New Beacon Books, the iconic black bookshop in Finsbury Park threatened with closure last year, reopens tomorrow (Saturday) following a volunteer-powered refurbishment.

The Stroud Green Road shop, which opened in 1966, has undergone a complete transformation following a fundraising campaign which brought in more than £11,000. Hundreds donated online when news of its impending closure spread.

Co-founder Sarah White announced last year that it would cease its retail operation after years of dwindling sales. But thanks to a social media effort led by founder John La Rose’s grandson Renaldo and his wife Vanessa, the shop now has had a facelift and a bright future.

Bookshop director Janice Durham said: “It’s going to be lovely. We’ve done a lot of work – mostly by the family and volunteers. It’s been a wonderful experience but stressful as well.”

She added: “It’s exciting. It feels positive that the community wants us to continue.”

New Beacon was founded in 1966 by Mr La Rose, a poet, essayist, political activist and publisher, and his partner Ms White. For decades it had a publishing arm specialising in black British, Caribbean, African, African-American and Asian literature.

With roots in the anti-colonial movement, it helped power the civil rights struggle in Britain, thanks to its pioneering publishing arm and historic initiatives such as the Caribbean Artists Movement.

• Keywords
  BOOKSHOPS
• Geographical keyword
  STROUD GREEN ROAD
• Persons keyword
  New Beacon Books, George Padmore Institute, John La Rose, Sarah White, Renaldo La Rose