Four years ago, outraged that Barnes & Noble was closing their only outpost in the Bronx, Noëlle Santos launched a viral crowdfunding campaign to open an indie bookstore/wine bar in the borough where she was raised. “We are worthy, we are more than just sneaker stores and we support the arts, so I stand here today and ask you to open your hearts and help us show the world what many fail to see, that the Bronx is no longer burning, except with a desire to read,” Santos rapped in her Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign while standing in front of graffiti art wearing a Read Or Else sweatshirt. She asked for $100,000, and raised $170,000.
Image: Noëlle Santos at The Lit. BarANGIELMV PHOTOGRAPHY
