A rare gift to Philadelphia and the African world!

The Power and Prestige of LaVerne McNear

- Khabyr Hadas

On this cold winter day, within the hustle and bustle of the downtown frigid pedestrian flow, there is a bright, stable, well-organized, well-stocked vending space on the corner of 10th of Market Street. This beautiful space has been seen and in service to the Philadelphia CenterCity community for over (50) years. Philadelphians, foreign tourists, diplomats, and everyday working

people frequent this regional gem. When we go to this place to purchase from a magnificent inventory of merchandise, retail apparel, African dashikis, sunglasses, tshirts, hats, gloves, and hand-crafted jewelry, we are greeted by the humbling energy and smiling face of no other than Queen Laverne!

From this special location, Queen LaVerne has continued to feed the homeless, given sound counsel to countless troubled souls, and brought radiant smiles to people from all walks of life.

When a person finds themselves in their space in winter, spring, summer, or the fall season, they experience a very warm, sincere, honest, and pleasurable attitude.

Queen LaVerne is the first African-American vendor in the city of Philadelphia. She has been affectionately called the “Queen of Vending” due to her tremendous vending history that has exemplified endurance and Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)!

Queen LaVerne started vending with just a dollar and a milk crate in the Septa Subway in the late 1960’s. The historical line of tape where she once sold merchandise can still be seen today.