A Black literature sanctuary emerges from a Pennsylvania bookstore owner's visionary endeavor
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In the heart of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, on Main Street, lies a cultural hub that has become a symbol of Black voices, history, and resilience. The Black Reserve Bookstore, founded by Shaykh Anwar Muhammad in 2017, has grown from its original size to four times its initial capacity, serving as a community gathering place for books, mentorship, and meaningful dialogue.
Shaykh Anwar Muhammad, affectionately referred to as a mentor and a brother by Maliq Harris, owner of King's Corner Boxing, plays a pivotal role in the community. He helps new Black families adjust to living in Lansdale and fosters ties among Black youth. His bookstore is a gathering place where people feel transported to Wakanda, a vibrant and thriving African utopia.
Madeleine Wright, a bilingual general assignment reporter for News Philadelphia, fluent in Spanish, joined the team in January 2022 and was named the Delaware County reporter in July 2023. She has covered the Black Reserve Bookstore, highlighting its importance to the community and the challenges it has faced.
Despite its growth and significance, the Black Reserve Bookstore has encountered significant challenges, including backlash and vandalism, reflecting the difficulties encountered when establishing a culturally centered space in an environment where diversity is limited.
Shaykh Anwar Muhammad views the Black Reserve Bookstore as an institution that will be permanent in Lansdale. His focus is on the long-term impact, aiming for it to continue after he leaves. The bookstore supports local Black entrepreneurs and families, acting as a beacon of cultural pride and connection in a predominantly White suburb.
Joseph Banks, a student at the School of Visual Arts, refers to Shaykh Anwar Muhammad as the "Black Santa Claus." His dedication to the community and his bookstore exemplify the spirit of giving and unity. The Black Reserve Bookstore is a celebration of Black voices, history, and resilience, providing a safe space for people to come together, learn, and grow.
The Black Reserve Bookstore, a cultural beacon in Lansdale, has faced legal challenges, with incidents of vandalism and backlash reflecting the broader issues faced when establishing culturally centered spaces. Madeleine Wright, former Delaware County reporter for News Philadelphia, reported on these struggles and the bookstore's importance to the community. Meanwhile, in the realm of local business, the bookstore supports Black entrepreneurs and families, cementing its position as a pillar of cultural pride and unity in the predominantly White suburb. Additionally, the bookstore also serves as a home-and-garden for lifestyle discussions, creating a welcoming environment for various issues and perspectives.
