Morrisania, Bronx Neighborhood Arts and Cultural Inventory

Home , Jonas Bronck, Ray Mantilla, Sedgwick Avenue, Siwanoy, South Bronx, Wizzard

MORRISANIA THE BRONX Neighborhood Arts and Cultural Inventory

in WHEDco partnership with DreamYard BUILDING NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY BACKGROUND CAPACITY Morrisania has a rich history of arts and cultural Building Community vibrancy and innovation. Today, the area is one Capacity (BCC), takes a collaborative and of the most diverse in New York City based comprehensive approach on the variety of languages and countries of to building cultural capacity origin represented. Despite generations of in targeted low-income institutional disinvestment, Morrisania and the neighborhoods. This multi- Bronx at large are in the early days of a cultural year program strives to revival that builds on and celebrates its history; ensure both that culture this report seeks to celebrate that history and is included as part of the these community assets while unearthing City’s interagency efforts opportunities for increased investment. around neighborhood The area which we know today as the Bronx planning, affordable was called Rananchqua by the Siwanoy band of housing, and economic the Lenape people, whose territory stretched development; and that across the Mid-Atlantic. Other native people local cultural stakeholders referred to it as Keskekeck. have ownership and voice in their own community’s The Dutch arrived in the area over 400 years development efforts. ago. Its first recorded settler, Jonas Bronck, sold his farmland in 1660 to Welsh settler Captain IN THIS REPORT Richard Morris who then changed the area’s The research data and name from Broncksland to Morrisania. The analysis outlined in Morris property, present-day Morrisania, was the following sections partitioned and leased to farmers, many of express the voices of 529 whom used slave labor prior to the abolition of Morrisania community slavery in New York State in 1827. Morrisania members representing remained sparsely populated until the early a broad cross-section of 1800s when the Morris family allowed the people who live, work, and railroad to extend across their property. visit the neighborhood. The predominantly agrarian population began For the purposes of this to shift and grow as new immigrants from initiative, we define Ireland and Germany located to the area, “culture” as an expression of becoming construction workers, shopkeepers, local history, food, painting, and brewers. In 1855 the town of Morrisania theater, quilts, zoos, was established as one of the new population museums, dominoes, music, centers that sprang up along the rail lines. libraries, poetry, art, fashion, The majority of the population growth in science and so much more. the Bronx throughout the 20th century was 3 CULTURAL ASSETS comprised of immigrant populations; primarily 7 NEIGHBORHOOD Irish, Italian, and Eastern European Jews in SNAPSHOT the first few decades. This time period also 9 KEY FINDINGS coincided with the construction of Yankee 16 CULTURAL LANDSCAPE Stadium (1923) and the Bronx County AND ENGAGEMENT Courthouse (1931) along East 161st Street, 20 INSIGHTS establishing the corridor—especially at its 24 NEIGHBORHOOD intersection with the Grand Concourse—as one ASSETS of the most vital in the borough. 30 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS After World War II, the demographic patterns in the Bronx began to shift; many of the families STUDY AREA who lived in the Bronx moved out to the NORTH: Crotona Park South suburbs, as new migrant populations moved in, SOUTH: East 161st Street including African-Americans, Afro-Caribbeans EAST: Prospect Avenue and Puerto Ricans. Morrisania was home to WEST: Park Avenue scores of clubs, theaters, and venues. Historic schools like Morris High School and PS 2/PS 63, which produced nationally-renowned R&B teenage groups like The Chantels, while nurturing hip hop’s and jazz’s beginnings, Front cover photos: left to right speak to the community’s rich legacy of Top: Elena Martinez; E.B. Gallardo, Bottom: Edwin Pagan; arts innovation. DreamYard marginalized for decades after. 20,000 live-venue seats were lost, andthecommunity andmusicscenewere minority communities— also contributed to neighborhooddecline.More than Thepracticepublic services. of redlining—denying loans to low-income and City withashrinkingtax baseandlessmonetary resources to allocate towards of middle-inc The demographic shiftsthroughout thefive boroughs inthe1960sand1970s and Morrisaniawas hithard by thefiscal crisisanddisinvestment. Street in1973.By thelate 1970s,New York Citywas onthebrinkofbankruptcy century, closingsouthof149thStreet between 1950-1955,andnorthof149th The Third Avenue Elevated RailceaseditsBronx operations inthemid-20th Photo Credit: Joe Conzo Jr.

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY ome families moving outoftheCityinf avor ofthesuburbs left the 1 The South Bronx became a national symbol of urban decay as it felt the impact of dwindling public services and disinvestment. This trend continued throughout the 1980s until the City, working with neighborhood activists and community groups, began reinvesting in affordable housing to bring residents back to the area. With increased investment in housing, Morrisania and the greater South Bronx increasingly attract more working families, local artists, and new industry. The New York Public Library’s Morrisania Branch at E 169th Street serves as an anchor for community programs catering to people of all ages. Neighborhood businesses as well as diverse places of worship serve the area’s African-American, African, Caribbean, Latino, and other residents. Yet, the community continues to struggle with obstacles reflective of poverty such as limited resources, minimal arts access, and scarce economic opportunity.

