Embracing the Authenticity of My Bronx Roots

Who am I? My reflex is to start by explaining an aspect that I pride myself: being born and raised in the South Bronx. I have fond memories of summers outside with friends, going to the corner store for a bacon egg and cheese, and looking out my window at night to see the Empire State Building shining beautifully. As I have matured, however, I often ask myself “Wow! How did you make it?” The South Bronx made me who I am today. Yet, it requires adding a subconscious hard shell to your exterior to survive the intentionally designed systemic challenges against people living there.