Boogie Down Grind

I went here for the first time and ended up having a whole inspiring conversation with the owner. In addition to having an amazing ambiance aided by local art, this space was transformed and continues to be owned and staffed by a LOCAL BLACK WOMAN who grew up in Hunts Point and decided to make a coffee shop after taking a survey of why young people with the talent and means to leave don't come back when they leave for college and work, and what other communities had that they wanted. Her effort to create spaces for young people to sit down and hang out was also reflected in her push to help clean up and construct a park on the waterfront that used to be toxic and is now also cute and created by locals for locals. She believes strongly in the need for black people to see the sentimental and economic value in their communities, reclaim, and own their own spaces so that they can control how and for whom their neighborhoods redevelop. I loved seeing people being greeted as they walk in the door, and the employees are also locals Even though I'm not a big coffee- tea person and initially just came in with friends, I really liked the little design in my tea too.