The Bronx has a long and storied history of being a hub for the arts and music. From its humble beginnings of working with what you have, hip hop has grown to become a multi-billion dollar industry, with its sounds, styles, and fashions being heard and seen around the world. DJs spin records in Sao Paulo, Brazil, MCs rap in Arabic in Qatar, b-boys and b-girls break the baby freeze in Finland, and graffiti is even erected on the Great Wall of China. But what is hip hop? All of the above and much more. The Bronx's economic development was heavily impacted by the decline of the manufacturing industry and the construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway.
To address the lack of movie theaters in the area, one man organized a movie night at his office on Bristow Avenue. This was followed by the Young Lords' occupation of Lincoln Hospital in 1970, which was known locally as the “Butcher Shop”. Vanessa Gibson, Bronx Borough President, has expressed her desire to prioritize local funding to expand employment opportunities and reopen the abandoned Loew's Theater. Data from the state Department of Labor shows that Bronx County had the highest unemployment rates in New York at 7.6%. Emma Francis-Snyder's documentary film tells the story of the Young Lords' dramatic takeover of Lincoln Hospital more than 50 years ago.
It was a long process that involved study, work in the community, visits to administrators' offices, and demonstrations. Kool Herc made history in 1973 when he and his sister organized the “Back to School” party in their apartment building at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. This boom in housing construction, elevated railroad lines, and theaters during the first decades of the 20th century would lay the foundation for a diverse and dynamic music scene heading into the 21st century. The takeover of Lincoln Hospital produced one of the first Patient Bill of Rights, which changed patients' relationships with hospitals and doctors across America. In recent years, many Bronx artists, filmmakers, and creators have needed a space to do things for their community and present their work. This is where Gennari comes in.
He discovered that many Bronx artists needed a space to do things for their community and present their work. A “master of ceremonies” can make all necessary announcements but their job is also to get everyone to have a good time with their energy, ingenuity, and ability to interact with people. The Bronx has come a long way since its early days as an entertainment hub. From Kool Herc's historic party to Vanessa Gibson's efforts to revive local theaters, it is clear that this borough is still an important part of New York City's cultural landscape. The Bronx's entertainment industry has evolved over time but its impact on music, art, fashion, and culture remains strong.
As we look ahead to what lies ahead for this borough, it is important to remember its past successes and how they have shaped its future.
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