With unique titles fitted on every shelf and the smell of fresh coffee filling the air, Fulton Street Books & Coffee has become a home for local readers in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In many ways, the shop is a love letter to Onikah Asamoa-Caesar’s younger self.
A book enthusiast at heart, Asamoa-Caesar fueled her love for reading and history at Cal State Fullerton before graduating and bringing the magic of literature into her own bookshop.
“The experiences I had at CSUF reinforced my belief in the power of community and storytelling — both of which are central to what I do now,” said Asamoa-Caesar, owner and founder of Fulton Street Books & Coffee.
Growing up, Asamoa-Caesar said she didn’t always see herself reflected in the books around her. Inspired to change that for herself and others, she created a unique space that champions representation in literature.
“The mission is simple but powerful: to build a place where people feel seen, heard and valued,” said Asamoa-Caesar. “When people read about others, it fosters empathy and understanding. Books shape how we see the world and our place in it, and making sure those narratives are inclusive is essential.”
As the only Black-owned bookstore in Tulsa, Asamoa-Caesar said she’s seen the impact of the brick-and-mortar store on the local reading community. Whether it’s through book clubs, author events or casual conversations over coffee, the literature has inspired discourse about social justice and critical issues facing the country.
Increasing intergenerational literacy is also at the heart of the store’s mission. According to the National Literacy Institute, literacy has become a widespread issue across the United States with about 54% of adults reading below a 6th-grade level.
“Fulton Street has become a hub — not just for books, but for dialogue, connection and activism,” said Asamoa-Caesar.
Finding Community at CSUF
After graduating from high school in rural Mississippi, Asamoa-Caesar found that her passion for understanding the world was best suited in CSUF’s Department of History.
“CSUF provided a supportive environment where I could grow both academically and personally. I was looking for a place where I could be challenged, but also where community and mentorship were prioritized — and CSUF gave me that,” said Asamoa-Caesar ’12 (B.A. history).
Her academic and career success can also be attributed to the community she found on campus. As a student, Asamoa-Caesar spent time in the African American Resource Center, was a founding member of the Black Student Union and collaborated with faculty experts.
“I credit Cal State Fullerton for giving me the language to articulate my experience in this world,” said Asamoa-Caesar. “The faculty members pushed me to think deeper, ask better questions and see history not just as a subject, but as a tool for change.”
Jessica Stern, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences added that Asamoa-Caesar is not only a trailblazer in Tulsa, but she is also a role model for CSUF students who aspire to enact change in their future careers.
“Onikah should be an inspiration for all students who are pursuing majors they are passionate about,” said Stern. “She built a bookstore that only an HSS alum could — one that is grounded in the history of Tulsa, that knows that intellectual communities lead to thriving communities, and one that opens up space for new thinkers and artists.”