Oftentimes, when people think about history, Women’s History in particular, their minds automatically go to times of the past, almost as if they fall in some sort of nostalgic trance. Obviously, without the past, we wouldn’t be here today. In that breath, as we take this month to celebrate the contributions of Women, I’d like to introduce you to some of the dynamic women I know personally.
To kick-off the month long celebration, we have a dear friend of mine, Latanya DeVaughn, from the Bronx, NY:
Latanya Devaughn is a mother of 3 and the Founder of Bronx Bound Books — a bookstore on wheels & community hub that aims to leave no community behind as it travels throughout the borough — especially to neighborhoods where access and transportation pose barriers . A lifelong resident of the Bronx, Latanya is shunning the brick-and-mortar model and taking her bookstore to the people. Latanya has a background in human resources, business management and community arts and engagement. Combining her love for community, the Bronx, and her skills in management, Latanya is actualizing her dream. As she puts it, “Every neighborhood in The Bronx deserves a bookstore, even if it’s just for one day”.
Latanya is really an incredible woman. Her bio doesn’t do her enough justice. If any of you are chasing a dream, or know someone who is, especially as a parent, you know it takes a lot. It takes a lot of sacrifice, and planning, and delegating, and acceptance, and perseverance, and patience, and still so much more. We all have dreams that we’re working toward. Over the last few years, I’ve watched as Latanya put in so much work, and sacrificed so much, for her dream, which is truly an of act of service. As you’ve read in her bio, her mission is to bring a book store to every neighborhood in the Bronx, even if it’s just for one day. This isn’t a dream that’s chased because of the bright lights, or the money. This is a dream that was birthed out of love and true service to one’s community.
If the mission of transforming a bus into a mobile bookstore wasn’t enough all of its own, as her bio states, Latanya has actualized this dream all while being a mother of 3. If you know Latanya personally, or if you’re connected with her on social media, you’ll know that either one or all three children are under her as much as possible. To me, as a fellow parent, this speaks volumes. I’ve heard many parents say that becoming a parent messed up their dreams. I get it. So, when someone, a Mother, a Woman, actually transforms a bus into a mobile bookstore and commences to bringing books to every neighborhood in the Bronx, I have have no choice but to highlight this greatness.
What I admire and probably respect most about Latanya, is her humility. She fully understands that this mission is bigger than her. She understands her unique role, but she knows that we would not be talking about a book store on wheels delivering books to every neighborhood in the Bronx, if it weren’t for her community. You may catch Latanya on TV or in somebody’s paper on any given day, yet she does not crave, nor seek out the attention. She truly cares about the work and connecting with people when she’s out.
Latanya is doing incredible work for herself, her family and her community. She’s inspiring us all to think outside the box and push the boundaries for what’s possible. I am grateful to know Latanya and call her my friend.
Happy Women’s History Month!
Be sure to support Latanya’s mission. Visit her website www.bronxboundbooks.indielite.org and follow her on social media www.instagram.com/bronxboundbooks/ (IG) www.facebook.com/BronxBoundBooks (FB)