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Canal Pl Legend CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS 25 Jackson Forest Community Garden 1 Beulah Picture Gallery 26 Jardin de la Roca & Little Green Garden 2 Bronx Music Hall (opening 2020) 27 Jardin Schohlbrig 3 Centro Cultural Rincón Criollo/La Casita 28 Little Green Garden de Chema 29 McKinley Square 4 DreamYard Project 30 NYCHA Flower Garden 5 JR Latin Music 31 Rainbow Garden 6 Literary Freedom Project 32 St. Augustine Catholic Church 7 Mosaic Literary Magazine Peace Garden 8 Natata Production FAITH-BASED INSTITUTIONS 9 Nieves Latin Dance Studio 33 Bronx Gospel Hall 10 Renaissance Youth Center 34 Christ Family Community Church PUBLIC ART 35 Church Without Walls 11 “Big Pun” Mural 36 Congregation Mount Horab 12 Blue-winged Warbler Mural 37 Good Will Baptist 13 Graffiti Jungle Mural 38 Greater Holy Tabernacle Church 14 M.S. 301 Mural 39 Iglesia Cristiana 15 Mural and Garden - Morris 40 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Educational Campus 41 New Covenant Dominion Cathedral 16 P.S. 140 Mural 42 Rehoboth Church of God in Christ of NY 17 P.S. 212 Playground Mural 43 RT Hudson School of Seventh 18 R.E.M.S. Mural Day Adventist 19 “The Crossroads” Mural 44 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church PARKS/PLAZAS/GARDENS 45 St. Augustine Our Lady of (parks shaded in green on map) Victory Church 20 A. Badillo Com. Rose Garden EDUCATION/CHILDCARE 21 Beatty Plaza 46 Boricua College & Art Gallery 22 Bronx Latin School Mural and Garden 47 Bronx Center for Science & 23 Charlton Garden Mathematics 24 Edith Garden 48 Bronx International High School

4 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 49 Bronx Latin School 75 Hilton White Playground 50 Bronx Regional High School 76 Horseshoe Playground 51 Children Circle Day Care 77 NYCHA Basketball & Playground 52 Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & 78 Reverend Polite Playground Science Charter School 79 Tiffany Playground 53 DreamYard Prep High School COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTERS 54 Harriet Tubman Charter School 80 Bronx Social Center 55 Honey Bears Family Day Care 81 Community Action for Human Services 56 I.S. 219 New Venture School 82 Forever Young 57 Jane Addams High School 83 Louis A Flicking Child 58 M.S. 301 Development Center 59 Metropolitan High School 84 NYCHA Davidson Community Center 60 Morris Educational Campus & 85 Odyssey House Morris Academy for 86 Phipps Neighborhoods Collaborative Studies 87 The William Hodson Senior Center 61 P.S. 55 PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS 62 P.S. 63 Author’s Academy 88 Bronx Community Board 3 63 P.S. 110 89 Morrisania Branch Library 64 P.S. 132 & Morgan Playground RESTAURANTS/FOOD MARKETS 65 P.S. 140 The Eagle School 90 African Fresh Market 66 P.S. 146 91 Cinco de Mayo Mexican Restaurant 67 P.S. 212 92 Hall Catering 68 P.S. 723x/927x 93 Lechonera Pollo Sabroso 69 Success Academy Bronx 2 94 Perry’s Coffee Shop Middle School SMALL BUSINESSES 70 Urban Scholars Community School 95 Fatima African Hair Braiding PLAYGROUNDS 96 Hidden Beauty Salon 71 Behagen Playground 97 MAH Professional African Hairbraiding 72 Drew Playground 98 Martial Arts Fitness 73 Dunbar Playground 99 My V.I.P. Spa & Nails LLC 74 Gouverneur Playground 100 Nubian Hair Studio

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 5 101 Patron Santiago Botanica 118 South Bronx Action Group 102 Rofersa Cigars 119 South East Bronx Neighborhood 103 Success House of Prints Centers (SEBNC) 104 Suga on the Block Boutique 120 The Bronx Defenders SOCIAL SERVICES 121 The Hopeline 105 Argus Community Inc. 122 The Salvation Army 106 BronxCare Health System 123 Volunteers of America 107 Claremont Neighborhood Center 124 Where Care Comes From 108 Directions For Our Youth (DFOY) 125 Yamica Medical Center 109 FEDCAP HOUSING 110 Franklin Avenue Armory 126 Arbor House Women’s Shelter 127 Butler Houses (NYCHA 111 Help Home 128 Forest Houses (NYCHA) 112 Morrisania Revitalization Corporation 129 J. Arthur Jones Arms 113 Morrisania Sexual Health Clinic 130 Morris Houses (NYCHA) 114 Mothers on the Move 131 Morrisania Air Rights (NYCHA) 115 Neighborhood Association for Inter- 132 South Bronx Action Group Cultural Affairs 133 Urban REZ HDFC 116 Pibly Residential Program 134 Webster Houses (NYCHA) 117 Save our Streets (S.O.S.)

6 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY NEIGHBORHOOD SNAPSHOT AND SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY DEMOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS 2014–2016, US CENSUS BUREAU

TOTAL OULATION INCOME

MORRISANIA BRON NE YOR CITY MEDIAN INCOME AE MEDIAN AGE NE YOR BRON UNDER $75,000 MORRISANIA CITY $15,000 TO $99,999

UNDER 5 25 TO 44 $15,000 $100,000 YEARS YEARS TO TO $34,999 $149,999 $35,000 $150,000 TO TO 5 TO 14 45 TO 64 $49,999 $199,999 YEARS YEARS $50,000 $200,000+ TO $74,999 15 TO 24 65+ YEARS YEARS 40 O RESIDENTS 65 AND OER LIE BELO THE POERTY LINE, 40 AS COMPARED TO IN THE BRONX AND IN NEW YORK CITY

