PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Hakim’s Bookstore, Philadelphia’s first and oldest Black-owned bookstore, is getting a Pennsylvania historical marker.
The shop, located at 210 S. 52nd St. in West Philadelphia, has been a part of Philly Black culture since 1959. The store was established by Dawud Hakim, who died in 1997 from cancer.
Now entering its 64th year, the bookstore is officially being recognized.
Hakim’s is a “center for Black activism, advocating the power of knowledge in the fight for racial justice,” according to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. “Since the 1960s, people have gathered here to access titles by Black authors. During the Civil Rights Movement, it served as an alternative education center for the Black community.”
Yvonne Blake, Hakim’s daughter and current owner, said the recognition would have touched her father deeply.
“I’m very proud of this honor but wish my father could be here to see it,” she said. “It was his dream, but I don’t think it started out as a dream. I think it started out as his wanting to share knowledge.”
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The bookstore was an avenue with which Hakim could teach his community little-known Black history, Blake explained.
“He became enamored with the idea that our history didn’t start with slavery. This was nothing that was taught to anybody in school,” she said.
Hakim’s Bookstore was one of 37 sites granted a blue historical marker last month. The commission did not say when the marker would be erected.
Philadelphia has more than 300 historical markers throughout the city, honoring a significant person, place or event that helped shaped Pennsylvania.
“I’m just elated that he’s finally getting recognition for his hard work and determination,” Blake added.
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