In the heart of Minneapolis, where the pulse of urban life beats steadily against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers, there exists a sanctuary of words—a haven where stories converge, cultures intersect, and voices long marginalized find resonance. At its helm stands Mary Taris, a beacon of literary equity whose unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion has ignited a literary renaissance in the heart of Downtown.
Born and bred in the vibrant tapestry of Minneapolis, Taris’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring legacy of community empowerment. A graduate of North High School, she embarked on a path paved with the dual responsibilities of motherhood and personal growth, navigating the intricacies of clerical work and imparting knowledge as a dedicated educator for over a decade.
Yet, it was in 2018 that Taris’s journey took a transformative turn—one that would redefine her purpose and reshape the literary landscape of her beloved city. With boundless determination and an unwavering vision, she founded Strive Publishing, a pioneering initiative dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering cultural exchange through the written word.
“I wanted to bridge cultures and help shape society through literature,” Taris reflects, her voice resonating with unwavering conviction. This mission culminated in the establishment of two bookstores in Downtown Minneapolis, each a sanctuary where diverse voices converge and narratives intertwine.
“Our focus is on uplifting underrepresented voices,” Taris declares, her eyes gleaming with purpose. From Black authors to immigrant perspectives, from women-owned publishers to military families, Strive Bookstore transcends boundaries, fostering a vibrant tapestry of narratives that reflect the rich mosaic of human experience.
In a candid conversation with Al McFarlane, Taris expounds upon the transformative power of literature to reshape societal paradigms. “Reading is not merely a solitary pursuit; it is a communal act of discovery and enlightenment,” she asserts. Through Strive Bookstore’s curated selection and engaging events, Taris endeavors to ignite a passion for reading among children and adults alike, bridging the gap in educational disparities and nurturing a lifelong love for learning.
“We need to get books in their hands… It’s a tangible way to get children interested in books,” Taris emphasizes, underscoring the importance of literary engagement from a young age.
Reflecting on her journey, Taris acknowledges the pivotal role of familial influence and mentorship in shaping her trajectory. “Children who see their parents reading will inevitably follow suit,” she remarks, a testament to the enduring legacy of generational empowerment.
Taris’s Strive Publishing stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Black entrepreneurship. As a Black woman-owned venture, Strive Bookstore embodies the spirit of empowerment and representation. Coming from Black History Month and now into International Women’s Month, the significance of Taris’s ownership of Strive cannot be overstated. It is a celebration of Black excellence and a recognition of the vital role that Black women play in shaping our cultural landscape.
As we venture into the hallowed halls of Strive Bookstore, guided by Taris’s steadfast vision, we are reminded of the transformative power of literature to transcend barriers, bridge divides, and ignite the flames of collective enlightenment. In Taris, we find not just a purveyor of books, but a visionary—a literary luminary whose indomitable spirit continues to shape the cultural fabric of Downtown Minneapolis and beyond.
