Iconic Fort Greene Store Needs $25K To Pay Its Rent

FORT GREENE, BROOKLYN — A beloved Fort Greene clothing store that's been in the neighborhood for almost 25 years is relying on a new GoFundMe campaign and support from local politicos to survive the neighborhood's ever increasing rent.

Moshood Creations needs $25,000 to stay in its storefront location at 698 Fulton St., the place it has called home for more than two decades, according to the owner and elected officials who have rallied behind the shop.

"Moshood is Brooklyn, New York," New York City Council Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo said in a video posted on the stores' fundraising page. "Now it's time to come forward and support Moshood in a way that we never have done before."

"When you wear Moshood," owner Nigeria Moshood added in his video plea, "you wear yourself."

Moshood, named for its designer and founder, celebrates African culture through clothing design and its motto, “Afrikan Spirit,” according to its Facebook page.

"The name MOSHOOD/Afrikan spirit has become synonymous with a style that personifies the 'spirit' of Afrikan pride," owners wrote.

Moshood has become a meeting place for locals and a tourist attraction since Nigeria Moshood first moved from Lagos and began selling his designs in 1987, he said.

People from around the world post photos of themselves wearing his clothes on the Moshood website, home to an online campaign that promotes African Pride.

But despite its international acclaim and online success, storefront costs are too high for the small business to keep up with Fort Greene's increasing rent.

Many local government officials have come forward with statements emphasizing the importance of the store’s physical location and encouraging customers to support the business through this difficult time.

"We want to make sure it's safe for another 24-plus years," said New York State Assemblyman Walter Mosley. "Support our small businesses, support our culture, support institutions like Moshood."

“This is a family place, this is a meeting place," added New York State Senator Kevin Parker, "a place for over 24 years that has meant culture, has meant social power, has meant economic power.

"Let's keep the love rolling."

In the 12 days since the store launched the GoFundMe, 27 donors have given $1,932 of the $25,000 Moshood needs.

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe.com, a Patch media partner