About Us:
The Signature Reader Story
Our
Story
The Signature Reader was born of many things. Two things in particular birthed the magazine: efficiency in artistic/academic expression, and the preservation of community. Historically, East Harlem or Spanish Harlem, has always been a neglected piece of land. In native days when the indigenous were on the land it was swamp land, and as it was taken by the English, Dutch, Irish, Italian and most recently the Puerto Rican, it has undergone many cosmetic and cultural changes. While ripe with history and community, still East Harlem has little to offer by way of amenities, entertainment, education and communication. Options remain limited to encourage communal activity and critical discourse. The Signature Reader was born to change that.
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In a simultaneous attempt for the creator to combine the desire to help the community with a multitude of talents and skill, to be efficient in artistic/academic expression, The Signature Reader was also born to be an accessible means to develop interest in literature and engage with different though educated opinions, which it achieves through photography and a variety of literature types, such as essays, blueprints, narrative, poetry and comics.
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The Signature Reader has strong ambitions for its future, intending to replicate its influence in East Harlem to other neighborhoods that need the same support around the country and even worldwide.
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Why join the collective?
Much of what The Signature Reader intends to do cannot be done alone. At its core is community and its doors are open to all those looking to sharpen their writing skills, educate and entertain its readers, and preserve the community's existing identity and its changes. All volunteers are encouraged to submit and step up for even the backend and management roles for the magazine. Now in 2025, its first year, the collective is only four members with some people submitting and contributing occasionally. As the collective expands, the reach of our readership can do so with your help. If you share the same desires of the magazine like documenting community, uplifting voices, encouraging literacy in print media, and fostering intellectual conversation, send us an email and let's get connected!