BDC Focus - Issue 2 [English]

BRONX DOCUMENTARY CENTER

Issue 2 June 2023

Free

Focus

THE STRUGGLE OF THE HOMELESS IN THE BX

TOXIC SOIL NEAR COMMUNITY GARDEN

INVESTIGATING SMOKE SHOPS

BJPL STUDENT ITZEL ROBLES

FEATURED BRONX ARTIST SARAH ALVIRA

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Bronx Junior Photo League

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

MARIJUANA SELLERS TARGET BRONX STUDENTS WRITTEN BY ITZEL ROBLES + CARA-STAR TYNER PHOTOS BY BRANDON CARRILLO LEON + ITZEL ROBLES + ELISA LUNA CAMERON + JOSHUA CAPOTE MAP DATA COLLECTED BY CHRISTOPHER VIDALS + ELISA LUNA CAMERON

© Brandon Carrillo Leon

As marijuana use among Bronx youth creates widespread health problems, dozens of illegal smoke shops are opening near Bronx schools.

A BDC Focus investigation has found numerous smoke shops breaking New York State laws, including minimum distance to schools and illegal marketing to children. The Focus investigation also found that numerous NYC law enforcement and educational agencies are aware of the violations but have chosen to ignore the issue. Smoke shops investigated by Focus have offered to sell marijuana to Bronx youth as young as 15-years-old.

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INVESTIGATIVE REPORT More than a dozen smoke shops have opened recently near schools in the Bronx Documentary Center’s Melrose neighborhood. At the corner of Courtlandt and 151st street, Puff Puff Pass, is 202 feet from X381 Bronx Haven High School and less than 300 feet from Immaculate Conception School. At 500 Courtlandt Ave, EZ WHOLESALE Trading, a smoke shop, shares a wall with Brilla College Prep Middle School.

New York City Department of Health regulations mandate that “businesses located within 500 feet [of schools] have no posted advertisements related to tobacco and vapor products, electronic cigarettes, and paraphernalia on store fronts and exterior doors and windows.” Smoke shops throughout the Bronx are openly ignoring these laws. Regulations by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, aimed at protecting children, prohibit marketing that uses cartoons, bubble-type or other cartoon-like fonts, and bright “neon” colors. Yet, dozens of Bronx smoke shops are adorned with loveable cartoon characters such as Bugs Bunny and Mario.

New York City has only three legal dispensary locations, all in Manhattan.

Meanwhile, unregulated smoke shops selling cannabis have proliferated

room doctor in the Bronx, said she sees “an increase in teens coming into [the Emergency Room] with Marijuana Induced Hyperemesis also known as Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Symptoms include episodes of nausea, vomiting, dehydration and abdominal pain, with frequent visits to the emergency department.”

In a recent interview, Dr. Grand said, “I had a 14-year-old who came repeatedly with marijuana-induced hyperemesis and it’s so early, it’s always at 8 o’clock in the morning. So they’re doing it in school or before they go into school.” Today’s marijuana has also become much stronger, according to the doctor. “These effects are now so much more common than before.

When people smoked in the 1960’s and 70’s–the so-called potheads–they were not having [these reactions] because the nature of the drug itself has changed.”

Charas Scientific lab founder Andy LaFrate, Ph.D., has reported that today’s cannabis is between 400 and 700 percent more powerful than the cannabis of years past. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the,

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SMOKE SHOPS NEAR

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© Itzel Robles

© Cara-Star Tyner

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SOUTH BRONX SCHOOLS © Joshua Capote

© Elisa Luna Cameron

across the city. A NYC.gov article from Mayor Adams’ office says the projected marijuana market for 2023 is $1.3 billion, and according to the consulting firm Grand View Research, it is expected to reach $7.07 billion by 2025.

“negative effects of teen marijuana use include: difficulty thinking and problem-solving, problems with memory and learning, reduced coordination, difficulty maintaining attention, and problems with school and social life.”

A BDC Focus student journalist, 15-years-old and wearing his school uniform, was offered an “eighth” of marijuana for $35 from a clerk at Puff Puff Pass at 606 Courtlandt Avenue. “The sign on the door says you have to be 21 and over to enter but they never asked me for my age or anything,” said the young journalist who did not want his name used. A BDC staffer walked into the same store and was offered marijuana sales by the clerk before he had a chance to ask for help.

At a recent press conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “Legalizing cannabis was a major step forward for equity and justice- but we’re not going to take two steps back by letting illegal smoke shops take over this emerging market.”

Increasingly, Bronx students appear to be smoking marijuana in the morning before school. Dozens of youth converge near Alfred E. Smith High School to smoke at 7:30 each morning, clouds of marijuana haze filling the air as security guards look on.

Doctors are increasingly concerned about the damaging effects of marijuna on teens. Long-term cannabis users showed an average decline of 5.5 IQ points from childhood to midlife,according to a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry in May, 2022. Dr. Blanca N. Grand, a long-time emergency

Responding to questions about smoke shops from BDC Focus journalists, 40th Precinct Commanding Officer, Deputy Inspector Joseph G. Tompkins said,“we are not allowed to do enforcement there, it has to be the Sheriff’s Department.” The Bronx County Sheriff’s office did not respond to repeated requests from the BDC. “Everybody is washing their hands of it,” said neighborhood activist Martin Rogers in a recent interview. “The police say they were told not to do enforcement. They say it’s up to the sheriff’s office. I challenge the schools to advocate better for their students. Darcel Clark, the Bronx District Attorney…why are they not raiding some of these stores?”

