Social Justice

South Bronx Unite Meets with Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito to Discuss South Bronx Environmental and Health Crisis, Including FreshDirect

Last week, members of South Bronx Unite met with Mayor Bill de Blasio, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and senior members of the city’s Economic Development Corporation to discuss the environmental and health crisis in the South Bronx. The neighborhood, surrounded by an 850 acre industrial area and three highways, suffers from asthma rates eight times the national average, and such disproportionate rates of respiratory illness were cited last month as among the causes of the deadly Legionnaire’s outbreak that claimed 12 lives and infected over 100.

Within the last month alone, residents of the over-industrialized nabe have been challenging the re-permitting of two fossil fuel power plants (with routine violations of emission levels) and the expansion of a 3,000 ton per day waste transfer facility (also with routine permit violations).

Port Morris Distillery Severs Partnership With FreshDirect After Community Protests

Last Thursday an event was held at Port Morris Distillery with The Bronx Brewery, Ruben Diaz Jr, FreshDirect, Marlene Cintron, Executive Director of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation to celebrate the newly formed business partnership between PMD and FreshDirect.

Our borough president began tweeting and even sent out a press release as a victory of sorts in the many attempts his administration has attempted to divide our communities on the issue of FreshDirect coming to The Bronx.

Developers of Port Morris Waterfront Towers Say 1 Bedroom to Rent for $3,750; Begin to Snatch Up Retail Spaces in the Area

In a pro-gentrification piece written by The New York Times, it was announced by one of the developers of the three 25 story residential towers (of 6) planned for the South Bronx Harlem River waterfront, that 1 bedrooms would rent for a mind-blowing $3,750.

1st Annual Bronx Documentary Center’s Women’s Film Series Begins Tomorrow

Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16th and then every 3 days, The Bronx Documentary Center begins its first ever Annual Women’s Film Series (All screenings begin at 7:30PM).

Check below for the schedule and list of films. This is going to be a very exciting event and we hope to see you there. All screenings are suggested donation:
$5 for Bronx Residents, $10 for General, Free for 18 and Under

Bronx Photo League Documents The People of Jerome Avenue; Exhibition Opens October 3rd

From a 3rd generation Jewish shopkeeper, to a Salvadoran auto worker, to an African hairdresser and a Latina nail salon worker, these are the people that the Bronx Documentary Center’s Bronx Photo League have been documenting for many months now for their upcoming exhibition, ‘Jerome Avenue Workers Project’.

Last year, New York City Department of City Planning announced that they were studying the “Cromwell-Jerome” area of The Bronx—an area that doesn’t exist which spurred fears of rebranding and gentrification—for possible rezoning due to rise in population and projected increases in population over the next several decades.

South Bronx Gentrification Begins: Plans Officially Filed for Three 25 Story Residential Towers

Barely a year since we reported properties on either side of the Third Avenue Bridge approach were purchased for obscene and speculative amounts, three of the lots have had recent plans filed for three 25 story residential towers which, if approved, will bring what appears to be 1,661 market rate units to the area.

Historic District Council’s FREE Summer Mixer This Monday!

We are at a critical juncture in our borough’s history.

101 years ago, when The Bronx was born as the 62nd and last county of New York State in Melrose at The Old Bronx Borough Courthouse, there began a frenzy and expansion into our borough that forever changed our landscape.

Today we are facing a second gold rush so to speak as we are considered the last frontier in real estate development in New York City—a city that is no longer recognizable to us with the loss of many neighborhoods that have succumbed to the white washing of gentrification and “progress” littered with the same chain store after chain store.

This is a chance to mingle and meet other Bronxites concerned about the future of our borough and the issues we face. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Riverdale, The South Bronx, Morris Park, Soundview, Throggs Neck, Kingsbridge or anywhere in The Bronx—this is an event for ALL of our residents.

Undesiging the Red Line Interactive Exhibit

Join Designing the We for a new conversation on how Undesigning the Redline and contextualizing the work we do in the Bronx, New York City, and beyond opens alternative models, collaborations, and processes where another reality is possible. Check out the interactive exhibit and participate in new conversations, both one-on-one and in small groups.

The BDC responds to criticism of Chris Arnade’s inclusion in Altered Images exhibition

The following is syndicated via The Bronx Documentary Center in response to criticism of Chris Arnade’s inclusion in their most recent exhibition, Altered Images, which explores 150 years of photographic manipulation whether by altering physical images themselves or setting up the scenes and passing it off as documentary journalism.

The images below may be disturbing and offensive to many. In fact, many people in The Bronx are offended at Arnade’s portrayal and exploitation of vulnerable women in Hunts Point and the depiction of a neighborhood that has already suffered from exploitation and outsiders controlling the narrative which is often not based on reality but often on fetishism.

Trump Gets Bronx Cheer From Thousands—And Not Just Bronxites As NYC Moves to Possibly Cancel Contracts

Never underestimate the power of The Bronx.

On Monday when we started the petition calling for New York City to cancel the contract with Donald Trump at Ferry Point Golf Course after his disparaging remarks and factually incorrect remarks about Mexican immigrants, we thought it was just a pipe dream that we would be heard and listened to.

But now it seems that Mayor Bill de Blasio and his administration have hears our collective calls as our petition has reached over 5,000 signatures.

No Longer Empty & Hostos Center For Bronx Nonprofits To Address Redlining, Gentrification, & Art This Thursday, June 18

Panel: Thursday, June 18, 11:30am–1pm
Opening Reception for Mini Exhibition, Undesign the Redline: Thursday, June 18, 5:30–7pm

In conjunction with the panel discussion, Undesign the Redline, organized in tandem with Designing the We, is a mini exhibit that explores the history of Redlining (PDF FILE); maps its effects into the present day; and prompts, collects, and showcases the experiences and knowledge of visitors.

The Old Bronx Courthouse is PACKED With Events For No Longer Empty This Weekend!

No Longer Empty’s exhibition, ‘When You Cut Into The Present The Future Leaks Out’ isn’t just about the great artwork on display but it is also about the community engagement via the many programs surrounding the exhibition and this weekend will not disappoint with FIVE events!