Temple Photojournalism
PEOPLE OF THE STREETS/
PRODUCE VENDOR / JAVIER RAMIREZ
Text and Photos by Aaron Windhorst
Occupying ten city blocks on Ninth Street in South Philadelphia's Bella Vista neighborhood, Philadelphia's Italian Market has been a staple of the city's community since the late 19th century. The curb market, which arose within the area between Christian Street and Washington Avenue now extends from Fitzwater to Wharton streets, and has been facilitated and necessitated by the influx of Italian immigrants in the 1880s. Many vendors, such as Esposito's Meats, have held a steady place within the market since the turn of the century. However, as the population of South Philadelphia has expanded and diversified, the historical Italian Market has become a hub of multicultural cuisine – particularly Latin and Asian.
This is where we meet Javier Ramirez, a popular vendor of fruits and vegetables on the corner of 9th and Carpenter. Ramirez, 49, immigrated to the United States from Mexico seven years ago, in 2008. Though quiet and reserved, Ramirez's remarkable politeness has no doubt engendered his local popularity.
“I came here seven years ago, with no family. The people here – well, I don't talk very much, but they are sometimes like my family,” Ramirez says.
Ramirez has lived in Philadelphia since his immigration, and quickly found a home in South Philadelphia. He initially found work at a local restaurant, which led to his current position as a food vendor within the Italian Curb Market.
Ramirez, who has now worked as a vendor for four of his seven years in Philadelphia, spends most of his time on the streets of Bella Vista. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Ramirez keeps watch over his extended rows of produce, occasionally helping local businesses when needed.
“A lot of the people see me. Some times [they] come and go and I don't see them for a long time, days, and they come back and they smile. I give food to families, big families, and they all come back here to see me.”