On Saturday, November 15, a wave of excitement washed over Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood as hundreds of community members, readers, authors, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Honey & Hue Bookstore, founded by entrepreneur and literacy advocate Raven R. White.
Located at 1804 W 103rd Street, this new bookstore is more than just a retail space — it’s a cultural hub tailored to uplift, represent, and foster community. According to reports, the store carries over 24 genres, ranging from thrillers and historical fiction to horror, romance, and science—all age levels welcome.
A Vision Brought to Life
White, a Chicago native, described her vision as creating a space where people “feel seen, heard, and at home.” She told the Beverly Review that she wanted to curate a bookstore rooted in community, storytelling, art, and music. Her commitment goes beyond commerce: she has already launched a nonprofit arm, the Honey & Hue Literacy Collective, which aims to work with local schools to make books more accessible to students.
White previously owned and operated Brown Sugar Café & Books in Katy, Texas, a beloved but sometimes embattled space. In moving back to Chicago, she spent a year assessing neighborhoods before choosing Morgan Park, saying she felt the area “chose us back.”
A Celebration of Culture, Community & Authors
The grand opening wasn’t just a ribbon-cutting — it was a full celebration. White, her daughters, and the store team held a ribbon-cutting ceremony amid a crowd that overflowed with support.
The energy of the event was amplified by live music, a raffle, book signings, and a 15% off sale, per reports. But perhaps most meaningful was the presence of local indie authors. The store opening featured works by around 50 independent authors, with a strong emphasis on BIPOC voices.
One highlighted author was Brooklyn Mattison, known as Book With Brook, whose provocative and powerful book Y’all Are Bad Bitches But Terrible People has already found a home on Honey & Hue’s shelves. Her presence underscored the bookstore’s commitment to bold, honest storytelling.
Investing in the Future
White stressed that Honey & Hue isn’t just a retail business — it’s an investment in youth. Through her literacy collective, she hopes to provide resources, programs, and a culturally affirming space that encourages kids and teens to read, create, and connect.
She pointed out a stark truth: in some communities, literacy rates are low, and to reach young people, you have to meet them “where they are.” For her, that means blending books with music, art, and community programming that resonates.
A Homegrown Return
White’s journey brings her full circle. After founding Brown Sugar Café & Books in Texas, facing both triumphs and challenges, she felt called to return to her hometown and build something lasting. The grand opening of Honey & Hue is more than a business milestone — it’s a declaration of rootedness, purpose, and hope for future generations.
As supporters flocked to the store on opening day, there was a shared sense that Honey & Hue is more than a bookstore—it’s a space of belonging, empowerment, and storytelling for Chicago’s South Side.
