Why Lansdale? Meet The Black Reserve Bookstore

Photo Credit: Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

LANSDALE, PA> This past week, I had the opportunity to meet up with Shaykh Anwar Muhammad, owner of The Black Reserve Bookstore in Lansdale.

Like most of us, the question this came up, “how was your quarantine?” Of course you have your staple answers; i.e. "I struggled", "I didn’t know what I was going to do with my job this or my job that"....you understand. Anwar, proudly spoke about the opportunities to sell his book in various regions and host zoom calls to speak and educate on “the current state of affairs” a phase we both agreed has worn us out. But here’s the difference....My “state of affairs” is far more different from Anwar's. While Lansdale was hosting peaceful protests during the George Floyd murder and Breonna Taylor case, Anwar was educating. He was talking, and in his own way, resolving tensions arising in our area. I think we can all agree that, at some point during the pandemic, we all felt the lid rattling on the pot. Everyone’s stress, fears and concerns were boiling and the events that took place outside the pandemic, popped the lid right off. Mid conversation, Anwar had visitors. Two friends had driven up from the city to see the store and meet Anwar. They said that they had come see him after the Visit Valley Forge & Montco video piece. His graciousness and gratitude spilled over. I sat, watched and listened as he spoke with such pride to both women. His drive for educating and bringing equality to the forefront is his passion. He models himself after the Marvel comic: The Black Panther and he is exactly what Lansdale needs to promote positive changes, cultural education and acceptance. Unfortunately, I had to cut my visit short with Anwar. I thanked him, and messaged him not long afterwards that I would like to come back and talk more with him. He gladly accepted. If you have not been to the Black Reserve Bookstore. Go. Meet and talk with Anwar, Lansdale's Black Panther. "In times of crisis, the wise build bridges while the foolish build barriers." - The Black Panther / Marvel Comic Universe movie quote by Chadwick Boseman.