) on Feb 17, 2018 at 11:58am PST

Illinois

AfriWare Books is located in Maywood, Illinois and has been open since 1992. Their mission is to provide a platform to showcase black authors.

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A special thank you to jean_the_creator for facilitating our first Sisters Interpreting Stories (S.I.S.) Book Club meeting! She picked up a copy of Afros by author Michael July before heading out. #afros #michaeljuly #doyouread #afriware

A post shared by Nzingha Nommo (@afriwarebooks) on Aug 18, 2019 at 2:13pm PDT

Frontline Bookstore is located in Chicago and specializes in being a Rastafarian and pan-African book distributor. They also sell beauty and health products.

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Stop by our Hyde Park location this Labor Day weekend! Photo credit: @loveblackchicago #chicago #BlackLove #bookstore #sheabutter #africanhistory #culture #readyforliberation #frontlinebooks

A post shared by Frontline Books & Distribution (@frontlinebooks) on Aug 28, 2019 at 10:43am PDT

Indiana

Akoma Novelties & Books is located in Evansville, Indiana. They were founded in 2015 and aim to uplift people of African descent.

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It was love ☀️day with @supremeunderstanding @empowermentawards . We gained some knowledge and some new comrades ❤️🖤💚✊🏿

A post shared by Akoma Books (@akomabooks) on May 6, 2019 at 12:56pm PDT

The Brain Lair Bookstore is located in South Bend, Indiana. This bookstore handpicks titles that will uplift and inspire teenagers and young adults. They also have books for adults.

Kentucky

The Wild Fig Books and Coffee is located in the North Limestone area of Lexington, Kentucky and recently reopened as a bookstore, coffee shop and coworking space.

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I had so much fun launching FOR BLACK GIRLS LIKE Me at @wildfigbooksandcoffee today! Thank you April Taylor for curating a safe, vital community space for POC & allies. I’m so thankful for all the friends -old & new- that stopped by. Y’all bought up all the books & asked some great questions. Thank you for packing the house! 🙏🏾💜 . . . . . #forblackgirlslikeme #forblackgirlslikemetour #debutbook #debutauthor #novel19s #middlegradebooks #iwritemiddlegrade #adopteevoices #adoption #adopteesconnect #weneeddiversebooks #windowsandmirrors

A post shared by Mariama J. Lockington (@forblackgirlslikeme) on Aug 4, 2019 at 8:36pm PDT

Louisiana

Between The Lines Bookstore is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They promote literacy in the African-American community as well as community book clubs.

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Queen Zane!!!! She was so awesome!!!

A post shared by Between The Lines Bookstore (@btlbookstore1) on Jul 2, 2017 at 5:52am PDT

The Community Book Center is located in New Orleans and features African -centered books, art, fabric, and gifts.

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#Repost @duchesnehouse with @get_repost ・・・ @cbc.nola Celebrating 35 years; Read-A-Thon welcomes @kamauware explore the African Diaspora through his work on #blackgotham an amazing program. #communitybookcenternola #originstoriestour

A post shared by Kamau Ware (@kamauware) on Dec 8, 2018 at 5:57pm PST

Massachusetts

Frugal Bookstore is located in Roxbury, Massachusetts and aims for “changing minds one book at a time.”

Olive Tree Books-n-Voices is located in Springfield, Massachusetts. The bookstore is located in a building which used to be a crack house. The owner transformed the building into a place for the community to find books and read more.

At Olive Tree Books and Voices in Springfield, Mass – the only Black owned bookstore in the city. It was great to see Ms.Zee and we will working together to get more Muslim authors on her book shelves soon! pic.twitter.com/IMlbbZZAWV
— Author UmmJuwayriyah (@UmmJuwayriyah1) June 15, 2019

Maryland

Everyone’s Place Bookstore is located in Baltimore whose motto is “supporting knowledge of self from pre-K to Ph.D. and beyond.”

Wisdom Book Center is located in Gwynn Oak, Maryland. In addition to books, they sell health and beauty products, jewelry and art.

Michigan

Blackstone Bookstore & Cultural Center is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. They opened in 2013 and aim to provide bestselling and classic African American books.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Jtx0OA6IW/

Detroit Book City is a black-owned indie bookstore located in Detroit, Michigan. They carry new and gently used adult and children books.

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🎉🎂🎈BOOKS make great birthday gifts!! Special thanks to the Ullah family for shopping at Detroit Book City Bookstore today. We hope your nieces enjoy their NEW books!! 📚🎈detroitbookcity #blackbookstores #booklovers #raisingreaders #readers #supportindieauthors

A post shared by Detroit Book City Bookstore (@detroit_book_city) on Aug 31, 2019 at 11:57am PDT

Nandi’s Knowledge Cafe is located in Highland Park, Michigan. They’re open 7 days a week and has various classes each day such as an African dance class.

Source Booksellers is located in Detroit’s Midtown district. The books are carefully selected non-fiction works.

