# Black In The Stacks: Sharing Stories of Black Librarians, Authors, and Advocates with Marquita Gooch

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories-7031511/black-in-the-stacks-sharing-stories-of-black-librarians-authors-and-advocates-with-marquita-gooch
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories-7031511/black-in-the-stacks-sharing-stories-of-black-librarians-authors-and-advocates-with-marquita-gooch.md
Podcast: [Social Justice Origin Stories](https://stenobird.com/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories-7031511)
Published: 2026-01-21T17:55:00+00:00
Episode link: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/black-in-the-stacks-sharing-stories-of-black-librarians-authors-and-advocates-with-marquita-d-gooch/
Audio file: https://media.zencast.fm/social-justice-origin-stories/9bd2c6ae-6b02-42d1-86bf-00e1f3479b9b.wav?source=feed
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Duration seconds: 4848

## Resource

Marquita D. Gooch, MLIS, reflects on the pitfalls and power dynamics of representing a library system publicly, while being limited in her ability to speak freely without fear of retaliation. She talks about the freedom she’s found to be more vocal since leaving traditional library work, and shares how her experiences became catalysts for creating Life After Libraries, her podcast and web series chronicling her journey beyond traditional libraries, and Black in the Stacks, her podcast highlighting the inspiring stories of librarians, authors, advocates, and others from the African American and African Diaspora. Black in the Stacks is more than a project; it's a way to build narrative power. Marquita believes everyone has a story to tell, and encourages anyone who can to share theirs. 00:00 Introduction: The Spirit of Service in Libraries 01:34 Challenges and Changes in the Library System 02:26 Finding Your Calling in Librarianship 03:25 Going Viral: Highlighting Diversity in Libraries 05:30 The Power of Storytelling and Oral Histories 06:38 Introduction to Social Justice Origin Stories 07:49 Guest Introduction: Marquita Gooch 08:23 Personal Reflections on Education and Libraries 11:19 The Journey to Becoming a Librarian 14:27 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles 26:13 Navigating Library Politics and Advocacy 38:53 Coping with Loss and Grief 39:46 Making Meaning from Experiences 42:22 Life After Libraries 44:30 Challenges in Librarianship 52:00 Starting Black in the Stacks 57:31 Advice for Creatives 01:03:18 Reflections and Inspirations 01:18:33 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude Connect with Marquita by searching for ⁨@marquitatheelibrarian⁩ on most platforms. You can also visit the Black in the Stacks Website: https://blackinthestacks.com/ 🔔 If you haven't alread…

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