Taking a trolley ride is fun, but when you combine it with learning information you may have never known before, it becomes a whole different experience.
The Trailblazers Trolley Tour was held on February 25 to honor Black history, celebrate diversity, highlight the rich history of innovation, promote entrepreneurship, and contribute to a more inclusive South Jersey community – especially during Black History Month.
There were two sessions where 30 plus history-seekers were able to hop on and hop off the trolley for an experience that supported cultural, creative and culinary Black-owned businesses and vendors along Haddon Avenue, from Camden to Haddon Township to Collingswood.
“The South Jersey region boasts a wealth of significant history, from the resilience of those who fought against slavery to the pivotal role played by local activists in the Civil Rights Movement and this history even includes local youth who protested just last year against social injustice,” said Jeannine Cook, owner of Ida’s Bookshop and coordinator of the tour. “These stories serve as powerful reminders of the enduring spirit and determination of trailblazers in shaping our collective heritage.”
The Trailblazers Trolley Tour led by Starfire was inspired by the Sisterhood Sit-In Trolley Tour that Cook started alongside her blood sister, Minista Jazz, in 2021 at her sister bookshop, Harriett’s Bookshop, in Philadelphia. The Sisterhood Sit-In Trolley Tour returned to Philly in March, gathering hundreds of new shoppers to visit local Black women-owned businesses during Women’s History Month, Cook said. Visit sisterhoodsitin.com for more information.
Photos by Andrea Mendoza
“The (Trailblazers) tour emerged from a collective desire to continue our three-year-long collaboration by turning our attention to celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of trailblazers like, Ida B. Wells,” said Cook, who collaborated with members of the Haddon Township Equity Initiative to sponsor the event.
The purpose was so that everyone taking part could learn and share about the past, present and future along the way. And residents felt the same way, because the tour sold out in just three days! If you weren’t able to get tickets, you can use the map of the event to support these businesses year-round.
“Celebrating history annually is paramount as it provides a dedicated space to honor and uplift the legacies of pioneers, innovators and trailblazers. It serves as a vital platform for education, reflection and dialogue, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of culture and contributions,” Cook said.
Ida’s Bookshop has celebrated another win in recent weeks. The bookstore, which celebrates women authors and activists, faced a significant increase in rent. Cook established a GoFundMe campaign to raise the $23,000 she needed to stay in business. As of press time, the Raise the Rent Party garnered more than $26,000 to keep the beloved community shop in town for another year while she tries to find a new, permanent location in Collingswood.
“I must shout out the incredible support and dedication of Ida’s Bookshop customers who continue to play a pivotal role in saving this cherished institution,” Cook said. “Their unwavering solidarity and advocacy underscore the importance of engagement and organizing in preserving culture and community. It was during the Raise the Rent Party that we began to conceive of this powerful event, The Trailblazers Trolley Tour. So, thank you for your continued inspiration.”
Ida’s Bookshop is located at 734 Haddon Ave., For more information, visit www.oursisterbookshops.com or call 267-241-2617.