187 244 303 OF MORRISANIA RESIDENTS ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD, AS COMPARED TO 256 OF BRONX RESIDENTS AND 212 OF NEW YORKERS

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 7 EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

NEIGHBORHOOD SNAPSHOT AND LESS THAN HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE/ ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE SOURCE: GRADUATE SOME COLLEGE OR HIGHER AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY DEMOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS 2014–2016, US CENSUS BUREAU

OUSEOLDS DISAILITY

RESIDENTS 65 AND OER HOUSEHOLDS IN MORRISANIA ITH A DISABILITY ARE RENT BURDENED HAVE AN INCOME HAVE CHILDREN (PAY 30% OR MORE OF OF LESS THAN UNDER 18 YEARS INCOME IN RENT) 10000 OF RESIDENTS OWN THEIR HOMES

LANUAE ACEETNICITY

MORRISANIA BRON NE YOR CITY

OF RESIDENTS OVER FIVE YEARS OLD SPEAK SPANISH AT HOME. Two or More Races 0.9 Two or More Races 1.0 Two or More Races 1.8 Some Other Race 0.2 Some Other Race 0.7 Some Other Race 0.9 Native Hawaiian and Other 0 Native Hawaiian and Other 0 Native Hawaiian and Other 0 OF ALL RESIDENTS Pacific Islander Alone Pacific Islander Alone Pacific Islander Alone SPEAK ENGLISH LESS Asian Alone 1.2 Asian Alone 3.6 Asian Alone 13.6 THAN “VERY WELL.” American Indian and American Indian and American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.6 Alaska Native Alone 0.2 Alaska Native Alone 0.2 Black or African American Black or African American 35.2 29.5 Black or African American 22.2 Alone Alone Alone White Alone 1.5 White Alone 9.6 White Alone 32.3

Hispanic or Latino 60.5 Hispanic or Latino 55.4 Hispanic or Latino 29.0 SOURCE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 20112015 US CENSUS BUREAU. NYC Population FactFinder https://popfactfinder.planning.nyc.gov/#12.25/40.724/-73.9868, retrieved June 7, 2018

8 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT KEY FINDINGS NEIGHBORHOOD SNAPSHOT AND LESS THAN HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE/ ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE SOURCE: GRADUATE SOME COLLEGE OR HIGHER AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY Census data and the research conducted for this report revealed the following: DEMOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS 2014–2016, US CENSUS BUREAU 35.1% 44.8% 20.1% 28.8% 45.1% 26.0% TOTAL POPULATION INCOME Forces and Trends 19.2% 28.2% 42.6% MORRISANIA BRONX NEW YORK CITY Population and housing changes: Community District 3 (CD 3), which includes MEDIAN INCOME 88,005 1,436,785 8,461,961 25,895 HOUSEHOLDS DISABILITY Morrisania, saw a population decline of 64% between 1970–80 due to the decimation brought about by waves of arson, redlining, disinvestment, and other $35,302 RESIDENTS 65 AGE socio-economic forces. Efforts to reverse the trend have succeeded in part by an $55,191 29,474 AND OVER MEDIAN AGE HOUSEHOLDS IN MORRISANIA WITH A DISABILITY unprecedented increase of approximately 8,500 units of residential housing, and NEW YORK BRONX UNDER $75,000 the preservation of an additional 9,000 units, since 1990. Today’s population has MORRISANIA CITY $15,000 32.7% TO 5.9% 50.3% 33.3 $99,999 47.3% 19.9% 44.2% 7.7% increased by 50% since 1980 but is still lower than prior to the population decline. 35.9 24.9% 9.0% ARE RENT BURDENED HAVE AN INCOME HAVE CHILDREN 18.9% 43.1% 30.2 16.2% 10.9% (PAY 30% OR MORE OF OF LESS THAN UNDER 18 YEARS 36.7% INCOME IN RENT) $10,000 31.7% Poverty: Morrisania is part of the poorest congressional district in the country OF RESIDENTS OWN UNDER 5 25 TO 44 $15,000 $100,000 and faces many of the dynamics associated with poverty such as high rates of THEIR HOMES YEARS 8.6% YEARS 26.8% TO 28.8% TO 4.8% $34,999 $149,999 unemployment, homelessness, incarceration, 7.5% 28.2% 14.7% 8.3% school drop-out, and HIV/AIDS. “At night you could hear 6.6% 31.6% 18.9% 13.1% LANGUAGE RACE/ETHNICITY : Neighborhood conditions and $35,000 $150,000 MORRISANIA BRONX NEW YORK CITY Health and safety the music pouring out TO 12.1% TO 0.9% the circumstances of daily living affect community onto the streets…The 5 TO 14 45 TO 64 $49,999 13.3% $199,999 2.6% YEARS 16.8% YEARS 22.6% members’ well-being. CD 3 has the highest 11.1% 6.1% congas would start in 13.8% 23.5% incarceration rate in the City, and ranks third in the afternoon and last 11.3% 24.6% $50,000 $200,000+ injury assault rates. It also has the highest rate of TO 13.9% 0.9% 54.2% long into the nights. $74,999 OF RESIDENTS ” 15.1% 1.9% OVER FIVE YEARS OLD obesity and the third highest rate of adult diabetes. SPEAK SPANISH AT HOME. — former Morrisania 15 TO 24 65+ 8.3% % % % CD 3 ranks first in both alcohol-related and drug- 15.3% Two or More Races 0.9 Two or More Races 1.0 Two or More Races 1.8 resident YEARS 16.4% YEARS 8.9% Some Other Race Some Other Race Some Other Race related hospitalizations in the City. Moreover, the 28.7% 0.2 0.7 0.9 15.7% 11.3% 40% OF RESIDENTS 65 AND OVER OF ALL RESIDENTS Native Hawaiian and Other 0 Native Hawaiian and Other 0 Native Hawaiian and Other 0 Pacific Islander Alone Pacific Islander Alone Pacific Islander Alone district ranks third in teen pregnancy rates and LIVE BELOW THE POVERTY LINE, SPEAK ENGLISH LESS 40% Asian Alone 1.2 Asian Alone 3.6 Asian Alone 13.6 13.0% 13.0% AS COMPARED TO 24.4% IN THE BRONX THAN “VERY WELL.” American Indian and American Indian and American Indian and second in child asthma hospitalizations. AND 18.7% IN NEW YORK CITY Alaska Native Alone 0.6 Alaska Native Alone 0.2 Alaska Native Alone 0.2 24.4% Black or African American Black or African American 18.7% 35.2 29.5 Black or African American 22.2 Alone Alone Alone OF MORRISANIA RESIDENTS 30.3% White Alone 1.5 White Alone 9.6 White Alone 32.3 ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD, AS COMPARED TO Hispanic or Latino 60.5 Hispanic or Latino 55.4 Hispanic or Latino 29.0 25.6% OF BRONX RESIDENTS AND 21.2% OF NEW YORKERS SOURCE: AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 2011–2015, US CENSUS BUREAU. NYC Population FactFinder https://popfactfinder.planning.nyc.gov/#12.25/40.724/-73.9868, retrieved June 7, 2018