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INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

SMOKE SHOPS • The Hub Smoke Shop, 399 E 149th St, BX, NY 10455 • Smoke House, 2861 3rd Ave., BX, NY 10455 • Red Star OG Smoke Shop, 2910b 3rd Ave., BX, NY 10455 • Puff Puff Pass, 605 Courtlandt Ave, BX, NY 10451 • Skyline Smoke Shop, 3007 3rd Ave., BX, NY 10455 • A&M Tobacco Shop, 145 E 149th St, BX, NY 10451 • Cigar Zone, 573 Grand Concourse, BX, NY 10451 • Smoke Station, 730 Courtlandt Ave, BX, NY 10451 • Noise NYC, 2893 3rd Ave., BX, NY 10455 • Exclusive Smoke Shop, 242 E 167th St, BX, NY 10456 • Ping Pong Palace, 392 E 149th St, BX, NY 10455 • Emerald Essentials, 697 Melrose Ave, BX, NY 10455 • Smoke Shop & Vapes, 549 Southern Blvd, BX, NY 10455 • M&M Convenience Smoke Shop 818 E 149th St, BX, NY 10455 • Smoke Shop and Dap Pens, 843 E 149th St, BX, NY 10455 • Auto Smoke, 854 E 163rd St, BX, NY 10459 • Smoke Shop, 860 E 163rd St, BX, NY 10459 • King Of NY Tobacco Shop, 92 E 167th St, BX, NY 10456 • Mazaya Hookah & Vapes, 965 E 167th St, BX, NY 10459 • Best Smoke Shop, 585 E 168th St, BX, NY 10456 • Longwood Smoke Shop 1014 Longwood Ave, BX, NY 10455 • Lush 161, 90 E 161 St, BX, NY 10451 • Blazin Smoke Shop, 3037 3rd Ave., BX, NY 10455 • Smokers Luxury Spot 1, 20 E 167th St, BX, NY 10452 • Blue Moon Candy Store, 37 E 170th St, BX, NY 10452 • Raw Tobacco & Smoke Shop 966 Southern Blvd, BX, NY 10459 • Lit Smoke Shop, 1043 E 163rd St, BX, NY 10459 • Smoke & Gifts Corp, 75 E Mt Eden Ave, BX, NY 10452 • Ogden Smoke Shop, 1373 Ogden Ave, BX, NY 10452 • Have A Nice Day Exotic 1087 Southern Blvd, BX, NY 10459 • In & Out Hookah Shop, 1074 E 165th St, BX, NY 10459 • Natures Boutique Smoke Shop and Accessories 710 E 138th St, BX, NY 10454 • J R Candy & Cigarettes (Temporarily Closed) 2503 3rd Ave., The Bronx, NY 10451 • Smoke Shop, 1048 Ogden Ave, The Bronx, NY 10452 • Melrose 1 Smoke Shop 650 Melrose Ave, Bronx, NY 10455 • Express Deli /Dollar Town Smoke & Candy 531 Brook Ave, Bronx, NY 1045 • King Of Tobacco Shop NYC 192 E 167th St, Bronx, NY 10456

Map Data Collected by: Christopher Vidals Elisa Luna Cameron

SOUTH BX SCHOOLS • X309 South Bronx Charter School For International Cultures & the Arts, 164 Bruckner Blvd, BX, NY 10454 • X394 Mott Haven Academy Charter School 170 Brown PI, BX, NY 10454 • X364 South Bronx Classical Charter School II 333 E 135th St, BX, NY, 10454 • X611 AECI 2 (Rosalyn Yalow Charter School), 116 E 169th St, BX, NY, 10452 • X471 American Dream Charter School 510 E 141st St, BX, NY, 10454 • X491 Academic Leadership Charter School 677 East 141 Street, BX, NY, 10454 • X754 J.M. Rapport School Career Development 470 Jackson Ave, BX, NY 10455 • X394 Mott Haven Community High School 455 Southern Blvd, BX, NY 10455 • X233 Family Life Academy Charter School II 296 E 140th St, BX, NY 10454 • X551 The Urban Assembly Bronx Academy of Letters 339 Morris Ave, BX, NY 10451 • X670 Health Opportunities High School 350 Gerard Ave, BX, NY 10451 • X472 Family Life Academy Charter School III 370 Gerard Ave, BX, NY 10451 • X557 Mott Haven Community High School 455 Southern Blvd, BX, NY 10455 • X223 The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology 360 E 145th St, BX, NY 10454 • X585 Legacy College Preparatory Charter School 416 Willis Avenue, BX, NY 10454 • X387 Brilla College Preparatory Charter School 413 East 144 Street BX, NY 10454 • X407 The Bronx Charter School for Children Elementary School 388 Willis Ave, BX, NY 10454 • X343 Academy of Applied Mathematics and Technology 345 Brook Avenue, BX, NY, 10454 • X584 I.S. 584, 600 St Ann’s Ave, BX, NY, 10455 • X600 Alfred E. Smith Career and Technical Education High School 333 E 151st St, BX, NY 10451 • X005 Port Morris School of Community Leadership PS/ MS 564 Jackson Ave, BX, NY, 10455 • X612 Creo College Prep, 524 Courtland Ave, BX, NY, 10451 • X465 Boys Prep Bronx Elementary School 192 E 151st St, BX, NY, 10451 • X029 P.S./M.S. 029 Melrose School 758 Courtlandt Ave, BX, NY 10451 • X625 Legacy College Prep Charter High School 332 E 149th St, BX, NY 10451 • X548 Careers in Sports High School 730 Concourse Village West, BX, NY 10451 • X704 KIPP Academy Charter School 250 East 156 Street, BX, NY 10451 • X395 NYC Charter High School of Architecture Engineering & Construction Industries 838 Brook Ave, BX, NY 10451 • X301 M.S. 301 Paul L. Dunbar 890 Cauldwell Ave, BX, NY, 10456 • X610 Urban Dove Team Charter School II 671 Prospect Ave, Bronx, NY, 10455

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X704

X548 X6

X465

Ciga Zon A&M Tobacco Shop

X472 X670

X

J R Candy & Cigarettes

X

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INVESTIGATIVE REPORT Smoke & Gifts Corp

Ogden Smoke Shop

Teenagers and young adults in the South Bronx have been exposed to a variety of drugs through illegal smoke shops and street vendors right outside their schools.

