Inside Grassrootz Bookstore and the Black Marketplace at Archwood Exchange
NaTyshca Pickett
Last week I spent time in two spaces that highlight the power of community, culture, and Black entrepreneurship in Phoenix: Grassrootz Bookstore & Juice Bar and the Black Marketplace at Archwood Exchange at Eastlake.
Both spaces are led by community organizer and entrepreneur Michael “Brother Ali” Nervis, whose work has been instrumental in creating environments where the Black community in Phoenix can gather, learn, create, and support one another.
In a rapidly growing city like Phoenix, spaces intentionally centered around Black culture and economic empowerment are deeply meaningful. They serve as places where history, art, knowledge, and entrepreneurship can coexist while strengthening community ties.
What I experienced during my visit felt less like attending events and more like stepping into spaces built with purpose.
A Cultural Anchor in Phoenix
Located in Phoenix, Grassrootz Bookstore & Juice Bar operates as more than just a bookstore. It serves as a cultural anchor for the Black community, one that blends literature, art, wellness, and conversation in a way that feels both intentional and welcoming.
The walls are lined with artwork that immediately captures your attention. Portraits and cultural pieces share space with quotes from leaders such as Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisholm, Duke Ellington, and Barack Obama. Together, they create an environment where Black history and cultural pride are visibly celebrated.
One striking painting features two young Black children seated across from each other playing chess, with a distant city skyline behind them. The image evokes strategy, intelligence, and the idea of generational thinking.
Another powerful piece depicts a young man standing beneath a glowing crown, wearing a backpack while storm clouds gather behind him. The imagery suggests resilience, leadership, and the strength of young people navigating the world around them.
These pieces of art do more than decorate the space. They serve as reminders that cultural spaces like Grassrootz are places where identity and history are honored.
A Moment to Pause at the Juice Bar
Inside the bookstore, the juice bar adds a refreshing and welcoming dimension to the experience.
During my visit, I ordered a smoothie called The Marley, a bright and refreshing drink that perfectly matched the energy of the space.
The Marley was smooth, chilled, and the kind of drink that encourages you to slow down and stay awhile.
That’s part of the beauty of spaces like Grassrootz. Visitors can browse books, take in the artwork, and connect with others in the community while enjoying something nourishing.
It’s easy to imagine someone stopping in for a smoothie and leaving with a new book, a new idea, or even a new connection.
The Black Marketplace at Archwood Exchange
Later in the day that same spirit of community continued at the Black Marketplace, hosted at Archwood Exchange at Eastlake.
The marketplace brought together Black-owned businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs from across the city, creating a space where the community could gather to support local brands and celebrate Black enterprise.
Events like this are especially significant in Phoenix, where opportunities for Black-owned businesses to connect directly with customers and showcase their work are vital to strengthening local economic ecosystems.
Walking through the marketplace, the energy of entrepreneurship was everywhere.
One vendor table featured beautifully packaged baked goods from Brown Butter Sugar Bakery, where slices of cheesecake and cookies were carefully arranged for visitors. The presentation alone drew people in.
Another standout vendor was Beautiful Little Things, which featured a vibrant display of handcrafted purses and accessories. The table immediately caught attention with its colorful presentation and unique bag designs, each piece feeling thoughtfully made and full of personality.
Nearby, another vendor showcased apparel from God Is My Algorithm, a faith-centered clothing brand with the bold message of faith and overcoming obstacles. The brand’s presence reflected how spirituality, identity, and entrepreneurship often intersect within the Black community.
Markets like this create opportunities not just to shop, but to connect with the stories and visions behind the businesses themselves.
Why These Spaces Matter in Phoenix
Grassrootz Bookstore and the Black Marketplace represent something much larger than individual businesses or events.
They represent community infrastructure.
For the Black community in Phoenix, spaces like these provide opportunities to gather, celebrate culture, exchange ideas, and support Black-owned businesses in ways that strengthen the entire community.
They also serve as reminders that culture is not only preserved in museums or history books, it is actively built through the spaces where people gather, create, and invest in one another.
Through literature, art, wellness, and entrepreneurship, Michael “Brother Ali” Nervis has helped cultivate environments where culture and community are centered and celebrated.
As Phoenix continues to grow, spaces like Grassrootz Bookstore and the Black Marketplace remain essential because they ensure that the voices, creativity, and businesses of the Black community continue to thrive within the city’s cultural landscape.