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 9 SPOTLIGHT ON Strengths MUSIC Cultural providers: A variety of cross-sector organizations dedicated to arts and culture Morrisania’s all-but- serve the community, providing vital services to forgotten, prolific music people of all ages and backgrounds. Cross-sector scene began in the 1940s institutions such as churches, health providers, and flourished for over and small businesses, several with established 50 years, renewing itself roots in the community, enhance their services over the decades as venues by including or expanding cultural activities as birthed and showcased part of their offerings. some of the period’s most influential musicians Music: Community members speak of music performing jazz, Latin music, pouring out of businesses, and being played in doo-wop, and hip-hop. stores and bodegas, schools, parks, churches, After World War II, Black at festivals, block parties, and on the streets. and Latino families began They also reference makeshift instruments moving to Morrisania, and spontaneous performances. Morrisania’s a neighborhood with diversity and shifting demographics are a progressively diverse reflected in the local music which continues to and vibrant live musical be made up of a tapestry of different influences. culture. Jazz musicians who lived and played in the neighborhood included Donald Byrd, Herbie Hancock, Lou Donaldson, Jimmy Owens (all National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters) as well as Maxine Sullivan and Valerie Capers. One notable club, the Blue Morrisania Band Project Credit: Photo

10 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY Morrisania Band Project (MBP - pictured left) is an Morocco, provided a setting award-winning R&B soul collective started in 2016 where jazz, funk, and Latin in the Bronx. Founded by singer Elissa Carmona, music could fuse and spawn MBP creates a platform for musicians to add new combinations and vibrancy to the South Bronx through music, social where one could hear music initiatives, and community engagement. ranging from Jimmy Castor Local public art: The neighborhood offers Bunch to Nancy Wilson. opportunities orf local professional and Latin jazz, mambo, and young artists to express themselves and their communities. Public art activates otherwise salsa also were part of the underutilized spaces by converting warehouse musical soundscape with walls and fences into community canvases. Mongo Santamaria, Tito Projects such as murals enhance school Rodriguez, Ray Mantilla, building and park walls, arts centers, and Gilberto “Pulpo” Colón and firehouse and firetruck doors. Ray Barretto making the Innovation and adaptation: One of the area home as well. Popular community’s greatest strengths is its ability doo wop bands such as the to innovate and adapt. The area’s legacy of Crickets, the Chords, and artistic innovation is unquestionable. Influential the Chantels launched their musicians in the area played jazz, Latin music, careers in the neighborhood. doo-wop, R&B, funk, mambo, salsa, and hip- But within two generations, hop, reflecting residents’ musical traditions. Contemporary artists like Billboard-award-winning the area’s rapid depopulation bachata artist Romeo Santos, who attended took its toll as many live Morris High School, are elevating and further music venues closed their defining the neighborhood’s distinct identity. doors by 1975. At the same Morrisania also is and has long been home to time, young people, feeling influential visual artists working in a variety of the effects of abandonment, media including street art, as well as spoken invented a new musical word artists from the birth of hip-hop to today. form and a new generation Even businesses have adapted to have multiple of local innovators from the

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 11 neighborhood included one functions that serve the diverse population’s of hip hop’s grandfathers: cultural norms. A car wash that doubles as a café, Grandmaster Flash, as well so that locals can enjoy breakfast sandwiches, as Grandwizzard Theodore smoothies, pastelitos, and arroz con pollo while waiting for their cars to be cleaned. An autobody who created the technique shop is home to a fruit stand and a pop-up of “scratching” and the first clothing shop, while also serving as a safe space all-female MC and DJ group, for roosters rescued from cockfights. Other Mercedes Young Ladies— establishments offer community members— they all helped to spark the workers, owners, customers—outdoor space hip-hop movement. where they can sit and play dominoes and music, weaving work, play, and art into the neighborhood’s streets. In addition, contemporary artists, including dancers, musicians, and visual artists, many of whom still live in the borough, and loyal supporters are working to elevate the neighborhood’s distinct identity. Parks and gardens, courtyards and green spaces: Numerous outdoor spaces provide leisure opportunities for community members of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds. Many of these popular sites boast current and recent renovations. Several gardens have partnerships with the New York Botanical Garden, as well as host public art and community events for planting, activism, and development. 100% of residents live within one- fourth to one-half mile of a park or open space1, which is an opportunity to provide and further engage community members, especially those

