August 12th 2024.
Harriett's Bookshop, a business owned by a Black woman and named after the iconic Harriet Tubman, has finally found a permanent home in the bustling city of Philadelphia. The store's founder, Jeanine A. Cook, shared her journey of becoming a business owner and the proud owner of her own property. It all started in 2020 when Cook first opened the doors to her shop, and two years later, she began her quest to purchase the building it currently resides in.
After a long and challenging process, Cook's dream of owning the four-story building at 258 E. Girard Ave in the Fishtown District finally came true on August 6th. This accomplishment was made possible through a communal investment, with Cook raising funds for the down payment through a GoFundMe campaign. When asked about her feelings on this achievement, Cook told the Philadelphia Inquirer that she was still in shock and overwhelmed with excitement. She hopes that her story will inspire others to pursue their dreams and take that first step towards their goals.
Cook's decision to invest in the property stemmed from a sense of "sharecropping" she felt while renting the storefront. She saw many fellow Black-owned businesses struggle and eventually close down due to the rising costs of rent. This realization fueled her determination to become a property owner and pave the way for her vision of something different. As she explained, "I couldn't shake off the feeling of being a sharecropper. I had a vision, but I had no idea how I would make it a reality."
Initially, Cook had rented the space to open her consulting firm, but her passions shifted, and she decided to open Harriett's Bookshop instead. However, the shop has since grown beyond just a bookstore and has become a community gathering place. Cook even braved the pandemic by riding on horseback to deliver books to her customers and donated books to protestors during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement in Minneapolis and Louisville. She has undoubtedly become a pillar of the community, and her shop has become a symbol of hope and resilience.
Cook's efforts to support the Black community in Philadelphia do not stop at her bookstore. She launched the Sisterhood Sit-In Trolley Tour, which showcases and promotes Black women-owned businesses in the city. She also owns two other bookshops, Ida's in Collingswood, New Jersey, named after Ida B. Wells, and Josephine's in Paris, paying tribute to the legacy of Josephine Baker.
As Cook's presence in Philadelphia grew, others in the community came together to help her buy the entire building. With the support of her community and a successful fundraising campaign, she raised $200,000 for the down payment and finally gained the trust of the previous owner to sell her the property. With this new ownership, Cook has already begun renovations to include a cafe area and transform the space into a warm and welcoming home for the community.
Harriett's Bookshop is now a communal hub and a permanent fixture in the community. It continues to provide a safe space for all who advocate for education, literature, and equality. As a final note, Cook expressed, "In this next iteration, she will feel more like a home." Her dedication and hard work have paid off, and her shop will undoubtedly continue to make a positive impact in the community for years to come.
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