Kwame is the proud owner of the Tattered Cover, Colorado’s largest independent bookstore. He is even prouder of his work to save and restore the Tattered Cover. Kwame faced head-on the difficulties all small businesses endured during the pandemic, and due to his business acumen and leadership, the Tattered Cover survived and remains a beloved Denver institution, both a local and national landmark, welcoming everyone with open arms, inviting them to explore and as part of his commitment to education and literacy, to read. Under his leadership, the Tattered Cover has thrived; sales are stronger, and the Tattered Cover has expanded with four new locations.

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One of the biggest reasons why Kwame sought to save Tattered Cover is the role of literacy in children’s lives.  Children who can read at or above grade level by third grade have drastically better educational outcomes than those who cannot.  As a child, Kwame had such great access to books and parents who were intense readers.  As CEO of Tattered Cover, one of his key goals was to give all children the type of opportunity to access literature.  And most importantly, to learn to love to read.  

Kwame opened Tattered Cover’s first ever children’s bookstore in Stanley Marketplace.  The store boasts classical children’s literature, with new writers, and rich diverse topics and authors.  He also welcomed schools into the Tattered Cover to speak with students and promote access to literature.  Tattered Cover also frequently partners with Denver Public Schools through its librarians to ensure the district has curated literature for its students.