This week’s New York Press cover story alleges that black female employees of New York’s venerable used bookstore have been unfairly discriminated against — three in the last 18 months have felt “the wrath of Strand management” based on work-rule infractions. Fired employee Nicole Congleton tells the Press that she was confused at first about why she was being singled out for punishment, and then it had dawned on her: “Oh, it’s something to do with black women. And I really hoped it wasn’t. Because I hate pulling the race card. I think it’s deplorable. But finally I was, like, that’s what it is.” No one from Strand management would comment.
The article also notes that the bookstore, in spite of its cool image and rep — “Employees have their nametags hanging below their stylish caps but above their skinny jeans and Converse shoes” — turns out to be, actually, a business: “It’s not the East village hipster bookstore it’s presented to be,’ said one current 26-year-old male employee. ‘It’s a corporation, and it’s run like that.'”