1 NY C Department of Parks & Recreation, 2016, https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/ planning/walk-to-a-park, accessed October 15, 2018

12 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY who feel they don’t have access to arts and culture activities in their neighborhood, and those who would like to see more. Widespread entrepreneurship: Small businesses, such as daycare centers, salons and hair-braiding businesses, international markets and pop-up stores, not only serve the community’s diverse immigrant populations but also provide an entry point for employment.

Challenges Understanding cultural engagement levels in Morrisania, and supporting cultural engagements, present a challenge. According to the survey results:

Defining arts and culture: Many do not identify the various local informal activities in which they take part as “arts and culture,” although they regularly Photo Credit: WHEDco WHEDco Credit: Photo

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 13 engage with and/or create arts and culture in their homes and in the community. Many also access culture primarily through their place of worship, or through organizations and schools in which their children are enrolled, not in an arts- specific setting.

Lack of time: Many survey respondents indicated that they do not engage in cultural activities at all because of long work hours.

Local perceptions: Community members surveyed were generally less aware of the area’s historical arts and cultural resources or those presently available to the community, and had more often heard mostly negative things about the area. Instead, many said that they travel to other parts of the City to engage in formal arts activities that are not available locally, such as museums and theaters.

Communication barriers: Cultural providers of all types and sizes find it difficult to effectively reach the large and diverse local population. Additionally, because most community members rely on word-of-mouth for news about events and activities, it can be challenging to develop a successful, broadly-reaching, and cost-effective marketing and communications strategy.

Opportunities ¡¡Build an inclusive coalition of cultural stakeholders committed to leveraging existing assets and addressing shared priority issues. ¡¡Develop effective communications strategies that consider the different languages spoken, levels of literacy, and the multiple ways locals prefer to access information, from word-of-mouth to various media formats. ¡¡Build strategic cross-sector partnerships with local organizations and City agencies to focus on neighborhood issues and increase outreach throughout the neighborhood with diverse segments of the population.

14 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY

DreamYard Photo Credit:

¡¡Increase engagement in cultural and community activities by reducing barriers to participation, and by activating underutilized public spaces, especially parks and other outdoor locations. ¡¡Ensure that arts and culture are an essential component of community-wide development efforts.

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 15 CULTURAL LANDSCAPE AND ENGAGEMENT

NEIGHBORHOOD

From April to June 2018, the Morrisania team conducted four focus groups and two interviews. The focus groups were held with DreamYard youth, families, teaching artists, and arts providers, and with a local partner, Children’s Aid. A total of 32 people participated in the four focus groups. Additionally, 28 community members participated in a pop-up mapping project, BX Marks the Spot, led by WHEDco, to locate sites of artistic or cultural signiﬁcance to them. The next two pages include results from the Morrisania Neighborhood Arts and Culture Survey, conducted April – June 2018. The survey was completed by 469 people who live, work, go to school, or spend time within or close to the Morrisania neighborhood. Surveys were administered in English and Spanish, via street intercepts and community forums in zip codes 10451, 10456, and 10459, as well as by email and social media. The survey reached students, workers, and visitors as well as residents, with the majority living in the neighborhood.

RESPONDENT DEMOGRAPHICS

HOW DO YOU RELATE TO MORRISANIA? THE LENGTH OF TIME PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CONNECTED TO MORRISANIA IS FAIRLY Resident 56% DISTRIBUTED Employee 27% Visitor 14% Student 13% ABOUT 1/3 OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CONNECTED TO Other 7% THE AREA FOR 1–5 YEARS, WITH Business Owner 3% OVER 1/4 CONNECTED TO THE AREA RACE/ETHNICITY FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS. 26.4% 65.4% BLACK OR HISPANIC OR LATINO AFRICAN AMERICAN INCOME

GENDER 33% Under $20,000 76.2% 25% $20,000–$34,999 17% $35,000–$49,999 FEMALE 13% $50,000–$74,999 HOUSEHOLDS 12% $75,000+ 64.1% HOUSEHOLDS WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18

16 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY ARTS AND CULTURAL PARTICIPATION

IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS HAVE YOU… (check all that apply.)

...visited arts and cultural organizations? 71%

...participated in neighborhood activities? 63%

...watched live performances? 58%

...done something creative? 58%

WHERE HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN ARTS AND CULTURE? (check all that apply.)

