COMMUNITY
Ross Johnson
Photos The Oklahoma Eagle
Onikah Asamoa-Caesar has embraced, throughout the last several years, the full spirit of entrepreneurship, realized by the success of Fulton Street Books & Coffee.
The once West Latimer Street-based haven for Black literature, celebrations of culture and perfectly crafted signature coffees, drew patrons from communities far beyond the doors of its dual-purpose retail front in the Brady Heights District (The Heights).
The quaint mid-block location was a local gathering place for many who lived between the northern and southern district border streets of West Marshall Street and West Fairview Street. Fulton, in The Heights, opened early enough for the morning coffee run, and closed a few hours beyond the evening rush hour.
In Greenwood, Fulton accommodates the same demand with an additional day for patrons, now open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A year-round host for local organizations, Fulton has thoughtfully provided a space for reading hours, book launches, spoken word events and private gatherings. The new Greenwood location, like The Heights, will be a favored venue for creatives and audiences.
We, of course, without the slightest hint of objectivity, were fully committed to Fulton’s cruffins, one of many pastries that we still believe are baked in the late Sojourner Truth’s kitchen, cooled upon the window sill of Harriet Tubman, while Maya Angelou softly reads poetry to them, a Wakandan high priestess blesses them and Michelle Obama personally supervises their delivery to the shop… Just sayin’
Hyperbole? …. No. No, it is not.
Asamoa-Caesar is well aware of the art and discipline required to build a brand that meets the needs and exceeds the expectations of patrons. Fulton reflects such insight as visitors, after entering, scan the room for a place to sit and share a moment with friends, meet with colleagues or simply embrace some “me time.”
The 21 N. Greenwood Ave. location is-what-it-was and more.
The “more,” honestly isn’t simply its inviting street-facing interior, the ideal selection and placement of branded items, an open ceiling that gives the effect of broader space, and closer proximity to Greenwood.
The “more” is the obvious attention to detail, the ‘intentional’ use of space, a broadened selection of new dining favorites, and the opportunity to become a part of an entrepreneur’s evolving story.
A grand opening, in a general sense, is often perceived as a new beginning or expansion. This event, Fulton’s grand opening, is leap forward, creating more space to experiment, create, gather, fellowship, and look across the expansive storefront to ‘see folk.’
Asamoa-Caesar, we’re certain, will find patrons seated in front of books and coffees, browsing shelves and tables, sharing new stories and old, thankful for the opportunity to share the dream and vision of a phenomenal entrepreneur…. Because this is what we do. This is Greenwood.