Blue Moon Candy Store Smokers Luxury Spot 1

X611 King Of Tobacco Shop NYC

moke Shop

Exclusive Smoke Shop

Lush 161

625

X612

Smoke Station

Melrose1 X223 Smoke Shop

Puff Puff Pass The Hub Smoke Shop Ping Pong Palace

X551 X233

Mazaya Hookah & Vapes Have A Nice Day Exotic

X029

X600

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ar ne

South Bronx

Best Smoke Shop

X585 X407

In & Out Hookah Shop Emerald Essentials

BDC

X387

X395

X471 X394

X309

Smoke Shop

Raw Tobacco & Smoke Shop Lit Smoke Shop

Blazin Smoke Shop Skyline Smoke Shop Red Star OG Smoke Shop X584 X610 Longwood Smoke Shop Noise NYC Smoke House X005 Express Deli/Dollar Town Smoke & Candy Smoke Shop & Dap Pens Smoke Shop & Vapes

X754

X343

X364

X301

X557 X491 Natures Boutique Smoke Shop & Accessories

M&M Convience Smoke Shop

Scan QR code to view virtual map.

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ABOUT

WHO WE ARE Driven by a shared commitment to documenting critical issues using the journalistic techniques honed in our classrooms, Bronx Junior Photo League (BJPL) students, alumni, and staff have collectively produced this publication.

Through their lenses, they capture the essence of our community, shedding light on untold stories deserving wider recognition.

At the core of the BJPL’s ethos lies the belief in community-based journalism created by students actively listening to the voices and stories of the people. With dedication, these aspiring photojournalists have ventured into the corners of our community, delving into its multifaceted narratives. They illuminate the triumphs, struggles, and resilience of the individuals who call this place home.

“FOCUS” is a testament to the power of photography as a medium for storytelling and positive change. It serves as a reminder that through empathetic observation and the genuine connection between photographer and subject, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society.

The Bronx Documentary Center (BDC) is a non-profit gallery and educational space. The BJPL is a documentary photography, video, and college success program serving middle through high school students. Learn more at bronxdoc.org.

MASTHEAD Editors-in-Chief: RICARDO J. PARTIDA + PAMELA Y. ROZON | Copy Editors: MIKE KAMBER + TERRY SHTOB + EVAN SOLIS Writers: PAMELA Y. ROZON + P.M CAMPBELL + ADANNA TAYLOR + MAYA SANCHEZ + ITZEL ROBLES + CARA-STAR TYNER + AMAIYA LOUIS + NYLAH MYERS + JODY ANN THOMAS Research Team: CHRISTOPHER VIDALS + ELISA LUNA CAMERON + MAYA SANCHEZ + DANIEL ORTEGA + PAOLA SOTO Photo Editors: BRANDON CARRILLO LEON + ALEXA PACHECO + FAHIM REZA + ANDREA ORTEGA Photographers: BJPL STUDENTS + BDC STAFF High School Teachers: DANIELA LÓPEZ AMÉZQUITA + ANYA BROIDO + GIACOMO FRANCIA + MIKE KAMBER RICARDO J. PARTIDA + CARLOS DE LA SANCHA Printers: CYNTHIA RIVERA + SEAN SIROTA • Designer: KATIE KHOURI • Cover Image: HS3 VIDEO DOCUMENTARY STORYTELLING

• A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MARTY ROGERS, COMMUNITY LEADER AND FRIEND • The Bronx Junior Photo League is made possible, in part, by the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, H.T. Ewald Foundation, Rea Charitable Trust, Pinkerton Foundation, Joy of Giving Something, The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation; by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council, and by City Council member Rafael Salamanca; the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature; the Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation; and the William Talbott Hillman Foundation.

All digital photos taken on DSLR cameras were taken with equipment generously provided by Fujfilm.

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BDC VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

MEET VICTOR RODRIGUEZ WRITTEN BY MAYA SANCHEZ + PHOTO BY RICARDO J. PARTIDA

Victor Rodriguez is 72 years old and has been a devoted volunteer at the BDC for the past 5 years.

Born in Ecuador, Victor arrived in New York in 1978 with his mother and two brothers andthey settled in the Bronx. Victor has never left the borough since then. He told us that despite the opportunities to explore beyond the Bronx, he appreciates the convenience of having access to various amenities, such as restaurants, delis, and street vendors, all within reach regardless of the time of day.

Having spent his entire life in the Bronx, Victor has recently observed the resurgence of certain negative issues that plagued the area in the past, such as safety concerns and crime. But he also acknowledges the positive developments that have taken place, particularly the construction of new, well-maintained buildings that contribute to a safer environment. It was during Victor’s time working at a church, where he was responsible for caring for the building, that he first encountered the Bronx Documentary Center.

Victor describes himself as a hardworking individual who finds joy in every opportunity to work, especially at the Bronx Documentary Center, which is a constant source of motivation for him. In addition to enjoying his work at the BDC, he is grateful for the BJPL program. His granddaughter, Chloe Rodriguez, was a student at the BDC, and he appreciates that no financial barriers stood in the way of her access to necessary equipment and resources.

Before his involvement with the BDC, Victor worked at the Immaculate Concep-

tion School for 16 years. When he retired, he sought advice from a friend on how to spend his time. Encouraging him to stay active, Victor’s friend reminded him of the importance of avoiding isolation and staying engaged with the world to prevent diseases, stress, and a sense of unease. Victor firmly believes that as long as he maintains an active lifestyle, and maintains his religious faith, he will continue to enjoy good health and strength.

Victor’s journey in the United States began when he was a mechanic. He graduated from a mechanic school in Ecuador and easily found a job in New York working for eight years with a team of twelve people at a mechanic shop on River Avenue. Despite facing challenges there, such as coworkers encouraging him to engage in activities like drinking and smoking, Victor always made his own decisions based on his personality and values. He chose not to indulge in those activities, since they weren’t in

keeping with his beliefs and would have distracted him from appreciating the life he envisioned. Victor emphasized the importance of willpower, character, and determination in acheiving personal goals and leading a fulfilling life.