Outdoors (Streets, Parks, etc.) 67% Formal Cultural Venue (Museum, Theater, etc.) 33% Library 33% An Elementary, Middle or High School 28% Community Center 27% At Home 24% Informal Venue (Coffee Shop, Restaurant, Small Business, etc.) 22% Place of Worship (Church, Temple, Mosque, etc.) 22% A College or University 14% Senior Center 10% Other 7% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PREVENT YOU FROM PARTICIPATING IN ARTS AND CULTURE IN MORRISANIA? (check all that apply.) I feel comfortable/accepted/ like I belong when I’m there 94% Level of comfort with the place and content of program/activity offered 93% Ability to plan in advance 92% Time that program/activity starts 91% Convenient location 90% Cost/affordability 90% Ability to find free time 89% Appropriate for families/ youth/seniors 86% Language of program/activity offered 85% Ability to go with friends/ family 85% Having extra help for people I take care of 74% Access for people with disabilities 73% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 17 CULTURAL LANDSCAPE AND ENGAGEMENT

COMMUNICATION

HOW DO YOU HEAR ABOUT CULTURAL EVENTS IN MORRISANIA? (check all that apply.) Word of Mouth, Friends, Family 43% Flyers 43% E-mail 27% Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs) 27% Mail 14% Community Centers 13% Children’s School 12% Library 9% Websites 9% Local Newspapers or Magazines 9% Other 7% Radio or TV 7% Place of Worship 6% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% COMMUNICATION WORD OF MOUTH

2% OF NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERS LEARN 52% 41% ABOUT CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FROM NONFAMILY HOUSEHOLDS FAMILY HOUSEHOLDS WEBSITES, TV, AND/OR RADIO.

COMMUNITY ISSUES PLEASE MARK THE COMMUNITY ISSUES THAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU.

Safety (Issues and concerns related to safety and crime) 68% Youth engagement (Afterschool activity and training opportunities for local youth) 62% Quality of life and community connection (Improving quality of life for our residents, 59% including our belief in a positive future and sense of belonging) Police and community interactions (The nature of communication and connection with law enforcement) 58% Education (Quality of schools and school-based education programs) 57% Workforce development (Expanding training opportunities toward employment) 56% Economic advancement (Driving activity and supporting local economy) 52% Diversity and ethnicity (Celebrating diversity and connecting our many cultures) 45% Social interaction (Positive interaction among residents, workers and visitors) 44% Local history and heritage (Preserving and honoring the history, culture and stories of our community) 41% Displacement (Changes in our community due to gentrification) 36% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

18 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY Photo Credit: Jared Gruenwald Photo Credit: WHEDco MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 19 INSIGHTS

The research uncovered a large volume and variety of informal cultural activity by non-arts-specific entities. Findings show that relationships among cross- sector players can be important in bringing about cultural opportunities. The report’s cultural asset list presents potential new networks for outreach and collaborations. And along with the survey data, it can help all cultural providers understand the dynamics and circumstances that can help develop opportunities for cultural engagement.

Space and Networking: There is a need for youth to gather informally and to share creative work, such as at DreamYard’s HERE-TO-HERE youth-operated café. A lack of local creative spaces steers youth to congregate at make-shift spots such as fast food restaurants.

Serving Adults: Adults often do not feel as comfortable as youth when “ I used to love [block trying new experiences. Some who parties]. They would have have little or no experience attending food and music and games a formal arts venue expressed feeling for everyone. We should intimidated, or that they do not belong have more block parties all at such places. New approaches, such the time. as intergenerational activities, can help ” more individuals enjoy such activities — Morrisania resident by engaging in them with friends, neighbors, and family.

History and Pride: Community members of all ages are surprised by the area’s rich cultural and artistic history, and in particular by the many noted musicians and artists that have come from the South Bronx. Reestablishing a shared awareness of this impressive history could help foster community pride and refute negative perceptions of what has been and what could be.

20 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY Cross-Neighborhood Collaboration: The Bronx Community District Several organizations located outside of 3’s Statements of Community Morrisania’s borders, such as The Point CDC District Needs and Community and Casita Maria, provide vital services to Board Budget Requests (Fiscal the local community as well as beneficial Year 2019) indicates that the opportunities for a cross-fertilization of three most pressing issues facing people, activities, and ideas. CB 3 are: health care services, unemployment, and youth and children’s services. Priority requests include capital improvements and increased services to the Morrisania Library, City parks, gardens, and playgrounds, senior centers, and a NYCHA community center. All of these public facilities have partnered with or hosted cultural activity over the years, providing benefit to the public at large. Of note is a recent study on the social value of the arts in New York City’s neighborhoods. Findings show that “the presence of cultural resources in a neighborhood has a significant positive impact on a neighborhood’s health, the outcomes of its schools, and its crime rate.” The arts are a valuable community asset that can help address social issues, provide employment, and may improve physical health and social well-being.

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 21 LOCAL POETRY

Untitled… Rec room baby showers and of pastelitos and moro and ensalada first birthdays de papa that wound themselves through the day and the smell of chicharron next to and spun themselves into night paper-wrapped like summer sunshine slices of limón because “el pari no pare spills into the hall sigue y sigue” like the bass of the music girls in frilled dressed that dances out the window twirling to music into the courtyard and thick frosted sugary cakes at the building where your tía lives with strings of candy-coated pearls and your abuela too and trays that your mom made and the primo

22 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY Photo Credit: Jared Gruenwald Gruenwald Jared Credit: Photo

that nobody knows how he’s and mechanic shops squeezed your primo tight together but a friend from forever and riding down the sidewalk in reverse and other tías and other abuelos to get out of the spot that’s and primos been blocked in other buildings and before that tenements like gift boxes passing rows of empty lots and little boys and little girls brick buildings with windows blown out riding tricycles down paths like missing teeth and somebody’s mom watching scraggy grass poking through concrete from the window and yellow dandelion faces and neighbors on the stoop smiling between cracks and catching sun and all the scoop speckled glass And down the street among the weeds grown to my knees driving through the maze of double and the beauty of forgotten stories parked cars — Elizabeth Leonard, daughter of Morrisania resident 2018

