Our Story

Zora’s Place was born from a simple, soul-deep truth: we need a space of our own. A space where Black stories are centered, celebrated, and shared. A space where sisterhood and self-care are sacred. A space that feels like home.

Named in honor of literary icon Zora Neale Hurston, Zora’s Place is Evanston’s first Black feminist bookstore—a cozy, creative sanctuary where readers, writers, and dreamers gather. Whether you’re browsing for your next favorite book, joining us for a community event, or simply stopping by to exhale and exist, you’re welcome here.

Our Mission

Zora’s Place is on a mission to cultivate a vibrant space that centers Black women and femmes through literature, community, and wellness. We exist to amplify underrepresented voices, nourish our collective imagination, and remind you that you are not alone in your story.

Our Vision

We envision a world where Black women’s stories are not only seen and heard—but cherished. Zora’s Place is more than a bookstore. It’s a gathering ground. A resting place. A revolution in soft form. Our vision is to create a sustainable space that inspires healing, sparks joy, and fuels liberation—one book, one conversation, one community event at a time.

Our Values

  • We honor the radical, revolutionary tradition of Black feminist thought and storytelling.

  • We believe in building together, not climbing over one another.

  • Rest, joy, and reflection are essential—not optional.

  • Every book on our shelves is handpicked to reflect, affirm, and expand the narratives of our community.

  • Zora’s Place is for everyone who values equity, inclusion, and the magic of diverse stories.

Our Founder

Picture of author L'Oreal Thompson Payton wearing a green dress, seated in front of a yellow background holding her debut book, Stop Waiting for Perfect.

L’Oreal Thompson Payton

L’Oreal Thompson Payton is a writer, wellness advocate, and lifelong book lover who believes in the power of stories to heal and transform. A seasoned journalist and bestselling author of Stop Waiting for Perfect, L’Oreal created Zora’s Place as the bookstore she always wished existed: one that reflects the beauty, brilliance, and complexity of Black womanhood.

Rooted in both reverence for the literary greats and a deep love for today’s storytellers, L’Oreal sees Zora’s Place as more than a business—it’s a love letter to Black women, to Evanston, and to every reader who’s ever longed for a space where they truly belong.