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SOUTHERN VOICE NOVEMBER3/1994 Charis turns 20 Continued from page 17 market.” Bryant recalls a customer who complained about the cost of CDs at Charis, telling Bryant she would have to buy somewhere else based on the price difference. “I understand her concern,” says Bryant, who is mindful of the economy and people’s need to save where they can. “But saving $1 or $2...the real cost may be the [loss of] independents.” Another cause for celebration by the women at Charis (two owners, two full-time staffers, several part-timers, and numerous volunteers) is the new home that Charis oc cupied earlier this year, which now houses a wider selection of books on 25 percent more shelf space in a contemporary, roomier set ting. Just across the street from the original location in Little Five Points, the new build ing is owned by Bryant and co-owner Sherry Emory and is their response to ever increas ing rental rates in the neighborhood. An expensive endeavor, purchase of the house and its renovation were made possible through volunteer labor, the neighborhood BOND credit union, and a generous loan from a friend who has been with Bryant and Emory since the beginning and who they refer to as their guardian angel. Having settled comfortably into the cozy, new space that feels more like someone’s living room than a retail store, Bryant and Emory must now attempt to pay off loans owed for the down payment and renovation costs. Unlike the super bookstores, however, which would never think to go to their cus tomers for help, the women are able to ask for assistance from the communities they have served over the years. Several fundraisers have already netted $5,000, although a great deal more is owed. Two events during Charis’ anniversary week end, Nov. 5 and 6, will go toward the renova tion debt. In addition, everything in the store will be discounted 10 percent. For 20 years, Bryant and her co-owners have attempted to provide books and mer chandise that appeal to gays and lesbians, Latinos, African-Americans, children, and many more groups. According to therapist Marlene Johnson, who works six hours a week at the bookstore and describes herself as a “big” African-American woman, the staff al ways makes an effort to listen to concerns from customers. Anyone who comes in and has a problem with a book, well, we listen,” Johnson says. “Recently, someone complained about a short story that was very anti-disabled. The staff hadn’t read the story, so they didn’t know, CONTINUES PAGE 22 Co-owners Linda Bryant (left) and Sherry Emory As your Congressman, John Lewis: • Co-sponsored the Civil Rights Act of 1993 and the Employment Non-discrimination Act. Both prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. • Fought to include language in the Health Security Act which demanded that health care services be delivered fairly to all Americans on a non-discriminatory basis. • Championed full funding of the Ryan White Act and increased funding for AIDS research. • Received a 100% voting rating from the Human Rights Campaign Fund. As Chief Deputy Majority Whip, John Lewis holds the fourth ranking position in the leadership of the House of Representatives. In addition, he serves on the powerful Ways and Means Committee. John Lewis CONGRESS A History of Leadership. A Record of Accomplishment. VOTE NOVEMBER 8™! PAID FOR BY THE JOHN LEWIS FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE iV*VAV ’.♦AM I