Discover Firsthand Stories of African American Life in the Bronx During the 1930s to Today

The rich tapestry of African American history in the Bronx

As we dive into the vibrant history of African American life in the Bronx, one thing becomes immediately clear: this community's resilience and culture have left an indelible mark on the borough's fabric. Through a series of captivating oral history interviews, we unveil stories and experiences spanning decades – from the 1930s to the present day.

Unveiling the stories of African American pioneers

Step back in time and explore the early days, where African Americans migrated to the Bronx in search of new opportunities and a better life. Walk alongside those who faced incredible challenges but refused to be defeated, defying societal norms to build a strong foundation for future generations.

Discover the untold stories of those who fought against adversity to access education, secure employment, and establish vibrant community spaces against all odds. Hear their accounts of resilience, courage, and triumph as barriers were broken and new avenues of success were opened.

Before the Fires: An Oral History of African American Life in the Bronx from the 1930s to the 1960s

by Bill O'Reilly (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3053 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Navigating the civil rights era and beyond

Delve into the impact of the civil rights movement as it reverberated through the Bronx and transformed the lives of African Americans. Journey alongside activists, artists, and everyday individuals who fought for equality, justice, and the right to be heard.

Through their accounts, gain insight into the challenges they faced, the milestones they achieved, and the lingering effects of systemic racism. Learn about the emergence of influential leaders who dedicated their lives to advocating for change and fostering a sense of pride and empowerment across the community.

Exploring vibrant cultural expressions

Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural expressions that emerged from African American life in the Bronx. Through music, art, dance, and literature, African Americans made their voices heard, celebrating their heritage and shaping the cultural landscape of the borough.

Delight in the stories of jazz musicians filling the streets with their melodies, poets finding solace and strength through verse, and visual artists expressing the untold narratives of their community. Explore the birth of hip-hop as a grassroots movement that would later conquer the world, igniting a revolution in youth culture.

A legacy of resilience and hope

As we conclude this journey through time, it is impossible to ignore the indomitable spirit and lasting impact of African American life in the Bronx. Despite the challenges faced, the community's legacy endures, leaving an everlasting imprint on the cultural, social, and political landscape of the borough.

Join us as we unveil these powerful stories, amplifying voices that deserve to be heard, remembered, and celebrated. Through the vibrant oral histories of African American life in the Bronx, we honor the past, embrace the present, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Before the Fires: An Oral History of African American Life in the Bronx from the 1930s to the 1960s

by Bill O'Reilly (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3053 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Residents of the South Bronx during its promising postwar decades tell their stories in their own words.
 
In the 1930s, word spread in Harlem that there were spacious apartments for rent in the Morrisania section of the Bronx. Landlords, desperate to avoid foreclosure, began putting signs in windows and placing ads in New York’s black newspapers that said “We rent to select colored families”—by which they meant those with a securely employed wage earner and light complexions. Black families moved in by the score, beginning a period in which the Bronx served as a borough of hope and upward mobility.
 
Chronicling a time when African Americans were suspended between the best and worst possibilities of New York City, Before the Fires tells the personal stories of men and women who lived in the South Bronx before the social and economic decline of the late 1960s. Located on a hill overlooking a large industrial district, Morrisania offered migrants from Harlem, the South, and the Caribbean an opportunity to raise children in a neighborhood with better schools, strong churches, more shopping, less crime, and clean air. It also boasted vibrant music venues, giving rise to such titans as Herbie Hancock, Eddie Palmieri, Valerie Simpson, the Chantels, and Jimmy Owens.
 
Rich in detail, these interviews describe growing up and living in communities rarely mentioned in other histories. Before the Fires captures the optimism of the period—as well as the heartache of what was lost in the urban crisis and the burning of the Bronx.
 
“Excellent . . . profound, moving.” —Robert W. Snyder, Rutgers University, Newark