These bags from @dottirpress show the many ways they support books #byandaboutwomen !!!You can spy many of our store favs 🕵️‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/3xHcXC9GV6
— Source Booksellers (@sourcebksellers) July 30, 2019

Missouri

Eyeseeme Bookstore is located in University City, Missouri and specializes in African American children’s books.

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Thank you Dr. Ebony Elizabeth Thomas for writing this insightful book. Signed copies at EyeSeeMe Bookstore. This was an excellent book signing! It was both personal and informative. The author was so engaging and truly an expert in this subject matter. She let us share our stories of times we had an emotional/mental response upon seeing or not seeing the Black presence in fantasy. Definitely a book to add to your library or classroom. @ebonyelizabeththomas #ReadABook #Blackbooksmatter #eyeseeme #TheDarkFantastic #sciencefiction #bookstagram #bookstore #books #bookclub #bookshelf #readwoke #blackbookstagram #blackauthors #saintlouis

A post shared by EyeSeeMe Children's Bookstore (@eyeseeme_bookstore) on Jul 28, 2019 at 4:43am PDT

Progressive Emporium & Education Center is located in St. Louis, Missouri. They have hundreds of books on black culture, life, education, and art.

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This challenge is for everyone to come together and show some ❤️ to a Black owned business!! Showing ❤️ is for errbody!! Please pull up and show some ❤️ to a Black owned business in your local community!! Subscribe to BlackWallst Challenge on YouTube and join the Facebook group TheBlackWallstChallenge!! New videos coming soon!! #BlackWallstChallenge #BlackDollarsMatter365 #BlackBusinessesMatter #IssaRealInternetChallenge #Show❤️ #InYourNeighborhood #Showing❤️ #ItsForErrbody #Spread❤️ #NotHate #KingOfShowing❤️ #AnybodyCanShow❤️ #KingOfBuyingBlack #KingOfShoppingBlack #HelpMeHelpUs #WeAllWeGot @blackwallstchallenge @blackwallstchallengefam @kingofshowinglove #blackisbeautiful #blackentrepreneur #blackbusinessowner #blackbusinesswomen #blackbusinessman #blackstartup #blacklove #teachthebabies #youthdevelopment #supportblackowned #blackhistorymonth #28dayblackbusinesschallenge #progressiveemporiumandeducationcenter

A post shared by BlackWallstChallengeFam (@blackwallstchallengefam) on Feb 5, 2019 at 1:12pm PST

Nebraska

Aframerican Book Store is located in Omaha, Nebraska and was established in 1990 with African-centered writing in mind.

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We celebrated a new year and the last day of Kwanzaa. #Nia

A post shared by Dawaune Lamont Hayes (@dawaune.one) on Jan 1, 2019 at 6:51pm PST

New Jersey

lA Unique African American Books & Cultural Center is located in Camden, New Jersey and has skincare products in addition to books.

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Excited to share that Detours to Destiny is now available at La Unique book store located in Camden, NJ. Be sure to pick up your copy today😊. If you are unable to make it to the store, no worries, the book can also be purchased at www.firestartersmovement.com or by accessing link in bio. #detourstodestiny #whenthedetourbecomesthepath #messageofhope

A post shared by Dr. Keanna Lynette (@keannalynette) on Feb 6, 2018 at 8:05pm PST

Nevada

Janco Books is located in Las Vegas and sells both used and new books. There is also a cafe and insense, handmade jewelry and candles for sale.

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Found this dope book store by my house! @jancobooks thank you for my two new pickups!! People don’t read anymore. That’s cool, more books for me! The appreciation of a good book is unmatched!!

A post shared by Floyd Johnson (@brooklyn_fsharp1) on Oct 23, 2018 at 6:08pm PDT

New York

Cafe Con Libros is located in Brooklyn, NYC and caters to women and girls who are book lovers.

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Another #COVENParis inspiration to share with you. Kalima Desuze is the founder of @cafeconlibros_bk , a welcoming intersectional and community-focused space in Brooklyn that centers Black Feminist and Womanist principles. Products sold at the café are either locally and / or ethically sourced. And they have stimulating community events featuring resident literary curators, and a book club. We love you @cafeconlibros_bk and thank you for the wonderful work you are doing 📷@brooklyngirlsread #supportblackbusiness #shoplocal #spreadfeminism

A post shared by C O V E N (@covenparis) on Aug 26, 2019 at 8:50am PDT

Grandma’s Place in Harlem offers educational books and toys for children.

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I love this place! Every time we visit I always play with the same toy (swipe to see)….maybe one day my folks will get the hint 😉 #soleilinthecity🌞 #grandmasplaceharlem #harlemtoystore #harlembookstore #educationalgames #educationaltoys #educationalbooks #harlemsparents #harlem #instatoys

A post shared by Soleil Abdur-Razzaaq (@soleilinthecity) on Jun 1, 2019 at 11:15am PDT

Revolution Books is located on Malcolm X Blvd. in Harlem. According to their bio, they are a “bookstore that is a political, intellectual and cultural center for an actual revolution.”

