National tour and partnership with Black bookstores spark boost in sales during Black History Month
HOUSTON, Texas (February 21, 2026) — National civil rights attorney Ben Crump’s new legal thriller, “Worse Than A Lie,” is helping fuel a significant increase in sales at Black-owned bookstores across the country.
As part of his national book tour, Crump intentionally partnered with Black independent bookstores to host signings, conversations, and community events, leading to sellouts at multiple stops and a significant uptick in overall store traffic and sales. His publisher reports approximately 25,000 copies sold in pre-sales and in-store book sales in the first week, and is approaching limited remaining stock amid continued demand.
“Black-owned bookstores are cornerstones of our community,” said Crump. “They are freedom schools, gathering places, and platforms for truth. If Worse Than A Lie is helping strengthen these institutions during Black History Month, that’s a victory far greater than book sales alone.”
Among the Black-owned bookstores hosting Crump’s tour stops:
- Baldwin & Co. (New Orleans)
- Da Book Joint (Chicago)
- Mahogany Books (Washington, D.C.)
- Malik Books (Los Angeles)
- Marcus Books (Oakland)
- The Dock Bookshop (Dallas/Fort Worth)
- Underground Books (Sacramento)
Several stores reported selling out of their initial inventory during or shortly after events, with customers purchasing additional titles and merchandise. The exposure has helped bookstores from Tallahassee, Florida; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Los Angeles, California; Oakland, California; San Diego, California; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Miami Gardens, Florida; to Dallas, Texas, showing record numbers of support.
The tour has also drawn support from the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) and bookstore leaders nationwide, including Marc Lamont Hill’s Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books, who have emphasized the importance of intentional partnerships that direct consumer spending toward Black-owned businesses.
“Ben Crump has always used his voice to fight for justice,” said Kevin Johnson, founder and president of NAB2, former NBA All-Star, and former two-time mayor of Sacramento. “With this release, he also put action behind that voice. By facilitating purchases of his book through the National Association of Black Bookstores, he ensured that independent Black-owned bookstores across the country directly benefited. That kind of intentional support matters. It strengthens businesses, families, and the cultural institutions that help tell our stories.”
According to the African American Literature Book Club, there are nearly 180 Black-owned bookstores operating across the United States, which is a dramatic increase from just 54 in 2014, following years of decline amid the rise of big-box retailers and e-commerce platforms.
“When we support Black bookstores, we are investing in literacy, legacy, and liberation,” Crump added. “They are invaluable community centers that host author talks, youth programs, civic dialogue, and cultural gatherings, all while honoring our past, present, and future.”
Black History Month has historically driven increased attention toward Black authors and businesses, and Crump’s tour has amplified that momentum by encouraging readers to purchase directly from Black independent retailers.
“Worse Than A Lie” is a gripping legal thriller rooted in the pursuit of justice and truth — themes that have defined Crump’s decades-long career advocating for families seeking accountability and meaningful reform.
For a directory of Black-owned bookstores, visit the African American Literature Book Club’s national database.
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ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW
Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.
