- Feature
- 10/22/2020 @ 12:12 PM
NYC Street vendors are in almost every corner of the city – easily ignored, but as quintessentially New York as yellow cabs. They deserve to be celebrated.
One night I was in a bad mood getting my computer fixed at the Fifth Avenue Apple store and as I walked out I noticed a hot dog cart standing in the middle of the darkness, shining a heavenly light. That image is what inspired this series. I posted it right away on Instagram with the caption, “The heart of this city sells hot dogs on the street at 3 in the morning,” and I think it really sums up the intersection of beauty and realness I sought to capture in this publication.
Most street vendors are independent business owners, running these carts as a primary means of income. Many vendors are also immigrants using this as way to create a life in America. It’s important that we don’t take these symbols of opportunity for granted as they represent more than just a meal on the side of the street. My grandparents immigrated into this country through Ellis Island and they made their lives here. I’m proud to say that I’m an Italian-American born in New York. The greatest thing about this city is the fact that we all meet here.
I’ve spent most of my childhood away from New York and I always felt like a fish out of water, ready to get back home. Growing up, my family would come back here to celebrate every holiday. When my dad used to take me into the city, he’d tell me two things: First, he’d say, “Max, pick the most fleabag looking pizza place you can find and I guarantee it’s gonna be the best pizza you’ve ever had in your life.” Then, as we walked the streets together, he’d say, “I’ll buy you a fake Rolex.” I could never tell if he was joking or dead serious but these are two things that I’ll never forget, and I never did get that Rolex. But that’s what’s so great about this city, that it’s about the people and the realness, not the fancy buildings or the tourist attractions. The city is on the streets.
For this first edition of my print series, I’ve decided to donate all the proceeds to the Street Vendor Project so that they may continue to protect vendors and preserve and essential part of this city. A large majority of vendors are undocumented, independent business owners who were left out of financial relief and had to continue working despite the growing fear and risk of the virus.
This is why it’s important that we support the businesses and people that make this city great. We need to step up and nurture our community through these tough times.
The zine is now available for pre-order right here. All net proceeds will be donated to the Street Vendor Project. To learn more about the Street Vendor Project visit their website here.
You can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @newyorkcityvibe
