The Shelf That Saw (2026)

The Shelf That Saw pays its respect to the National Memorial African Bookstore (1930- c. 1974,), created by Lewis Michaux but funded, operated, and maintained by his family, organisers, community members, political leaders, readers, students, and the everyday Harlem resident. Through projection mapping, The Shelf That Saw acts as a space-independent landmark of the most influential bookstore in Harlem. It became a place of meeting, a congregation point for those curious about Black history and the struggles of Black people. The National Memorial African Bookstore was immensely critical to Black literature but also political activism during the Pan-African Movement, Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Movement, and Black Power Movement.