Photography has been a beloved hobby for Victor, who owns two old film cameras from his earlier days. While he initially purchased them from flea markets, he later embraced the digital era and bought a camera with a screen for storing pictures. Victor used his digital camera to capture moments, such as attending his granddaughter Chloe’s graduation. He enjoys using zoom lenses that allow him to capture clear images from a distance. Victor is interested in furthering his photography knowledge and encourages parents to enroll their children in programs like the BJPL that provide opportunities for learning and exploring photography. He admires the BDC for being an organization withbig ideas and is eager to contribute in any way possible to support those ideas.

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COMMUNITY FEATURE

PERMISSION TO SELL: THROUGH THE LENS OF A STREET VENDOR WRITTEN BY AMIYAH LOUIS + NYLAH MYERS + JODY ANN THOMAS RESEARCH TEAM: MAYA SANCHEZ + DANIEL ORTEGA + PAOLA SOTO PHOTOS BY FAHIM REZA + ANDREA ORTEGA

On 149th and 3rd Ave. in the South Bronx, locally called “The Hub”, you can find many stores and restaurants, but the coco, mango and cherry icee, and the 4 for $3 churros sold by street vendors is what holds the essence of The Hub. Yet the conditions that these vendors go through are more than meets the eye. Remedios Martinez, who is one of the many vendors on 3rd Avenue, sells produce. She gave us deep insight into the sacrifices of street vendors, such as the constant battles trying to obtain a license, a green cart permit, and the long working hours throughout the year.

Martinez is from Oaxaca, Mexico. From a young age she started selling fruit on her own, because of family issues. Eventually, she decided to move to the United States to explore better job opportunities. “I’m happy to be able to work and still be healthy,” said Martinez, when speaking about her transition from selling fruit in Mexico to working in the South Bronx. She works Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 7 PM. She enjoys meeting new people on the job and is very passionate about selling her produce.

© Fahim Reza

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COMMUNITY FEATURE "As a street vendor you need to show your fierceness and not let anyone try to take advantage of you."

© Jody Ann Thomas

© Andrea Ortega

20,000+ Street Vendors in NYC *According to estimates by the Street Vendor Project at the Urban Justice Center.

50 The number of food vending permits allowed by NYC per borough.

5,100 The cap on street vendor permits, hasn’t changed much since the early 1980s.

Street vendors come from all backgrounds and cultures. For many of those we interviewed, working as a street vendor gives them the opportunity to meet and connect with different people in the community. It gives them the freedom of flexible working hours and of being their own boss.

To be a street vendor in New York City, one needs to obtain a Green Cart permit and a license to work.

For some street vendors, the difficulty in obtaining a permit, or the lack of a license, can cause many issues, including fines. At times, Sanitation Dept. workers even confiscate their stall items and the vendors lose all their produce.

Yet, according to a representative of the NYC Department of Sanitation, “our involvement with street vending enforcement is only focused on cleanliness, street accessibility, and quality of life.”

Martinez has a license but not

© Daniel Ortega

the Green Cart permit. This is one of the biggest issues for street vendors because the Department of Sanitation isn’t giving out the permits on a regular basis.

According to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Department of Sanitation gives out 350 permits to vendors in the Bronx. Through our investigation covering 149th Street from Courtlandt Ave to Brooke Ave, we found that there are an estimated 48 vendors in the Hub alone–and this would indicate there probably aren’t nearly enough vendor permits for 50 neighborhoods in the Bronx.

“As a street vendor you need to show your fierceness and not let anyone try to take advantage of you,” said Martinez. She said that “vendors have to be wary of their surroundings. Especially in a high crime area like the South Bronx, vendors need to stand their own

© Fahim Reza

ground against those who wish to do harm to them and their belongings.” She added that she’s had to stay vigilant when selling her fruits, as people can become aggressive or attempt to steal her fruits.

According to the Street Vendor Project, affiliated with the Urban Justice Center, street vendors are “small business people struggling to make ends meet. Most are immigrants and people of color. They work long hours under harsh conditions, asking for nothing more than a chance to sell their goods on the public sidewalk.” The Street Vendor Project’s work and our own investigations indicate that the work and contributions of street vendors needs greater public recognition.

“I have enough with this money I earn as God has given it.” said Remedios Martinez.

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INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

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INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

WHEN WELLBEING IS DISPLACED WRITTEN BY PAMELA Y. ROZON + PHOTOS BY MICHAEL YOUNG (BDC STAFF) What once was a thriving theater district in the Bronx has been reshaped over time into a poverty-driven community. You cannot escape it; with every turn of your head, you see another depressing sight. A man lying on the ground gripping a small paper cup begging for a dollar, and another wandering aimlessly through the streets. In our community, this is everyday life.

residents struggle to cover living expenses and the number of New Yorkers sleeping in shelters rose by 60 percent over the past decade. Focusing only on violence and mental illness with the homeless seems misplaced, as if we’re trying to differentiate ourselves from all the homeless people, who are just struggling to find a way to make ends meet.

Social media is filled with stories, such as violent encounters on the subway or a crazed maniac at your local coffee shop. Our society is no stranger to victims and perpetrators among the homeless population. Yet the problem of homelessness is much more widespread than these social media stories suggest. According to the Department of Homeless Services, about 47% of Bronx

“A lot of our tenants were coming to us again from years of homelessness, and they were not connected to services. A lot of mental health needs were not met, and a lot of physical health needs were not met” said former supportive housing employee Maria Rogers.

“The whole purpose of the model is just to allow somebody a stable housing situation so they can take care of everything else.”

"When you become homeless, you have been stripped of your right to choose.

You can't choose what to wear, where to sleep, or what to eat."

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Bronx Junior Photo League

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT was so desperate for drugs that he resorted to smoking potpourri, decorative and fragrant dried flowers. He’s witnessed people share needles, do sexual acts, and more, just for any access to drugs. Hassan says the facility calls emergency services at least three times a month due to overdoses. One event that impacted him the most was when one person fell down the stairs and almost died due to being intoxicated.

