Our Market Ancestors: Danny and Joe Di Bruno

Our Market Ancestors: Danny and Joe Di Bruno by artists Michelle Angela Ortiz and Emily Busch is located in the Bella Vista neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Part of the Our Market Ancestors, the mural honors Danny and Joe Di Bruno. Danny and Joe immigrated from Italy to Philadelphia in the 1930s. With only a 3rd grade education, their willingness to work endless hours, and their entrepreneurial spirit, the brothers put everything on the line–which wasn’t much–and opened up the Di Bruno Bros. Grocery Store at 930 S. 9th Street. Danny would often say, “We didn’t have much money, but a smile doesn’t cost you anything!” Their grandson, Emilio Mignucci continues their family business as it continues to expand.

Part of Our Market a community-centered, multi-layered, multi-year public art project created and led by artist Michelle Angela Ortiz. The project was developed in April 2019. Our Market is focused on supporting the im(migrant) vendors, business owners, and neighbors that work and reside in the 9th Street Market, the artist’s home for 40+ years. The Project invests in the 9th Street Market by offering creative community strategies to tackle the issues of gentrification, racism, displacement, and erasure.

The Our Market Project is supported with lead funding from the William Penn Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Mural Arts Program. Additional support is provided by the Hearthland Foundation, the Leeway Foundation in partnership with the Bella Vista Neighborhood Association and Philadelphia250 and Visit Philadelphia. Past support has been provided by the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures Catalyst for Change Grant , Art is Essential Grant, and the Southwest Folklife Alliance.