[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF AFRO-IN BOOKS AND CAFE, INC.

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                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 
30th year of operation of the Afro-In Books and Cafe, Inc. in Miami, 
Florida. Three decades ago, founders Dr. Earl A. Wells and his wife 
Eursla Wells envisioned a community where people of all ages could 
congregate with hunger and thirst for the wisdom of their ancestors and 
explore all there is to know about the great people from which they 
come. All the while, the Afro-In Books and Cafe, Inc. has retained its 
prominence as Miami's oldest and largest black book store.
  Founded in 1978, Afro-In Books and Things served as a meeting place 
for artists and intellectuals to discuss the important issues of the 
day. Both founders are retired educators from the Miami-Dade County 
Public School System and fulfilled their dream of bringing quality 
books, periodicals, and literature to the inner city community of 
Greater Miami. Since its opening, the bookstore always made it a point 
to feature books written by and about people of color. Additionally, 
Dr. and Mrs. Wells were instrumental in the development of the Miami 
International Book Fair which has grown tremendously over the years. 
The Afro-In Books and Cafe, Inc. remains an annual participant in the 
book fair.
  From 1996 to December 2005, the operation of Afro-In Books and Things 
was managed by Mr. William D.C. Clark and his wife Stephana, who is the 
grand-daughter of Miami pioneer Dr. D.A. Dorsey. They significantly 
expanded the selections offered in the bookstore. In February 2006, 
Afro-In Books and Things was obtained by Ms. Jamila Capp and her 
father, Dr. Larry Capp. The bookstore was renamed, Afro-In Books and 
Cafe, Inc. and was remodeled to include a cafe, patio dining, and 
Internet services.
  Currently, the new Afro-In Books and Cafe, Inc., has hosted many 
book-signings by such luminaries as Dr. Rudy Crew, Paul Robeson Jr. and 
many local authors. In addition, lectures, poetry readings, political, 
and community meetings are held regularly at the bookstore. Over the 
years, the Afro-In Books and Cafe, Inc., has hosted many celebrities 
including Maya Angelou, Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Bernadette 
Stanis, and many others.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding the Afro-In Books and 
Cafe, Inc. as it celebrates 30 years of synonymous quality and 
exceptional public service. From its early days, the bookstore has 
possessed a commitment to preserving history, educating the community, 
and upholding a determination to create an environment that welcomes 
all who are prepared to enrich their knowledge.

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