The Black Reserve Bookstore and its outspoken owner Shaykh Anwar Muhammad were honored Wednesday as Lansdale’s Business of the Month for December 2018.
"Historically, bookstores and in particular black bookstores have served as a hub for discussions and an agency of change,” Economic Development Committee member William Breish told the monthly business meeting of Lansdale Borough Council on Dec. 19. "The Black Reserve Bookstore is no different. Anwar hopes for his store to be front and center for the most difficult of conversations and actions.”
The Black Reserve opened in mid-2017 in Dresher Arcade as a local resource for people of color to shop for not just for literature, but also for art, jewelry, soap, clothing, incense, and butters. But more than that, it was meant to bring awareness and understanding to the entire community, across cultural lines – and it quickly became a place where local residents of all colors came to chew over all topics, from pop culture to race relations.
"We talked about everything from the Kardashians and Kanye West, to racism, the movie The Matrix, Hitler, dinosaurs and President Trump,” Breish said. "Nothing was off limits, and it was so refreshing. Although some of our conversation was silly and lighthearted, there were some points touched on that I see as very important conversations that should be happening in our community, especially in a community like Lansdale that’s filled with leaders and folks not afraid to challenge the status quo.”
Since arriving in the borough, Muhammad has paired with the Lansdale Library in hosting several forums on racism in the community, drawing dozens of people of all races to discuss their differences and their common grounds, and advocating for changes in the North Penn School District as well. His shop also has hosted coffee and conversation sessions, children’s story times, and author visits and signings.
Breish noted that shoppers at the Black Reserve can find a variety of local authors represented on the Black Reserve’s shelves, including Muhammad’s own book—The Written Mixtape Vol. 1: The Awakening. "Being a published author means everything to Anwar, especially since he was told by many teachers (he) was not a good writer,” Breish said.
"One professor in particular told him he would fail her class because he ‘wrote black.’ So Anwar says to you now, professor, ‘How’s this for "writing black?”’ You can expect much more from Anwar, and no topics are off limits or out of bounds, because why should they be?”
Muhammad thanked both his wife and his customers for "helping the Black Reserve Bookstore be what it is—a staple of the community. In July of '17, people thought I was insane to open up what they termed ‘the black bookstore’ in a ‘white neighborhood.’ So how’s that for insane?”
The Black Reserve Bookstore recently moved to larger quarters, still in Lansdale’s Dresher Arcade – 317 W. Main St., Unit 3, (267) 221-3090.
