Photo by Neidy Gutierrez / SOC Images. Walking into La Bodega, it’s almost as if you’re transported to the Dominican Republic with their warm atmosphere, tasty smells and tropical decor. On Saturday Feb. 22, La Bodega hosted a Mercadito Dominicano where Dominican vendors and entrepreneurs sold jewelry, pins, accessories, hair
Before the restaurant became a one-item speciality shop, Dos Amigos, which was opened in the 1960s, used to be a full-menu restaurant.
“We noticed a lot of different things from where I’m from. It’s really one of those underserved communities where you notice a handful of talent that grows within there [in Hoboken].”
“We are a nation of immigrants and diversity is one of the strengths of this country,” said Jerome Choice, a long-time Jersey City resident and local Hudson County historian.
“… I don’t have no desire to be some big star, but I just hope however many people hear it can appreciate everything that I do and everything I put out.”
“This [Jersey City] neighborhood deserves more and this place is proving that it can be more,” Leon said. “People from this neighborhood can prosper.”
“The most powerful thing you can do is exist. And the most powerful thing you can do is create… it’s important to really let your voice speak up and to just be who you are,” Villa said at Guttenberg Arts.
“It feels great to give back to the community [in New Jersey] via your talent and arts,” she said.
“Opening up [KAM Dance Academy] meant a lot just because of my background. I’m Latina and, for me, bringing arts to different communities is really important,” Madan said.
“And now I feel very close to all of them because I’m able to spend time here and my son now has been here so long that everyone remembers him as well,” Jersey City owner Chris said.
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