ABC's Good Morning America kicked off its celebration of Black Business Month with a visit to the Loyalty Bookstores location in Washington, D.C., and highlighted the work of owner Hannah Oliver Depp, who "has made it her mission to write a new chapter for her community when it comes to access to books and representation." Check out the video here, featuring a special guest appearance by author Jason Reynolds and a surprise presentation of a $20,000 check sponsored by Wells Fargo to support Depp's bookmobile dream.
In an e-mail yesterday, Depp wrote: "Normally I write these messages from a computer in our D.C. or Md. store buried under a to-do list, but today I write to you from a state of total SHOCK and immense gratitude. The lovely folks at Good Morning America asked Loyalty to be part of their Black Business Celebration month and gave us a chance to talk about why diversity on bookshelves and within independent bookstores matter. But they had an INCREDIBLE surprise for us (watch until the end!).
"We are going to gather as a store and figure out how to strengthen the work we already do and then start building our next adventure with you, our wonderful community. Thank you to everyone who have gotten us to three years and welcome to anyone joining team Loyalty today!"
Earlier yesterday morning, Loyalty Booksstore posted on Instagram: "Team Loyalty is here at our Petworth location bright and early this morning for something super duper exciting!! Tune into @goodmorningamerica at 8 a.m.!"