Maria Rogers, 37, was employed at Breaking Ground, a supportive housing facility for formerly homeless and low-income adults, for 14 years. She oversaw five buildings located in both Brooklyn and the Bronx. These buildings were somewhat unique compared to other supportive housing facilities, as they didn’t require tenants to be sober from their addictions. She says her goal was to provide safe housing for everyone, even if they were addicts. In Roger’s experience, most of her tenants had a dual diagnosis, meaning they suffered mental and physical issues, and many would turn to substance abuse rather than medication as a way of coping.

She refers to the process of being accepted into supportive housing programs as a “lottery” or “waiting game.” Applicants are put into the Department for Homeless Services system (DHS), and have to wait an undetermined amount of time to be accepted into any programs. Rogers says support groups from DHS have outreach programs where representatives go into the streets, shelters, or drop-in centers, to make contact with those in need of housing and enlist them into the system. When chosen, clients undergo interviews by social service partners to ensure their eligibility into the program.

“It can be very difficult to see certain individuals in situations that they have no control over. A lot of people have mental health issues. A lot of people have substance abuse issues. And, it’s not for lack of trying. If you don’t get the correct help it can be an uphill battle,” said DHS employee Landre Hassan.

“I came in from a meeting with a client and all hell broke loose because the client was high and he fell down the stairs. There was blood everywhere. So we called EMS and we thought he was gonna die but he didn’t, thank god,” said Hassan. “He lived, but the next week he was on the same drugs.”

Former Breaking Ground employee, Maria Rogers.

Hassan, 36, is a case manager supervisor at a DHS facility in Queens called the Pyramid. The facility is mainly for asylum seekers and only houses single-male adults. He also worked at another all-single-male facility called Delight, located in the Bronx. In assisting the homeless population, he’s seen the damaging effects that substance abuse has on homeless people.

He says those suffering from substance abuse are heavily dependent and will do anything to keep using drugs. As an example, he says that one of his clients didn’t have the money, yet

Survival is the primary focus for many people suffering from a lack of shelter and resources. Yet in an effort to escape from their situation, many homeless people become addicted. Drugs such as heroin and crack are the most popular ones seen on the streets. When walking near Lincoln Hospital, it’s no surprise to see sidewalks covered in needles and elastic band tourniquets.

The Forced Hospitalization Bill was put into effect in early November 2022 by Mayor Eric Adams, and allows police to send anyone they deem in a “psychiatric crisis” into a hospital. Mayor Addams says this bill was created to help the homeless and mentally ill, yet the people that care for the homeless beg to differ.

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INVESTIGATIVE REPORT “I think that it really demonizes individuals with mental illness to say that everybody who has a mental illness is a risk to themselves or to others. It’s easy to say someone got pushed onto the train tracks by somebody who was mentally ill, and so we were all at risk,” says Rogers.

For someone struggling with a mental illness, the police powers created by this bill can cause more trauma and can threaten civil liberties. Rogers states she has, in the past, been the one responsible for calling EMS for people who are a risk to themselves or others. She says these calls are incredibly difficult to make and does everything in her power to avoid them.

According to Rogers, It’s a burden on the police to make decisions like this, especially those who have no experience in mental health services. Rogers says the police are unfit to make decisions on someone’s mental well-being and often don’t understand someone’s baseline behavior. Whether it’s yelling, cursing, or aggressively talking, these behaviors could be normal for certain individuals and don’t require forced hospitalization. Furthermore, there aren’t enough resources to treat everyone the police deem mentally ill.

According to Human Rights Watch, funds for public housing have been slashed by 35%, meaning there is a new wave of people unable to afford to pay rent. Having more people forced to live on the streets can lead to an overflow in shelters that are already struggling with capacity issues.

DHS case manager supervisor, Landre Hassan.

“I’m already dealing with hunger. I’m already dealing with not having clothes on my back.

I’m already dealing with the cold outside. And you want me to go see a doctor for what?” says Hassan. “Obviously mental health is a necessity, but to the homeless person it’s not enough.”

There are some homeless individuals who reject mental health services. Hassan says in part it has to do with the stigma attached to asking for help. For many, after living independently and having to act tough in the face of challenges daily, it becomes difficult to ask for any assistance.

When you are homeless, It’s difficult not to feel abandoned by society. Rogers says we underestimate the psychological turmoil people face constantly being ignored by the public. It’s become normal to look away at a person laying in the street asking for help; it’s

become normal to ignore someone on the subway when they ask for food or money.

She says clients often yell at her to get attention when they first arrive. When you become homeless, you have been stripped of your right to choose. You can’t choose what to wear, where to sleep, or what to eat. When you go to a soup kitchen or program it’s never, “I get to choose from this buffet of food.” You get what is handed to you and society expects nothing but gratitude.

“Helping with one aspect is great but it’s by no means solving everything”, Rogers says. There’s no simple, instant solution to homelessness. However, there are ways we can prevent people from becoming homeless and craving the escape that drugs can offer. According to Rogers’, “providing housing is a helpful first step, but it isn’t the main issue these people face.”

There is no deadline for how long someone can live at the buildings and many tenants stay for years before they eventually move on. For those living on Social Security, they are unable to have more than $2,000 in their bank account. This severely restricts people’s prospects of having enough money to live outside of supportive housing. Furthermore, in a city like New York where living is expensive, these individuals simply cannot afford to move into another space without rental assistance.

There are many limitations that affect the homeless. However, once we start understanding that homelessness is a complex issue involving many factors, we can begin to offer people the exact resources they need, and truly help resolve some of the issues that they face.

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COMMUNITY FEATURE

FOCUS ON THE GARIFUNA COMMUNITY WRITTEN BY ARWEN POLANCO PHOTOS BY BRANDON CARRILLO LEON + AMI CAMARA + JARED ROSALES

This year, New York City declared March 11 to April 2 as Garifuna Heritage Month. In honor of this celebration, the BDC student journalists decided to learn more about the Garifuna community.

The Garifuna are an Afro-Latino people with a population of around 500,000. The majority of the Garifuna live in Central America, with the greatest share in Honduras. However, an estimated 100,000 Garifuna also live in The Bronx.

