Resistencia Bookstore

A few years ago I went to Resistencia for a poetry reading while I was in town for a conference. The place was packed.
This time, we stopped by in the afternoon and had the place to ourselves to browse through books, cds, clothes and jewelry. I found some nice chapbooks and books (they have a great selection of books about Chicanos/​as, Indigenous people, prisoners, and African Americans). My partner ended up finding a cool book about Johnny Cash and the recording of his album «Bitter Tears» which is about native people’s struggles. He really enjoyed the book and finished it before we got back home to Cali.
Friendly people there, amazing history– definitely read up on Raul R. Salinas before you go.

Resistencia is a bold and vibrant independent bookstore which in addition has great books (generally focusing on politics, social justice, people’s movements with the majority being Indigenous/Latin@/Chican@ and African America) as well as books on the prison-​industrial complex and the great works of poet/​writer/​activist/​elder raulrsalinas, who founded and held down Resistencia for years until his passing a few years back. The store hosts incredible events – readings by authors, poetry, open mics, teach-​ins, and occasionally live music in an intimate setting. It is a vital part of both Austin history and the history of people’s movements in the US and the Americas. At the events you are bound to see old friends and make new ones.
If you are anywhere on S. 1^st in Austin, or want to make a quick 5 minute walk over from South Congress, make a visit. If it’s closed, come back later or get on their mailing list so you can find out about the events.

Ask yourself these questions:
1) Are social justice issues important to you?
2) Are you looking for the revolution?
3) Would you consider yourself an activist?
4) Do you want to take down THE MAN?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, resistencia book store is DEFINITELY for you. If you are looking for hard to find political books, this place is for you. If you want to support an amazing locally owned establishment, this place is for you.
In addition to the books, although it is a small collection, the people involved with this bookstore are awe inspiring. They have bi-​weekly open readings in addition to the many more events they host. I have been for some events and find myself surrounded with amazing artists and activists that have not only been influential in Austin, but across the state, nation, and globe.
It’s a humble little space, with A LOT going on inside!

What this store lacks in size and surplus in makes up for in content.
You won’t find anything like best-​selling fiction or classics or performing arts here. What you will find are very informative and thought provoking works on political and social issues, especially those concerning Latin America. They also have many titles concerning Native Americans.
If you were going to a chain store to check out the political section, stopping here would be well worth your time.