About Us

From a Closet to a Cornerstone of History

The Underground Railroad Reading Station is more than a bookstore. It is a living testament to faith and history, born from a 100-square-foot janitorial closet in the year 2000.

This was the vision of Dr. Nathaniel “Papa” Leach, who dreamed of a “Gift Shop for Tours.” With Bobbie Fowlkes Davis’s dedication, that small space became a reality!

Inspired by church tours, the Underground Railroad Reading Station (UGRR) offers a unique cultural experience. We are stocked with historical titles and new releases, and our staff members are brilliant storytellers and guides.

Our expansion into an adjacent coat closet increased our space to 200 square feet, with windows overlooking Greektown.

Today, we stand as Papa Leach’s legacy. His motto, “Second Baptist must be recognized,” fuels us. We honor the church’s profound role as a key stop on the original Underground Railroad in Detroit, ensuring that this sacred history is never forgotten.

This is His story, and we are its keepers.

DID YOU KNOW?

A Divine Connection of Two Legends

We find a profound and beautiful connection between our founder and a national hero that feels like a message from above.

- Both Dr. Nathaniel “Papa” Leach and Mrs. Rosa Parks were born and raised in Alabama. Both dedicated their long lives to the cause of justice, he through teaching human rights, and she through pioneering civil rights.
- In a remarkable moment, both passed away peacefully in their sleep on the very same day: Monday, October 24, 2005, right here in Detroit.
- After Mrs. Parks’ casket was honored across the country, their final funeral services were held back-to-back in the city they both called home.
- We see the Lord’s hand in this, granting both of these incredible souls ninety years of life and a gentle passing, forever linking their legacies.