Between 1989–1991, the late Tupak Shakur wrote a collection of poetry that went on to be published posthumously at the end of the millenium. Evita Colon and Solise White are the co-owners of A Concrete Rose Bookbar, one of Lancaster’s newest hangouts. The name is an homage to Shakur, whose poem, “The Rose That grew from Concrete”, encapsulates strength, growth, and beauty despite all obstacles.
A Concrete Rose Bookbar is an amalgamation of books, beverages, art, poetry, events, community, and Black excellence. In short, “it’s a manifestation of all our dreams coming true together,” says Colon.
For A Concrete Rose, books are not just merchandise—they’re a tool for connectivity and growth. The bookbar features authors from the African diaspora (think Shakur’s legendary poetry collection, and Lancaster local Ali Kamanda’s esteemed “Black Boy, Black Boy”). White says, “We want to use the literature that we have here as an opportunity to host discussions about our differences and our similarities, to bring people together so that we all grow together as a community.”
The bookbar features wine from Allegro Winery and Pinnacle Ridge as well as some beer selections from Lancaster Brewing Company. To further invoke a sense of community, visitors receive a wristband and serve themselves through a self-pour system. Tapas, or small plates, enhance the experience.
As a whole, A Concrete Rose is a huge proponent of art, as evidenced by its hand-painted walls. Local Lancaster artist Keisha Finnie painted the walls a one-of-a-kind print (with matching mugs to boot).
The art gallery will feature a quarterly exhibit of selected artists, and artists can submit their collections to A Concrete Rose for showing on the walls. The bookbar’s first installation is Bryan “King Prolifik” Hickman’s “Ode to the Orishas”.
“We’re really big on amplifying local artists, especially BIPOC local artists, and giving them opportunities that we may lack as a community,” says Colon.
White and Colon’s bookbar has a lot to offer in its interior—but its location makes a statement, too. It’s situated in Southeast Lancaster, where Colon grew up. “My childhood home is literally around the corner. It means a lot to me, because I come from a part of Lancaster that is often written off, and it’s very beautiful,” she says. “There’s a lot of talent here; there’s a lot of potential here, and I’m a product of that. I’m a product of this community that has raised me and has provided me with a lot of encouragement and love during some very difficult times in my life. It means the world to come back to this community specifically, and assist and encourage and empower the people here to follow their own dreams or overcome their own challenges.”
White, who grew up in New York City, can relate to a challenging upbringing. That’s what makes Shakur’s poetry so relevant. A rose growing from concrete seems impossible, but there are ways to emerge from a difficult environment. “You grow from overcoming challenges, and it makes your process more beautiful,” White says. “It makes the rose more beautiful.”
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Visitors that make their way to A Concrete Rose can expect no shortage of entertainment, including jazz night, open mic and spoken word events, and other classes and programs. The co-owners have plenty of experience hosting events and maintain an extensive network of local artists to tap into thanks to Lancaster’s fruitful scene. Visitors will also be able to access Black Voices Magazine right in the bookbar. Collaborations with the City of Lancaster and local authors and artists prove just how integral A Concrete Rose is to the community, even as a young business.
“Sometimes we’re overlooked here in Lancaster,” Colon says, but supporting and uplifting the local community works against that.
Above all, A Concrete Rose Bookbar serves as a safe space for the Lancaster community and beyond. It’s poised to attract tourists and visitors from all over, while simultaneously helping locals access an environment and resources they may not have been able to before.
Another Shakur poem, “Ambition Over Adversity”, says, “Turn adversity into ambition. Now blossom into wealth.” Through A Concrete Rose Bookbar, Colon and White have embodied this notion—for themselves and their community at large.
A Concrete Rose Bookbar Co.
910 S Duke St, Ste 105, Lancaster, PA 17602
