The House of Khamit is a black-owned cultural shop that began with the vision to help black people find a way back to their roots and connect with their culture.
It has been on Georgia Avenue since 1982 when it was opened by owner Mykeil Raufu-Bey; back then it was known as Jewels of Anton. It was self-started with little funds and has been kept in the family ever since.
Mykeil, along with his wife Nina Barnes-Raufu and their son Jaison Barnes-Raufu, run the shop. It carries a wide-range of books written either by or about Africans and African Americans. Although they’ve been referred to as the best bookstore in Washington, D.C., their inventory is not limited to books. They also carry other items such as jewelry, clothing, art, body oils and incense.
“Our store is African-themed because that is who we are and if you don’t know who you are and where you come from then you won’t get very far in life,” said manager Nina Barnes-Raufu.
People come from various places to experience the culture of the shop. Customers from all over the United States and even as far as London have visited the store.
“That shop is jam-packed with culture,” said Derrick James, a local community member and customer of the shop. “As soon as you walk in you see the bright colors and smell the incense and you’re just drawn even further in.”
The store also offers other unique services. You can stop in and hear a lecture on African Diaspora or even get lessons in African cloth and creating your own clothing.
Like many businesses, the House of Khamit has felt the effects of the recession and faced closing its doors.
But with help from the community, the shop was able to keep their doors open. Supporters of the shop participated in fundraising events in order bring in money and keep the shop alive.
“Our business has had some major drawbacks but the immense support from this community has kept us here. We survived when others didn’t and we plan to be around for much longer,” said Barnes-Raufu.
Although the House of Khamit does not see too many Howard students in the store, Barnes-Raufu encourages them to visit the shop and take a peek at what they have to offer.
They’ve been in the Howard community since their beginning and have only love for the University.
“We love it here and we would never consider selling our shop because the community has been like family to us and you have to support your family through the good and bad,” Barnes-Raufu said.
“Georgia [Avenue] needs this shop to stay around. Their shop gives us hope that small black businesses can still survive. And if we as black people don’t go support our own then who else will?” said Sheila Davis, a member of the Georgia Avenue community.
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