Hakim’s Bookstore and its historical marker.

Visit Philadelphia has launched a new series celebrating generational Black-owned businesses ahead of Black History Month. A four-part video series, titled Legacy & Love, celebrates the contributions of Black-owned businesses in Philadelphia that have been passed down through generations or built as a tribute to loved ones. The series features two West Philadelphia-based businesses – Hakim’s Bookstore and Arterial Coffee.

The national theme for Black History Month, “African Americans and Labor,” is explored through the stories of four businesses that highlight the perseverance, legacy and entrepreneurial spirit within the city’s Black community. Here are more details about the West Philly-based businesses featured in the series:

Hakim’s Bookstore, established by Dawud Hakim in 1959, is one of the first Black-owned bookstores in the U.S. Hakim’s Bookstore is now owned and operated by his daughter Yvonne Blake and granddaughter Alana Rambera. They continue to share Black stories and foster a love for literature in their community. The store is located at 210 South 52nd Street. It received a Pennsylvania Historical Marker in 2023. For more information, visit: hakimsbookstore.com.

Arterial Coffee, located at 3100-02 Spring Garden Street, is co-owned by sisters Sharla and Sharaine Brown. It is a creative space that honors their family’s journey while providing a welcoming hub for connection and inspiration. Check out their Instagram page for more details.

Legacy & Love will explore themes such as:

• The challenges faced by previous generations in building their businesses
• How their legacies have been passed onto future generations
• The ways current owners honor those legacies while forging their own paths

The entire series will be available on visitphilly.com and Visit Philadelphia will release one video each week on social media and YouTube beginning February 1st. Legacy & Love is the beginning of their ongoing commitment to highlight and celebrate Black entrepreneurship in Philadelphia. Visit Philadelphia will continue to expand the series by featuring additional businesses throughout the year.

To learn more about Legacy & Love and explore the stories of Philadelphia’s Black-owned businesses, visit visitphilly.com/legacyandlove.