The History of La Bodega

Convenience stores and corner stores are staples of American life, but for Latinos, bodegas are necessary for cultural survival.
 

These traditional general stores for the Latino community are more than places to shop, they are the center of social life. Bodegas are where Latin-Americans can learn the latest news from a home country, strike up a game of dominoes or where Spanish-speaking immigrants can get information to help them better assimilate into American society.

Presented by Marta V. Martínez, Executive Director of Rhode Island Latino Arts and Founder/Project Director Nuestras Races: The Latino History Project of Rhode Island.

The talk is offered in partnership with the Rhode Island Historical Society’s year-long Relishing RI celebration and A La Rhody, a statewide celebration of gastronomical proportions organized by Providence Public Library, Rhode Island Historical Society, the City of Providence’s Department of Art, Culture & Tourism, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, Discover Newport, and the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau.