The South Bronx—consisting of neighborhoods such as Mott Haven and Port Morris—is amid a cultural renaissance likely to last longer than a New York minute. Streets such as Alexander Avenue and Lincoln Avenue are bustling with new and revived small businesses, many of which are owned by Latino and Black Bronx natives (and long-standing residents), like the popular hip-hop-themed eatery Beatstro and the only independently owned bookstore in the Bronx, The Lit. Bar. These businesses’ sense of community and intentionality creates a palpable positive energy felt when walking around the area.
In an ever-changing landscape, some refer to the Bronx as the last remnants of “real” New York City; part of that is from the people who have been around for a long time and who, together, have weathered obstacles that NYC has faced over the past years. I had the opportunity to check out an event called Meet the Neighbors at Sankofa Haus, a mixer and meeting of the minds of many of these local businesses and creative entrepreneurs in the South Bronx, and that same energy was present in the room. Read on to learn more about some of these small business owners in the South Bronx at the forefront of this momentum.
Amaurys Grullon, Bronx Native 127 Lincoln Ave., Bronx, NY 10454
Bronx Native is a concept store and brand that highlights, embraces, and showcases everything the Bronx has to offer through art, media, apparel, and events.
Why did you choose the South Bronx for your business location? “I always say I didn’t choose the Bronx. The Bronx chose me! Our business is the Bronx.”
How would you describe the energy of the South Bronx today? “The energy in the South Bronx is beautiful. Entrepreneurship and community at its finest. We are working together, striving together, and winning together.”
Michael “DJ Spynfo” Eagan, Sankofa Haus 2422 Third Ave., Bronx, NY 10454
Sankofa Haus is a community-oriented social space that provides a neighborhood haven and nurtures the connection to Bronx and NYC residents through special events and programming.
Why did you choose the South Bronx for your business location? “I am a Bronx native, and it’s been my mission to create a unique space based on the hip-hop principles of peace, love, unity, and having fun.”
How would you describe the energy of the South Bronx today? “The South Bronx is packed with creatives and has an abundance of talent. We need more facilities to allow us to express ourselves while we continue to strive for greatness.”
Read more of Viviane Favor in this week’s edition of Vizion in print and online at https://scoopusa-pa.newsmemory.com
