This Philadelphia bookstore celebrates Harriet Tubman's legacy through literature, art, and activism

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania boasts many indie bookstores, but when Harriett's Bookshop opened in the city's Fishtown neighborhood in February 2020, it offered more than just a new spot for readers to find fresh novels.

Jeannine A. Cook, the writer and educator who established the shop, brought a clear vision focused on honoring the legacy of a historical figure often overlooked for her contributions—a figure who inspired materials in one of Cook's published works and the name of her bookstore: Harriet Tubman.

Harriett's Bookshop "serves as a kind of monument," Cook shared with Dinogo. "It's a way to honor Harriet's legacy and encourage conversations about vital issues."

While penning her book "Conversations with Harriett," Cook felt inspired to take action regarding the challenges she observed in her community and beyond. This inspiration specifically led her to open a bookstore dedicated to celebrating women authors, artists, and activists.

Although the shop's collection is not solely comprised of works by women, the majority are. "This isn’t about excluding anyone, but rather celebrating those voices," Cook clarified, noting that readers can always request books they want that aren’t currently available in the shop.

At Harriett's, visitors will discover a diverse selection of books, but the works of Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Octavia Butler are always available. Cook refers to these as the "foundational texts" of the bookstore.

In addition to these essential authors, Cook ensures that every visit to Harriett's offers something new by collaborating with a local artist to change the book collection each month. She consults artists about which books have significantly impacted their lives or which titles they believe complement their art, and those selections are displayed in the shop.

Drawing from her experience as an educator and her passion for the community, Cook emphasizes that Harriett's is more than just a bookstore. "Visitors have described [Harriett's] as a literary sanctuary," she mentioned. "I want to inspire people to move from simply reading to engaging in analysis and discussion."

Cook encourages a deeper understanding through events, guided tours of the shop, moments of reflection on Harriet Tubman's life, and by displaying thought-provoking questions on the walls, reminiscent of her teaching methods.

"Having been a teacher for many years and coming from a family of educators, it's an integral part of who I am, and I merge those experiences," Cook stated.

Cook's ability to unite people and inspire change within her community is a key reason why many consider Harriett's to be so unique.

"You often see Jeannine in Philadelphia as an activist, distributing free books and organizing events. Books can spark change, and so can bookstores. Jeannine embodies that," remarked Eric Smith, an author and literary agent and a supporter of the shop. "I feel like Harriett's gives my neighborhood a sense of community. That’s the magic of a bookstore—it makes a place feel more like home."

Drawing on community support was crucial for Harriett's to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Just six weeks after its opening in early February 2020, the shop was forced to close, a devastating setback for Cook, who had worked tirelessly to bring her dream to life.

However, she refused to let the setback hold her back. Instead, she spent six months operating from the sidewalk, allowing people to access books through a grab-and-go honor system. Cook noted that the community response was incredibly supportive.

"The mission remains the mission, and you keep pushing forward with it," Cook reflected on that challenging period after the store's closure. "I broke a lot of furniture and faced the rain, but people needed books more than ever. We understand the healing power of reading, so we persevered."

Even now that she can operate indoors, Cook occasionally sets up outside, knowing it attracts customers who might not enter the shop otherwise. Community support remains strong. In April 2021, Harriett's initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for purchasing the building it occupies. Within just three months, they reached their goal, giving Harriett's full ownership of its space and a permanent home.

"When you genuinely care for people, they tend to care back. Love breeds love, and there was so much love," Cook expressed.

Though Cook is quite busy these days, she's leveraging community support for an even bigger goal: establishing a federal holiday to honor Harriet Tubman and her legacy. She has already succeeded in her petitions to recognize March 10, the anniversary of Tubman's death, as an official city holiday in Philadelphia. However, in a nation without a federal holiday dedicated to a woman, she aims for more than just a city observance.

In the meantime, Cook intends to continue supporting her community and utilizing books and education to "eliminate ignorance."

Check out Harriett's Bookshop at 258 E Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125.

Jessica Poitevien is a contributor for Dinogo, currently residing in South Florida, yet always eager for the next adventure. In addition to traveling, she enjoys baking, chatting with strangers, and taking long beach walks. Follow her journey on Instagram.