Our BDC Focus writers spoke with several Garifuna residents of the Bronx, to learn more about their culture and their community. Gloria Solis, age 48, originally from San Juan, Honduras, came to New York on September 25, 2000. The mother of five told us, “ For me it was difficult, because when I came, I had to leave my kids behind; the youngest was only eight months old…I came to look for a better life for them.”

“Over there, one’s salary is about 60 dollars a week,” explained Gloria as she took a break from selling Garifuna pastries on 149th street one recent afternoon. Even today, the average yearly salary in Honduras is estimated to be just over $13,000, and Gloria still sends money back home to help her relatives. Gloria’s experience as an immigrant has been difficult at times, she says. But despite the hardships, Gloria has been successful and supports herself and her family. And though she has not lived in Honduras for over two decades, she still takes pride in her heritage and visits each year.

“We have a rich culture, we have our dialect, we have our food,” said Gloria. “We can make sweets, co-

conut bread, yuca bread, comoto bread. That’s our traditional food.”

Gloria keeps that culture alive in the streets of The Hub, the South Bronx’s bustling business district where she sells traditional food that she makes with her daughter, Belkis. The process isn’t easy. According to Gloria, it takes mother and daughter four days just to prepare the food: shaving coconuts, yuca, and sweet potato to make traditional dishes like pan de coco. Gloria’s food has become so popular that she has customers from Massachusetts to California who order her delicacies.

“We thank god because we’re able to eat, pay the bills,” Gloria said. “We

can do everything.”

Gloria professes her love of the United States. “The US is a country where we can all advance. We came here for a better destiny” she says.

The history of the Garifuna people (known as the Garínagu) can be traced back to the island of San Vicente in the Caribbean. Garifuna people descend from Afro-Caribbean and indigenous ancestry and speak an Arawakan language, also known as Garifuna. The culture is lively and complex with music and dance at its core. In addition to traditional dances such as Punta, the Garifuna have a diverse cuisine based on Central American crops

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COMMUNITY FEATURE two days before Christmas, some

250,000 Garifuna residents call NYC home, the biggest community outside of Central America.

© Brandon Carrillo Leon

and staples like chicken, plantains, fish, cassava, and bananas. They usually eat their meals with cassava bread.

The Garifuna people have endured many difficulties. Originally sent to Central America as slaves in the 1700s, they intermarried with Caribe and Arawak peoples and established their own regional homelands on islands and along the coast.

Today in Honduras, Garifuna coastal land is highly desirable, and both government and private businesses have tried to take ancestral territory from Garifuna communities. Due to the high rates of violence and poverty in Central America, much of the community has been forced to migrate. As dark-skinned Afro-Latinos, they face discrimination both at home and in the United States.

“Vicky” Victoria Arriola was born in La Ceiba, Honduras, in 1957. When she was 28, she moved to the United States. “In Honduras, there was no chance for a better future and hardly enough money to eat,” Vicky said. Like Gloria, Vicky came to the Bronx to give her children the opportunities that she never had back in Honduras. By working in the Bronx, Vicky she raised five children, four of whom went to college.

Sadly, her youngest child, James, never had that opportunity. In 2020,

© Ami Camara

© Jared Rosales

friends invited James to play basketball. Vicky never saw him alive again. James bumped into a man in front of King Deli on Boston Road in Morrisania. When James didn’t apologize, the man shot him. First responders took him to Lincoln Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. “You’re gonna shoot someone for not saying sorry?,” Vicky asked herself.

“This country is supposed to be strong economically and full of pride,” she said. “Yet there’s guns and drugs in the streets.”

Over time, Vicky’s religion has helped her to move forward. At 344 Brook Ave, an Evangelical church hosts dozens of Garifuna of all ages every Sunday afternoon. It is a source of comfort for people who live far from their home, but still cherish their culture and their community.

Vicky and her family were devastated by the tragedy. For years, her depression left her bitter, unable to work, and her relationship with her other children became frayed. After some time, she began to attend therapy to cope with the death of her son.

The best part of being Garifuna is the humility, says Gloria. “Also our color, our dialect…now in the [Honduran] embassy, there are people who speak Garifuna. The Garifuna are becoming known worldwide!

Garifuna, also known as Garinagu, are the descendants of an Afro-indigenous population from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent who were exiled to the Honduran coast in the 18th century, some subsequently moved to Belize.

More than

50% of the population resides in the Bronx, making it the largest Garifuna community outside of Central America.

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Bronx Junior Photo League

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

BENEATH THE SOIL: TOXIC LOT RAISES BOTH ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS WRITTEN + PHOTOGRAPHED BY PAMELA Y. ROZON

It’s common to see empty lots scattered around the Bronx, resembling barren wastelands filled with trash and twigs. It takes a certain type of person to remake these abandoned lots into gardens, where people can gather and where community can flourish. However, even when lots are made into gardens, reminders of the past still linger within these spaces. Hidden beneath the soil of one, located at 157th and Melrose Avenue, are hazardous chemicals that have contaminated the site, causing environmental and public health concerns.

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INVESTIGATIVE REPORT The Rainbow Garden of Life & Health is home to luscious colorful plant beds filled with vegetables and greenery. The garden provides memberships to the community, allowing anyone to rent a plant bed and grow their produce. To rescue the abandoned lot and provide more space, members of the garden made an attempt to purchase it. However, some neighbors advised against the garden’s expansion into the lot.

“We were thinking about expanding to the lot next door but someone warned us that might be a problem,” said a member of the garden, Angel Garcia. “I looked up the lot and sure enough, it popped up on the site of a state agency called the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and it was in what they call an ‘environmental remediation program.’ When you hear those words, that’s not a good sign.”

To his surprise, he found that the lot was part of the State Superfund Project, otherwise known as SSF. The project identifies suspected inactive hazardous waste disposal sites that pose a significant threat to public health and the environment. The site, which is currently owned by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development, has been contaminated with two chemicals. The first is tetrachloroethene (PCE)–according to the Minnesota Department of Health, this can cause headaches, vision problems, and issues with muscle coordination. The second

is cis-1,2-dichloroethene; exposure to it can result in problems with the kidney and liver. Exposure does not necessarily result in immediate harm; it depends on the length of exposure, the amount, and an individual’s sensitivity to the chemicals. Both can be found in dry cleaning products and both cause significant harm to the environment.

