South Bronx Rising: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of an American City

Thirty-five years after the original documentary, Jill Jonnes returns to document the ongoing revival of the South Bronx, known for its hip-hop birthplace but still America's poorest urban congressional district. Activists are using the arts and greening to transform communities, but gentrification struggles have emerged.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 608 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Fordham University Press

Thirty-five years after this landmark of urban history first captured the rise, fall, and rebirth of a once-thriving New York City borough—ravaged in the 1970s and 80s by disinvestment and fires, then heroically revived and rebuilt in the 1990s by community activists—Jill Jonnes returns to chronicle the ongoing revival of the South Bronx. Though now globally renowned as the birthplace of hip-hop, the South Bronx remains America's poorest urban congressional district. In this new edition, we meet the present generation of activists who are transforming their communities with the arts and greening, notably the restoration of the Bronx River. For better or worse, real estate investors have noticed, setting off new gentrification struggles.

Introduction:
The South Bronx, once a thriving hub of culture and industry, faced significant decline in the 1970s and 80s due to disinvestment, fires, and social unrest. However, a remarkable revival began in the 1990s, driven by community activists who fought to rebuild and revitalize the area. This revival has led to the South Bronx becoming globally renowned as the birthplace of hip-hop, attracting artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs from around the world.

The Current State of the South Bronx:
Despite its cultural significance, the South Bronx remains one of America's poorest urban congressional districts. The area suffers from high poverty rates, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate housing. However, there is a growing sense of optimism among the community activists who are working tirelessly to address these issues.

The Arts and Greening:
One of the key strategies employed by activists to transform the South Bronx is through the arts and greening. The restoration of the Bronx River, once a polluted and neglected waterway, has become a focal point of this effort. The river's cleanup has led to the growth of new parks, gardens, and recreational spaces, providing residents with much-needed green spaces and promoting a sense of community.

Activists and Gentrification:
The revival of the South Bronx has also attracted the attention of real estate investors, who see the potential for economic growth and development in the area. This has led to new gentrification struggles, as property prices rise and longtime residents face displacement. Activists are working to balance the needs of the community with the demands of real estate investors, advocating for affordable housing and preserving the cultural heritage of the South Bronx.

Conclusion:
The ongoing revival of the South Bronx is a testament to the resilience and determination of the community. While there are still challenges to be overcome, the presence of dedicated activists and the commitment to arts and greening provide hope for a brighter future for the area. The South Bronx's story continues to inspire and remind us of the power of community action and the potential for positive change in urban environments.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781531501211