Our Story

Jeffrey and Pamela Blair founded EyeSeeMe Bookstore in 2015, drawing from their experience raising four high-achieving children. As parents, they recognized the need for stories that reflected their children’s heritage beyond narratives that began with slavery. Unable to find engaging, age-appropriate materials, they began creating their own games and educational tools that combined history, identity, and fun.

Their approach fostered a deep sense of pride and purpose in their children, who went on to attend top universities including Harvard, Washington University in St. Louis, Columbia, and Bard. As other families and educators took notice, the Blairs expanded their work, opening EyeSeeMe African American Children’s Bookstore—the largest children’s bookstore devoted exclusively to promoting positive African American images, history, and academic excellence.

Over time, the Blairs saw how financial barriers limited access to these vital resources. To address this, they established the EyeSeeMe Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the bookstore, dedicated to ensuring that every child and classroom—regardless of resources—can access culturally affirming books. Through the Foundation, they partner with schools and communities to place books directly into the hands of those who need them most.