“We must develop institutions designed to strengthen our identification with the Black experience and build a positive Black identity by maintaining our connection to our African heritage and culture.”
—Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman

It is imperative that black Americans regain their cultural identity not only in order to affect a stable relationship between themselves and society, but also in order to survive as fully functioning people. In 1970, under Rev. Cleage’s direction, Barbara Martin (Cardinal Nandi) set about the task of creating a center for black culture and heritage, the Sudan Import Specialty Shop.

The store, later named the Shrine of the Black Madonna™ Cultural Center and Bookstore, provided an outlet for black authors, historians, poets, educators and artists as a place for the black community to learn their history and culture. The Cultural Center started with books; jewelry, African carvings and paintings, and African fashions manufactured onsite by the Black Star Clothing Factory.

The Cultural Center and Bookstore is an integral part of the church’s program of economic development in the Black community. The opening of each new church, Detroit expansion Shrines™, Atlanta, Kalamazoo and Houston, was followed by the opening of a Shrine of the Black Madonna™ Cultural Center and Bookstore.