Records of the abandoned lot show that there was a dry cleaning store there from 1950 to 1968, and storage tanks were placed at the rear of the building. In 2004, due to a petro-

leum spill investigation at FDNY Engine 71/ Ladder 55, located at 720 Melrose Avenue, groundwater samples were collected. The samples resulted in hazardous chemicals being found in the groundwater, which then was traced back to the lot. The results also showed toxins in the soil vapors, also known as soil gas, which is the air found between soil particles. These toxins can enter buildings through a process called soil vapor intrusion, where they pass through basement floors, walls, or cracks in the foundation, and affect the air quality.

“I became part of the Rainbow Garden and was very aware of the lot next door. Like most people who live in this area, I always thought it was one of those leftover, abandoned, burned-down areas,” said garden member Argelia Ortiz. “The sad part is that many of us became so accustomed to those lots that even I stopped paying attention to it.”

Garcia created the Melrose Environmental Committee to advocate for the restoration of the empty lot and increase awareness in the community. As a long-time resident of the community, Ortiz decided to join the committee as she too shared concerns on how the toxins might affect the health of her neighbors. She says the community is concerned about the soil vapor intrusion, as there are apartments, businesses, and even a middle school near the lot.

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INVESTIGATIVE REPORT The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) tried to determine which areas have been affected by soil vapors; however, the owners of nearby apartment buildings declined to allow them entry.

There were two buildings that allowed access, one of which was the New York Police Department (NYPD) Police Service Area 7 building, located to the south of the lot. Analysis showed that the air had been compromised and in 2019 the NYSDEC installed a sub-slab depressurization system (SSDS) at the building. The SSDS system draws air from the soil beneath a building and releases it outside, ensuring

no access to our drinking water; nevertheless, it is dangerous to our environment. The Melrose Environmental Committee has tasked themselves with leading the advocacy for the abandoned lot’s restoration. So far, they’ve had community residents sign around 400 postcards pushing for the creation of a remedial plan, and mailed them to the NYSDEC. Garcia and Ortiz both say there’s been a massive lack of awareness regarding this issue due to the NYSDEC not properly informing the community. In return, the Department stated they always had materials ready for citizens

one talk to us about these kinds of hazards.”

The NYSDEC submitted a Record of Decision in October of 2022, listing the remedy they plan for the site. This entails in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) and soil vapor intrusion (SVI) evaluation. ISCO is a process in which a chemical oxidant is injected into the area where the groundwater is contaminated, to help break down its toxins. Also, there will be an evaluation of the air quality of the buildings around the site. The plan is estimated to take around five to ten years to implement and will have a $96,000 annual cost. According to DEC, of the

Community garden member, Argelia Ortiz.

that soil vapors don’t affect the air quality inside. Currently, the NYSDEC is not fully aware of which buildings have been affected by the toxic vapors.

“Each of our garden benches has a filter and then fresh soil was put in there. So essentially, what we’re growing is healthy, we believe,” said Garcia. “But we’re still concerned about stuff running underground.”

According to the NYSDEC, groundwater is not a concern to human health as its toxins have

to view on their website, and have mailed informational sheets regarding the lot. However, Garcia says this is simply not enough. He added that there should have been signage on the fence surrounding the lot stating its status as a Superfund site.

“I have lived in this area all my life, and I never saw any kind of attention being brought to that situation,” said Ortiz. “I participate in different organizations. I go to different community events and I never saw them come and give out any kind of pamphlet or leaflet or have any-

five plans proposed to them, this was the most effective in ensuring the health of the community and environment.

The Melrose Environmental Committee feels there are missing factors in the project. They have written to NYSDEC Commissioner Basil Seggos with a list of requests they feel are reasonable and necessary for the remediation plan. One of the requests is to have an NYSDEC office opened in Melrose to ensure close observation of the site. Currently, the department overseeing Superfund sites in New York

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INVESTIGATIVE REPORT City has locations in Albany and Long Island.

This causes concern for residents, because of a potential lack of care relating to these toxic sites. The committee also stated the remedial plan must include complete remediation of the buildings around the site and health testing of everyone in the area.

“From my perspective as director, I will tell you that I have full confidence in all of our staff, whether they’re local to New York City or they’re in Albany,” said NYSDEC Director Andrew Guglielmi.

the dry cleaning operation located at the site no longer own a viable corporation. During winter 2022-2023, a soil vapor testing investigation took place for two buildings near the site; all came back below the levels that would require mitigation. The data itself is currently unreleased to the public and the location of the buildings was kept hidden due to privacy.

Records of the abandoned lot show that there was a dry cleaning store there from 1950 to 1968, and storage tanks were placed at the rear of the building. In 2004, due to a petroleum spill investigation at FDNY Engine 71/Ladder 55, located at 720 Melrose Avenue, groundwater samples were collected. The samples resulted in hazardous chemicals being found in the groundwater, which then was traced back to the lot.

NYSDEC representatives say they feel confident about the remediation plan for the site.

They say 20 injection sites will be established in an 8,000-square-foot area around the site.

The plan will most likely be paid for by the State Superfund, as the original owners of

Residents are becoming uneasy about the health concerns that may arise the longer the site goes without treatment and how much these chemicals may have affected buildings and businesses in the area. Garcia and Ortiz hope that with enough push from the community, the state will give priority to fixing the site and mitigating its possible danger to the public and the environment.

The empty lot next to The Rainbow Garden of Life & Health community garden has been contaminated with 2 chemicals.

Tetrachloroethene (PCE)

Cis-1,2-dichloroethene

Can cause headaches, vision problems, and issues with muscle coordination.

Can result in problems with the kidney and liver.

Soil Vapor Intrusion Moved by water: Chemicals can dissolve into groundwater & be moved by its natural flow.

Pipes entering foundation can allow vapors through.