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 23 Bronx Music Heritage NEIGHBORHOOD ASSETS Center (BMHC) The following examples represent Morrisania’s was founded in 2010 diverse array of culture-affirming community by WHEDco. Its mission assets, past and present: embraces the arts as a catalyst for social, NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA): With 16 economic, and cultural public housing communities in the Study Area, renewal in communities NYCHA plays a major role not only in providing ravaged by disinvestment. housing for the community but also in offering Informed by the area’s sites of play, leisure, and organizing. rich musical history and Urban Reservation: In 2007 residents of its residents, the BMHC 400 E 161st Street purchased their Housing works to restore pride of Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) building, place, reverse stereotypes, and formed Urban Reservation, a cooperative in empower citizens, and which Cherokee residents can live without fear improve neighborhoods of displacement as well as showcase their Native through arts access. The American traditions to the community via local BMHC was born out of events and block parties. community memory of Bronx Culture Collective (BxCC): A network of over 15 cultural and community development groups committed to preserving and amplifying the cultural legacy of the South Bronx.

Morris High School Historic District: Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, the district includes 51 buildings Photo Credit: Elena Martinez Credit: Photo

24 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY including Morris High School, two streets of the tremendous cultural brick row houses, and Trinity Episcopal Church and musical history of the of Morrisania. Bronx, and seeks to ensure Clay Avenue Historic District: Designated in that this extraordinary 1994, the district encompasses 32 residential legacy—and its broad buildings between E 165th and E 166th Streets. influence on the American 28 sites are beautiful two-family semi-detached and worldwide music residences. In 2016, New York City’s Historic scenes—is preserved, District Council identified the district as one promoted, honored, that merits preservation, naming it one of and shared. “Six to Celebrate.” WHEDco’s newest development, Bronx McKinley Square Theater: Once served the Commons, a permanent Bronx’s Yiddish-speaking population. Yiddish home for the BMHC, theater was centered around satirical sketches which is now housed and acts, some referencing the lives of Jews in a Lab space. Bronx still in Europe. By the time it was torn down in Commons will not only 2002, the Theater had long transformed into provide 305 units of deeply a Latin music venue called the Royal Mansion, affordable housing but also reflecting the changing neighborhood. will boast state-of-the-art In the mid-1970s, soon after The Black Door: sustainability features, DJ Kool Herc had begun spinning records in recreational and open the Sedgwick Avenue Rec Room, Grandmaster space, and places to eat and Flash and The Furious Five began gigging at shop, all anchored by the a small, new underground venue called “The Bronx Music Hall, a new Black Door.” It was a safe haven, near the music venue with 250 seats, a gallery, and arts-based community center.

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 25 Photo Credit: RiteAid Foundation 26 community-building. support teamwork and positive activities that and engaging themin in theireducational goals, families, getting involved youth, interacting withtheir achieve thisby mentoring their socialskills.They emphasis indeveloping they alsoplacestrong teaching youth new skills, focusWhile theprimary is building strong communities. instilling theimportance of and sportsprograms, while building education, music, offering dynamic, team- members of society, by productive and responsible maximize theirpotential as fully inner cityyouth to mission isto empower at-risk Renaissance Youth Center’s Renaissance Youth Center MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY to fighting the devast at 330East 150thStreet, where itwas critical 1903, Engine41moved to itscurrent location of New York (FDNY)was officially established. In four years after theFire Department oftheCity forever to tryin’ get in!’” cursed out.‘Flash,I’ve beenstanding outhere opening thedoors at 4inthemorninggetting to s Flash andhiscrew hadwon fans. “Lines used schoolyards andabandonedbuildingswhere Theodore, anearlyhip-hopinnovator credited hip-hop movement in the Bronx. Grand Wizzard as amajorvenue to supporttheburgeoning the publicschoolthat was eventually used P.S. 63Park occupiedamassive yard behind 63 Park: Located at 1260Franklin Avenue, Northern Manhattan. several neighborhoodsintheBronx and Squad 41protects Morrisania,Melrose and after closingitin1988.Now, asinthepast, then Mayor Ed Koch to reopen thefirehouse its significance, successfully advocated for The surrounding community, recognizing originally openedin1874at Third Av Engine Company 41:EngineCompany 41 tretch around theblock”and“…we’d be ating fires ofthe1970s. enue with inventing scratching (the rubbing of a record to a beat by a D.J., the squeaky sound of which has become associated with rap), once told an interviewer that the first time he ever “got on the turntables” in public was at 63 Park.

“ It was about 4pm and I was on my way home from school, I saw a group of people, around middle age, some possibly younger, playing some Spanish music and simply jamming out to it. Usually I see this happen quite often, but this time, they weren’t the only ones there. There were children, women, men, of different colors, and it was just beautiful to me. A community was what I saw, and each time I see things like that, I just feel the need to make art.” — DreamYard student Photo Credit: WHEDco WHEDco Credit: Photo

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 27 28 teaching artists themselves. fornecessary young people,families, artists and the lensofsocialjustice, istransformative and action. DreamYard’s work, particularlythrough meaningfulcareershigher learning, andsocial supports young peopleasthey work toward DreamYard ArtCenter inMorrisania, DreamYard partnering withDY Prep HSSchoolandat the pathway, with55publicschoolsK-12th Grade, learning opportunitiesalonganeducational reach positive goals. By committing to sustained make change andcultivate theskillsnecessary to artistic voice,nurture youngpeoples’desire to DreamYard’s year-long artsprograms develop inspire youth, public schoolsandcommunities. pedagogy anddigital andconnected learningto organization that usesthearts,socialjustice DreamYard, founded in1994,isaBronx-based Spotlight OnDreamYard MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD AR TS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY “ — formerMorrisaniaresident They would bringouta I remember themen you know, burlándoseuno would get inthere and game andaboutpolitics, table andchairs and gather the arguments aboutthe music – usuallysalsa – join too. Iremember them de otro. around. Usuallyitwas men, and playingdominoes. outside playingloud down onthetableand but sometimesthewomen slamming thedominoes ”