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Last night Revolution Books table at the @Apollo. #Harlem: Past, Present, Future

A post shared by Revolution Books NYC (@revbooksnyc) on Aug 16, 2019 at 8:42am PDT

Sisters Uptown Bookstore is located in Harlem. They are family-operated and serve the community through books and information.

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Reposted from @sharnise_ – Today the #Harlem chapter of @mochagirlsread #bookclub got together at @sistersuptown #bookstore and discussed “Black Girls Must Die Exhausted” by @jayneallenwrites! I always look forward to sharing energy with dope black women and hearing all of the different perspectives. Thank you for a dope discussion! @jayneallenwrites, we came up with a ton of questions! We would love to engage with you. #blackgirlsread #mochagirlsread #bookstagram #bookworm #booklover #lovebooks #bookphotography #booknerd #bookblogger #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #instareads #bookobsessed #bookishfeatures #lovereading #openbook #ilovebooks #read #books #curlsandbooksreads #readsoullit #booklove #bookish #wellreadblackgirl #bookchallenge #blackwomenread #literature

A post shared by Sister's Uptown Bookstore (@sistersuptown) on Aug 4, 2019 at 2:28pm PDT

The Lit. Bar launched in the Bronx in 2018. They are a space to have literary, art and community gatherings.

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"I used to be so hungry for books, hungry for any read that came my way, that populated the feed. But I’ve been working on being more selective with my choosing, truly there are soo many books and too little time. Working at #thelitbar and participating in #bookstagram has allowed me to develop a TBR pile that can nourish my mind steadily in the direction I wish to grow. Now, I’m simply eager for all the knowings I could know. #thankyounextbook . Honestly, idk why I keep rhyming, it’s not entirely intentional. 😅" – @wildereader . . . . . . . . #bookfeaturepage #bookstagramista #bestbookishpic #capturequiet #booksandme #booksworthreading #alwaysreading #bookstagrammersunite #bookishphotography #booksaremylife #bookshark #booksandshares #bookishlove #readlocal #thelitbar #bookstoreandchill #thebronxreads #thebronx #bronx #bookstagram #indiebookstore #motthaven #southbronx

A post shared by THE LIT. BAR Bookstore & Chill (@thelitbar) on Jul 11, 2019 at 10:59am PDT

Ohio

Zawadi Books has been in operation in Colombus, Ohio since 1992 and is your “one-stop-shop” with the thousands of books in their collection.

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Supporting a local black owned business Zawadi Books!

A post shared by Columbus Naturalistas (@columbusnaturalistas) on Apr 28, 2018 at 5:51am PDT

Pennsylvania

Hakim’s Bookstore is located in Philadelphia and aims to get black people to read more.

South Carolina

Turning Page Bookshop is a newly opened bookstore located in Goose Creek, South Carolina.

Tennessee

The African Place is located in Memphis and is the largest African import retailer in the South. They carry conscious books, DVDs, African clothing, artwork, jewelry, shea butter and more.

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The book I've been reading (along with The Science of Self Vol. 1). Wonderfully written and extremely eye opening…if you're in Memphis and want to grab them check out The African Place on Third St. Downtown… #Peace #Nurturing #MuchLove

A post shared by Nurturing Earth (@nurturingearth) on Apr 30, 2017 at 11:21am PDT

Texas

The Pan African Connection is a bookstore located in Dallas. It focuses on books from the diaspora as well as being an art gallery and resource center.

To all my My Dallas supporters! There are now copies of my book Boss Up In the Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Cente located at 4466 S Marsalis Ave, Dallas, Texas 75216 r hurry and go cop one!! 🏃🏿‍♂️🏃🏿‍♂️🏃🏿‍♂️🏃🏿‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/jt8f2xC4AO
— IG: Bryan Humphrey (@MrBryanHumphrey) November 5, 2018

Virginia

Harambee Books And Artworks is located in Old Town of Alexandria, VA and serves D.C. metropolitan area. Their aim is to achieve literacy amongst all.

Washington, D.C.

Mahogany Books is located in Washington, D.C. and promotes entrepreneurship and self-esteem to the black community. Their aim is to provide books to readers who seek works from and about the African diaspora.

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Yes! Black Boys DO read! Here’s a throwback from last fall of these three little king’s enjoying our bookstore. Checkout our Book List for Black Boys via our site for some good suggestions for your little ones. . . . . #blackbooksmatter #mahoganybooks #blackboysdoread #bookstagram #youngkings

A post shared by MahoganyBooks (@mahoganybooks) on Aug 11, 2019 at 5:03pm PDT

Sankofa Video Books & Cafe is located across from Howard University in Washington, D.C. They’ve been open since 1998 and were inspired by the movie SANKOFA.

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What better way to spend the snow day than Hot pizza and a warm book?!🍕📕 ”I'm reading Akata Witch it's a book about a girl who turns out to have magical powers and she and her friends are asked to track down a criminal. The setup and writing and friendships are amazingly well written and I am sure children will appreciate the interesting background and story.”🌨

A post shared by Sankofa Videos, Books, & Cafe (@sankofadc) on Jan 13, 2019 at 1:18pm PST

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