Legacy & Love explores generational impact for Black History Month

Photography provided by Melissa Simpson.

By Molly Given

In honor of Black History Month, Visit Philly is kicking off a four-part video series to “celebrate the generational creativity and contributions of Philadelphia’s Black-owned businesses.”

Titled “Legacy & Love,” this new series runs in tune with the month’s theme—African Americans and Labor—and highlights four different businesses and celebrates the impact of their generational run.

“We’re proud to feature these four businesses during Black History Month and throughout the entire year,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia in a statement.

“The Legacy & Love series is a heartfelt recognition of the impact these entrepreneurs and their families have made in our city’s history. Visitors looking for authentic experiences often find themselves in our vibrant neighborhoods, where small businesses play a crucial role in shaping that experience. Through this series, we hope to not only increase foot traffic to these businesses but also to inspire both visitors and residents with their stories of innovation and resilience.”

As a release notes, “Legacy & Love” is part of Visit Philadelphia’s “In Pursuit of A More Perfect Union” series, which showcases the city as a welcoming and inclusive destination while reexamining the evolving values of America’s founding vision. It’s also the beginning of an ongoing commitment to highlight and celebrate Black entrepreneurship in Philadelphia. Visit Philadelphia will continue to expand the series by featuring additional businesses throughout the year as well.

“The Legacy & Love series is a powerful reminder of how entrepreneurship is woven into Philadelphia’s cultural fabric,” added Daniel Davis, director of diverse marketing at Visit Philadelphia. “We’re excited to use our platform to highlight these small business owners, sharing their stories and life’s work with millions of potential new customers through our social media channels and paid advertising efforts.”

Hakim's Bookstore photographed by Melissa Simpson.

The four businesses being highlighted include Paul Beale’s Florist from North Philadelphia, Vera Doyle in Mt. Airy, Hakim’s Bookstore in West Philadelphia, and Arterial Coffee in West Philadelphia.

Paul Beale’s was founded in 1971 by Altermese Beale, and the family’s legacy continues today with Altermese’s daughter and owner, Paulette Beale Harris. Vera Doyle, on the other hand, was created by Lori Thomson (who was inspired by her mother) to showcase items from Black and women-owned brands and artists.

Hakim’s Bookstore was opened by Dawud Hakim, and made its mark as one of the first Black-owned bookstores in the U.S., it’s now owned and operated by his daughter, Yvonne Blake, and granddaughter Alana Rambera. And Arterial Coffee is co-owned by sisters Sharla and Sharaine Brown, and is meant to be a creative space that honors their family’s journey.

The series will explore a few different points from each business including: The challenges faced by previous generations in building their businesses, how their legacies have been passed onto future generations, and the ways current owners honor those legacies while forging their own paths. 

“I’m honored to be part of Visit Philadelphia’s Legacy & Love series,” finished Lori Thomson, owner of Vera Doyle in a statement. “Building my legacy in Philadelphia means honoring the city’s rich history of Black entrepreneurship and paying homage to my mother. This series is a strong affirmation that Black stories are worth celebrating and a reminder that legacies are built on love and bold dreams.”

The series is available on visitphilly.com

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Originally published in Metro Philly on Feburary 3rd, 2025