Noname’s Book Club Saved from Closure Thanks to the Power of Community

Noname is expressing deep gratitude after her Noname Book Club was saved from shutting down, thanks to an overwhelming wave of support from her dedicated community. The Chicago rapper and activist had taken to social media to share the urgent financial struggles threatening the club’s existence, but in less than 24 hours, her followers stepped up in a major way.

Noname’s Call for Help Sparks an Incredible Response

On Sunday, February 2, Noname made a heartfelt Instagram post, revealing that due to declining donations, she was on the verge of shutting down her beloved Noname Book Club—an initiative that selects two books written by people of color each month and provides free copies to incarcerated members.

The club relies on Patreon support, where people can contribute as little as $1 per month, but donations had dropped so low that Noname could no longer cover the costs herself. Facing a difficult decision, she reached out to her community for help—and the response was nothing short of miraculous.

In just one day, supporters exceeded the club’s fundraising goal, allowing it to continue operations. A deeply moved Noname took to social media to share the incredible news: “Never in my life will I ever again doubt the power of community. In less than 24 hours, we made it to our goal!!!”

She added that February was supposed to mark the club’s closure, but instead, she was left “crying tears of joy” thanks to the overwhelming generosity of her supporters.

Still Work to Be Done: Waiting List for Incarcerated Members

Despite the victory, Noname explained that the club is not yet financially stable enough to add new incarcerated members to its books-to-prison program. She revealed that there is currently a waiting list of 300 incarcerated individuals hoping to be included.

To expand the program, the Noname Book Club needs to reach 15,000 paid subscribers—a milestone that would allow them to accept new members and continue their mission of providing literary access to marginalized communities. “Because most people sign up at our $1 tier, it takes a lot of subs to reach our financial goals. But by the grace of God, the universe, and many of you wonderful souls, we are well on our way.”

Noname referred to the community-driven success as a “Black History Month miracle”, emphasizing how collective action can bring about real change.

Noname’s Activism and Outspoken Views

Beyond her literary activism, Noname has never shied away from challenging mainstream narratives. In 2023, she sparked controversy by calling out major Hip Hop and R&B figures—including JAY-Z, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar—for their partnerships with the NFL, an organization accused of blackballing Colin Kaepernick.

On her track “Namesake” from the album Sundial, Noname rapped: “I ain’t f*in’ with the NFL or JAY-Z / Propaganda for the military complex.”

However, she later clarified that her lyrics were not personal attacks but rather a critique of societal complacency. In an interview with Apple Music’s Ebro Darden, she stated: “I don’t hate this man. I don’t know JAY-Z. He’s a total stranger. We just have ideological differences. That’s all.”

She also acknowledged that she, too, has made contradictory choices in her career, which is why the song is called “Namesake”—a reminder that everyone, including herself, can be complicit in systems they criticize.

Final Thoughts: A Testament to Community Strength

The Noname Book Club’s survival is a testament to the power of grassroots support. In an industry often dominated by corporate sponsorships and mainstream backing, Noname’s success highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives that prioritize education, justice, and empowerment.

With continued growth, the club could expand its outreach, ensuring that even more incarcerated individuals gain access to literature that reflects their stories and experiences. For now, Noname and her supporters can celebrate this victory, proving that real change starts with the people.