Philly Love—the brotherly and neighborly kind that builds unity.
In Philadelphia, “Brotherly Love” isn’t just a nickname—it’s a lived legacy found on every porch in West Chester and every street in Germantown. This February, as we celebrate both the heart of Valentine’s Day and the profound legacy of Black History Month, we are reminded that true unity is rooted in a love that acts.
It is a love that honors our shared, complex history—acknowledging every struggle and celebrating every triumph. Unity is more than a sentiment; it is the daily choice to ensure every neighbor has a seat at the table and every voice is heard. By choosing to lead with empathy and equity, we transform our community into a place where everyone truly belongs.
Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters — Photo by S. Weinik
Community Check-Off List
As we celebrate Black History Month, I encourage my readers to follow this list of action items you can take to support our local commUNITY. Maybe you can’t complete all on this list, but take the initiative to complete one. We can all use a little support and love this month.
- Shop at a local Black-Owned Business in Philadelphia (or your community)
- Send a “Thinking of you” text or note to your neighbor.
- Share a piece of local history with a friend.
- Leave a positive review for a “Third Place” (coffee/cafe/local hangout) in your neighborhood.
- Host a one-on-one “uncurated” coffee chat.
Support Local Black-Owned Businesses this Month
This month, as we celebrate and reflect, presents the perfect opportunity to actively support local Black-owned businesses across our community. It’s a great way to root yourself more deeply in the community, allowing you to discovera new business that might otherwise remain a hidden gem.
Make it a point to seek out a new place this month—you might just discover your new favorite spot, one that you’ll be eager to share with friends and family, enriching their lives and strengthening the community network.
Plant And People
A beautiful plant shop paired with a wellness café offering comfort and a place to breathe.
Banana Mousse
A shop for sweet treats opened by a mother-daughter duo best known for their signature Banana Mousse, which prompted the name of their bakery.
Hakim’s Bookstore
One of the country’s oldest Black-owned bookstores is now an official historic site. A welcoming, old-school shop that now belongs to Hakim’s daughter, Yvonne Blacke, finds rare finds and new books fresh on the shelves.
Arterial Coffee
A cozy coffee shop in Mantua/Powelton Village neighborhoods that sources local coffees, teas, and small bites. The bright café is known for its avocado toast, according to local college students.
