Around NYC we have noticed more and more Hispanic “bodega” markets disappearing, one of the major aspects making up the diversity within the 5 boroughs. Every bodega is a major key in Hispanic or urban area neighborhoods catering to the needs of the poor and working class. It is a major staple within the Hispanic culture that is, unfortunately, being driven out due to the “New” New York gentrification conditions and standards we have experienced over the last 10-15 years or so.
Our homes and neighborhoods are changing and are no longer affordable. Bodegas have always been the place to go to for the last-minute ingredients to your home-cooked meal- to be the place where you always receive a warm welcome- to always have a place to be around the people you’re most connected to; no matter the color, race or religion, but most of all a place we all knew as “La Bodega”.
This was my home. We are the face of a born and raised-NYC culture that will never be forgotten. – La Bodega
