Located on the bustling 52nd Street strip in the heart of West Philly is Hakim’s Bookstore, a small, unassuming bookstore with a rich history. Founded by author and publisher Dawud Hakim in the late 1950s, Hakim’s has weathered innumerable changes and on Sept. 23, the store will be honored with its own historical marker.
Philadelphia’s oldest Black-owned bookstore, Hakim’s was founded in 1959 and continues its steadfast mission today—more than 60 years later—to educate and inform the Black community. It’s shelves are filled with literature for all generations, from African American studies to memoirs to children’s books.
“We had a lot of lean years with the economy and the changing political landscape, but we’ve had a lot of positive feedback and interactions with the community lately, especially the younger generation,” said Yvonne Blake, Dawud Hakim’s daughter, who now runs the bookshop alongside her children and grandchildren.
Providing information, starting conversations
When Hakim’s was founded, Philadelphia was a radically different place. In the 1950s, the Civil Rights movement was coming into maturity as Black communities across the country struggled for equal rights and an end of legalized segregation. Along with the call for political and social reform, the Civil Rights movement brought an increased interest in Black history and culture. Black-owned bookstores — often the only places that stocked books on African and African-American history — were vital resources.
Rejecting the status quo of Eurocentric accounts of history that downplayed Black contributions, the Black community throughout the U.S. and abroad took great pride in learning about their history. In addition to the books they sold, Black-owned bookstores were also spaces where civil rights activists and community members would meet and organize.
According to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, “Hakim’s Bookstore represents a center for Black activism, advocating the power of knowledge in the fight for racial justice. 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.”
Making history in Philadelphia and beyond
Hakim’s Bookstore has stood the test of time, and continues to thrive today. Dawud Hakim passed away of cancer in 1997—but his legacy continues through the work of his family.
And after 64 years of bringing literature and learning to the City of Philadelphia, Hakim’s Bookstore is getting its historical marker.
“It makes me feel wonderful, but also makes me sad that my father’s not here to see it,” said Blake. “He did all the work and laid the ground work for the store to still be here today.”
Hakim’s Bookstore is located at 210 S. 52nd Street. For more information, visit hakimsbookstore.com or call 215-474-9495.
