Akaysha Calhoun
Marcus Books
Oakland, CA USA
"What kept me grounded was being able to look at myself as a love interest, or a scientist, or a detective. It’s important that every child gets that."
Career Roadmap
Akaysha's work combines: Business, Art, and Communicating / Sharing Stories
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Fine/Studio Arts, General
California College of the Arts
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I grew up running through the aisles of my family’s bookstore, Marcus Books, which is the oldest Black-owned bookstore in the U.S.
2.
Seeing Black faces in children’s books, detective stories, and romance novels showed me that I mattered, and that really made an impact.
3.
I studied at California College of the Arts, where I began using painting and drawing as free therapy when words felt too heavy.
4.
I found one of my favorite artists in a book, and years later, got to learn from her in a selective residency.
5.
Working at my family’s bookstore, I felt pressure to live up to generations of greatness, even when doubt crept in.
6.
I discovered that art and activism aren’t separate—designing merch for my family’s bookstore lets me heal and contribute at the same time.
7.
In a world that often tries to erase us, I want the bookstore to be a loud, loving space for all, especially Black people.
Defining Moments
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Growing up in white schools, I felt invisible. It was really horrible at times. I was never picked first for dances or sports. Books let me imagine myself as the main character, the hero. Now, I help other kids feel that too.