When Tabitha Brown speaks, people listen. Her light, her wisdom, and her authenticity have made her a beloved figure in both the wellness and entertainment worlds. So when she recently spoke out about the Target boycott potentially harming Black authors and book visibility, it made headlines—and sparked critique.
Some praised her for speaking up. Others challenged her for what felt like a surface-level take. But what if both sides are missing something?
As someone who has blogged about Tabitha earlier this year for her positive influence, I feel compelled to return to this conversation—not to critique her, but to expand it.
What Tabitha Said Matters. But So Does What She Didn’t Say.
Tabitha voiced concern that the Target boycott could impact the sales of books by Black authors. And she’s right: shelf visibility in major retailers does influence sales and bestsellers lists.
But this issue didn’t begin with a boycott. And it won’t end with one either.
The Publishing Industry Has Always Had a Visibility Problem—Especially for Black Authors
Here are just a few statistics:
Less than 7% of traditionally published authors are Black.
Between 1950 and 2018, over 95% of published books were by white authors.
Black authors are paid less, promoted less, and often face systemic erasure in media coverage and literary recognition.
Many Black authors—even those with book deals—still have to rely on community support, self-marketing, and word-of-mouth to be seen.
So while we can agree that retail shelf access matters, the bigger issue is that Black stories have never been given equal footing.
Why the Bigger Picture Matters
If we focus solely on retail partnerships, we risk overlooking the deeply embedded disparities in publishing. It’s not just about Target. It’s about how Black brilliance, creativity, and storytelling are still being underfunded and undervalued—across the board.
Tabitha’s voice added light to the conversation. But now, it’s on us to carry it further.
Here's What You Can Do
Buy directly from Black authors. Don’t wait for big box stores to carry them.
Request their books at local libraries and independent bookstores.
Share their work with your circles—not just the “popular” books.
Support indie and self-published writers. They often face the most hurdles.
Start conversations about equity in publishing, even when they’re uncomfortable.
Final Thoughts
This moment isn’t just about one celebrity’s critique or concern. It’s about how we value Black voices beyond trends, headlines, or temporary outrage.
We need more than a seat at the table—we need the resources, advocacy, and platforms that allow Black authors to thrive without needing to explain their worth.
So yes, let’s thank Tabitha for starting the conversation again. But let’s also keep going, deeper and louder—because our stories deserve that.