Photo Credit: David Flores

Photo Credit: DreamYard EFFORTS COMMUNITY PLANNING UPCOMING RECENT AND MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ 3-K for All, 2019–2020,NYC Department ofEducation Development Corporation NYC SouthBronx Initiative 2006, NYC Economic NYC Sustainable Communities2012,Department ofCityPlanning of DesignandConstruction, andNew York Police Department Criminal Justice, Department Study 2017,Mayor’s Officeof NYC NeighborhoodActivation Development Corporation Initiative 2018, NYC Economic NYS Downtown Revitalization “ [While] lear the Morrisaniacommunity…I the localsinourarea… the accessibleresources inthe the mostnotablethingthat educate andcontinuetopromote However, importantto itisvery many greatthingsinthecommunity community andtoalsoadvocate and evenbetterthingstocome! caught meby surprisewas allthe history thatisrighthere within history sincerely vouch thatthere are so ning abouttheBronx… —Morrisaniaresident ”

can

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Select References: BMHC Business and Cultural Plan (WHEDco) Bronx Community District 3 Statements of District Needs and Community Board Requests FY 2019 Fernandez, Manny, “Morrisania Melody,” New York Times, April 30, 2006. https://www.nytimes.com/ 2006/04/30/nyregion/thecity/morrisania-melody.html Giannotta, Meghan. “Grandmaster Flash, from ‘Disrespecting’ Vinyl to Hip-Hop Fame.” AM New York, July 27, 2017 King L, Hinterland K, Dragan KL, Driver CR, Harris TG, Gwynn RC, Linos N, Barbot O, Bassett MT. “Community Health Profiles 2015, Bronx Community District 3: Morrisania and Crotona”; 2015; 15(59):1–16. Naison, Mark, “Morrisania: The Birthplace of Hip Hop,” The Bronx County Historical Society Journal, Spring/ Fall 2007 NYC Department of City Planning “Melrose Sustainable Communities Report” NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study, “(Dis) Placed Urban Histories,” Spring 2018 Rosenblum, Constance, More New York Stories: The Best of the City Section of The New York Times, Stern, Mark J. and Seifer, Susan C,, “The Social Wellbeing of New York City’s Neighborhoods: The

30 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Contribution of Culture and the Arts” (2017). Culture and Social Wellbeing in New York City (2014–2016). 1. http://repository.upenn.edu/siap_culture_nyc/1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bronx#History, accessed 6/18/2018 http://www.boweryboyshistory.com/2016/09/ morrisania-south-bronx-old-days-american-aristocracy. html, accessed 6/14/2018 Data gathering included community surveys, in-person interviews, focus group discussions with arts professionals and community residents, as well as a comprehensive mapping of cultural assets. Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco): WHEDco is a community development organization founded on the radically simple idea that all people deserve healthy, vibrant communities. WHEDco’s mission is to give the South Bronx access to all the resources that create thriving neighborhoods: from high-quality early education and after-school programs, to fresh, healthy food, cultural programming, and economic opportunity. In 2019, WHEDco will open Bronx Commons and the onsite Bronx Music Hall in Morrisania, WHEDco’s third and most ambitious mixed use affordable housing development. Key project staff: Sammi Gay (former), Amarfis Olivares, Yesmín Vega, Belissa Rivas, Nicole Lavan, and Kerry A. McLean.

MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY 31 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

DreamYard Project, Inc. (DreamYard): Established in 1994, DreamYard collaborates with Bronx youth, families and schools to build pathways to equity and opportunity through the arts. DreamYard impacts over 10,000 young people, by using the arts, digital tools, and social justice to transform students, schools, and communities. DreamYard works in the heart of Morrisania, just three blocks from WHEDco’s Bronx Commons development under construction. Key project staff: Tim Lord, Elizabeth Leonard, and Crystal Tirado.

Data analysis and research support provided by Webb Management Services (WMS). WMS is a research and planning practice dedicated to advancing the arts and culture. Founded in 1997, the firm supports preservation, development, and delivery within the arts and cultural sector with sound planning, research and consulting services that lead to cultural and community development. Webb Management Services has worked on more than 400 projects for governments, arts organizations, educational institutions, and other related entities across North America.

32 MORRISANIA THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL INVENTORY Photo Credit: E.B. Gallardo Photo Credit: DreamYard Photo Credit: David Flores

Photo Credit: David Flores The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is dedicated to supporting and strengthening New York City’s vibrant cultural life. DCLA works to promote and advocate for quality arts programming and to articulate the contribution made by the cultural community to the City’s vitality. The Department represents and serves nonprofit cultural organizations involved in the visual, literary, and performing arts; public-oriented science and humanities institutions including zoos, botanical gardens, and historic and preservation societies; and creative artists at all skill levels who live and work within the City’s five boroughs. DCLA also provides donated materials for arts programs offered by the public schools and cultural and social service groups, and commissions permanent works of public art at City-funded construction projects throughout the five boroughs. For more information visitwww.nyc.gov/culture . Building Community Capacity is funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program.