Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop: Philadelphia’s Historic Black-Owned Literary Sanctuary

Introduction to Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop

Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop holds a revered place in Philadelphia’s cultural and historical landscape as the oldest Black-owned bookstore on the East Coast and a historic landmark in West Philadelphia. Established in 1959, Hakim’s has served as a vital hub for Black literature, culture, activism, and wellness for more than six decades. This family-owned and operated business richly embodies the spirit of community empowerment, education, and cultural preservation.

More than just a bookstore, Hakim’s offers a diverse range of Afrocentric books, gifts, health and wellness products, and cultural artifacts. It remains a beacon of knowledge, activism, and resilience, honoring the vision of its founder Dawud Hakim and carrying forward a legacy rooted in the fight for racial justice and the power of education.

The Legacy and History of Hakim’s Bookstore

Founded by Dawud Abdel Hakim, who was inspired to spread knowledge about Black history after reading the influential 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro by J.A. Rogers, Hakim’s began as a vision to provide access to books and resources that mainstream retailers largely ignored. Starting from selling books from the trunk of his car, Hakim opened the first storefront—originally named Hakim’s House of Knowledge—on Walnut Street before settling at its current West Philadelphia location on South 52nd Street.

Dawud Hakim was not only a businessman but also a scholar, community activist, and spiritual guide. He integrated African American history, Islam, and holistic health into the store’s offerings, making it a vital alternative education center during the civil rights era. Throughout the 1960s and beyond, Hakim’s became a gathering spot for Black intellectuals, activists, and students seeking affirmation, education, and community.

After Hakim’s passing in 1997, his daughter Yvonne Blake took the helm, continuing to uphold the store’s mission and legacy. Despite challenges such as the rise of chain bookstores, online retailers, and a close call with closure in 2014, community support and dedicated stewardship have kept Hakim’s thriving. The bookstore was recognized as a Pennsylvania historic landmark in 2023, underscoring its cultural significance.

What Makes Hakim’s Bookstore Special?

An Unrivaled Collection of Afrocentric Literature

Hakim’s Bookstore offers an extensive selection of books focusing on African American history, culture, literature, politics, and wellness. From rare and out-of-print titles to contemporary works by Black authors, the store caters to scholars, students, activists, and readers of all ages. The children’s section features Afrofuturistic comics alongside biographies and novels that foster knowledge and pride among younger generations.

Personalized service and meaningful interactions with knowledgeable staff are hallmarks of the Hakim’s shopping experience. Yvonne Blake and her team are known to share stories and recommend books that provide context and deeper learning, making each visit an educational journey.

Gift Shop and Wellness Products

Beyond books, Hakim’s Gift Shop offers culturally significant gifts and wellness products. These include Afrocentric gifts, natural health items, and spiritual supplies reflecting the rich heritage and needs of the community. Over the decades, Hakim’s has also been a trusted source for natural and holistic wellness products, such as teas, skincare, supplements, and nutritional offerings aligning with traditional Black healing practices.

Supporting Justice and Community Uplift

Hakim’s longstanding tradition of supporting incarcerated individuals by providing books and wellness products to prisons remains a critical part of its mission. This outreach demonstrates the store’s deep commitment to social justice and rehabilitation, helping many prisoners connect with literature and self-care tools.

Location and Contact Information

Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop is centrally located in West Philadelphia, making it accessible for locals and visitors alike.

Address: 210 South 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
Phone Number: (215) 474-9495
Website: https://hakimsbookstore.com
Google Maps Directions: Directions to Hakim’s Bookstore

Store Hours

Hakim’s Bookstore operates with hours that accommodate a wide range of visitors throughout the week:

Monday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

These hours create a welcoming environment for customers to browse at their convenience.

A Cultural Hub for Education and Activism

Hakim’s Bookstore has been more than just a retail space—it has been a cultural and intellectual hub for Philadelphia’s Black community for over 60 years. During the civil rights movement, it served as a gathering place for activists and intellectuals, a tradition that continues today through book signings, discussions, and educational programming.

The store’s founder, Dawud Hakim, was known for mentoring youth and providing crucial resources to those seeking knowledge and empowerment. Today, under the leadership of Yvonne Blake and her family, Hakim’s continues this legacy, supporting the dissemination of Black scholarship, arts, and culture.

Challenges and Resilience

Like many independent bookstores, Hakim’s has faced its share of challenges, particularly with the rise of online retail and the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily closed the physical location. Despite these hurdles, increased online sales during social justice movements such as Black Lives Matter helped sustain the store. A fire in early 2025 nearly damaged the store’s front but did not deter the team’s resolve.

The recognition as a Pennsylvania historic landmark in 2023 and features in local media have helped publicize Hakim’s cultural importance and rally community support around preserving this important institution.

How to Engage with Hakim’s

Visitors to Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop can expect a warm, knowledgeable staff ready to help navigate the store’s wide selection. Customers can shop in person at the West Philadelphia location or explore the offerings and order online through hakimsbookstore.com.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook provide updates on new arrivals, community events, and store news, fostering an ongoing connection with a wider audience.

Conclusion: A Living Legacy

Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop stands proudly as a monument to Philadelphia’s Black history, culture, and community strength. It remains a vital resource for education, inspiration, and empowerment, linking generations of readers and activists. Whether through books that ignite awareness and social change or gifts and wellness products that nurture self-care and cultural pride, Hakim’s represents a cherished piece of Philadelphia’s heritage.

Visit Hakim’s to experience a space where history lives, culture thrives, and knowledge is power.