>

Source of contamination May be from a previous owner, and building may not exist anymore ie. the Dry Cleaners

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Bronx Junior Photo League

MEET OUR STUDENTS

FOCUS' STUDENT WRITER ITZEL ROBLES WRITTEN BY PAMELA Y. ROZON

Itzel Robles, 17, has been a member of the BDC family since 2022. Itzel is a student in our Advanced Documentary Video & Storytelling classes.

A senior at Cristo Rey High School in East Harlem, she does a work-study with the International Swaps and Derivatives Association where she writes announcements and sometimes organizes events. Robles plans to work in entertainment journalism and says the BDC is like a “second home.” © Pamela Y. Rozon

Can you please describe yourself?

I would describe myself as an independent person. I really like to do things on my own.

I’m really adventurous, I really like to go out and explore; I go on little spontaneous trips with my family. We go upstate and go hiking or swimming. Photography is one of my hobbies.

I really like going out to shoot. I also write a lot of poetry. I began to write when I was in the fourth grade. I would write a lot about my parents and the sacrifices they took to get here. Or I’d write about current events. Now I write more personal stuff.

You said that you wrote your poems about the struggles that your parents went through when coming to America. Can you

speak more about that?

I used to write a lot about my mom because I looked up to her. She would tell me her stories about how she got here and what she’s faced since she’s been in the United States. She crossed the border to get here. She was the oldest of her family, and really had to do a lot for them. I’ve written a lot about current events during the time Donald Trump was president.

It was also a really harsh moment in my life because my uncle lived with us during this time and he was detained. It was really hard on my mom–she was trying to cope with that situation while also getting me to school, working, and trying to figure out ways to get him out. He was detained for a while, then they let him out, then he was detained again and was deported.

That was when I was in seventh grade or so. It was hard seeing my mom going through that and our life changed from that moment on.

Do you feel that’s one of the reasons why you got invested in current events?

Yeah, because at first, I wanted to be an immigrant lawyer or something like that. I just wanted to help people out. But then I got into current events because I was able to write about them through my poetry. I thought I’d like to do another form of writing.

Why did you decide to be a writer for our BDC newspaper?

In class, we were separated into groups, depending on jobs for the newspaper. I wanted

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MEET OUR STUDENTS to do writing because I think that’s my strongest skill. I was thinking that if I really want to do journalism in the future, then I might as well take on this role. Especially since I’m a senior, and I’m now thinking about what I want to do and what I might want to major in, I guess this pushed me to continue pursuing journalism. Honestly, I just liked the idea of being a journalist. I didn’t really know what it was until I came to the BDC. I feel it was sort of like a ”calling” in a sense. Being at the BDC also showed me that photography and journalism can be combined.

Do you feel that your family’s opinions about journalism changed because you are pursuing this career path?

They’re still thinking “It’s something that you’re interested in right now. You’ll see when you’re in college; maybe you’ll change your mind.”

But I’m doing things like writing for the newspaper and then also doing a film. I’ve already seen just how much I like it.

My mom works cleaning apartments and so she’s around people who are in business, are lawyers, or doctors. My mom sees all of this and then wants me to do the same. She thinks, “Maybe you should follow along these steps. I work in this fancy apartment. I think you could probably get that if you work by being a doctor.” I don’t think I want to pursue that in any way. But she’s not pushing it on me. And now

© Itzel Robles

© Itzel Robles

she sees all the things that we’ve done at the BDC and sees my passion is for photography, writing, and filmmaking. She sees how excited I am about it. I guess in some way, my brother and I have shifted that, “Okay, we’re here but we’re not here to do something that we’re unhappy with.” I know that she wasn’t able to choose what she wanted to do because of lack of money. She keeps telling us, as long as we’re happy doing something, then it’s going to be fine.

How has the reporting you’ve done for the newspaper affected the way you view your community?

I’ve just been more aware of things in my community, because after the last story we did, I’ve been noticing the NYCHA buildings near where I live, having theur lights still on. It gets me thinking like maybe I could do something similar for my community. Even just writing about the Melrose building caused a big change. I’ve heard from other students that the lights are already off during the day and we’ve made a huge impact. So that’s really important to me. And in terms of the story that we’re writing right now, I see a lot of people from my school smoking, and they’re not really aware of its side effects. I would like to share the story that I’m writing with my community.

© Itzel Robles

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BRONX FILMMAKER

ALIENATION & AFFIRMATION: SARAH ALVIRA WRITTEN BY P.M CAMPBELL + PHOTOS BY SARAH ALVIRA Sarah Alvira’s new documentary will showcase a Bronx youth debate team in a way that captures their unexpectedly highpaced environment.

“The story I’m trying to tell with my documentary is of being a part of this world of debate– this sort of elitist environment–as a kid from the Bronx,” she said.

Sarah Alvira recently graduated from SUNY Purchase where she majored in arts management, and minored in screenwriting and film production. The twenty-four-year-old is now a film fellow at The Bronx Documentary Center.

She considers herself a writer-director, and has experience as a director of photography.

The debate team, which is composed of Black and Latino 8th graders, felt out of place at high stakes tournaments. They were quickly familiarized with ideas of “classism, racism, and sexism” on the debate stage. The documentary features discussions about experiences of isolation, as shown in the documentary with a hijabi girl discussing being the only one wearing a headcovering.

Sarah finished her first short film Vermin last summer, and though the surrealist comedy

Photo of Sarah Alvira

has little to do with her newest documentary, they share themes of alienation and affirmation. Vermin involves an aspiring actress ready to abandon her dreams until she finds reassurance from an anthropomorphic rat and talking pigeon. Her upcoming, unnamed documentary carries a similar theme of acceptance, as well as the same crew from Vermin.

Sarah was known as a writer and reader throughout her adolescence, these skills prepared her to join the debate team. Documentarians and debaters both spend time analyzing a topic in order to present it. Though she would leave debate, her skills transferred into film editing and production.

iniscent of classic hip hop, and found a composer to create a score that reflected artists like Grandmaster Flash. Documentarian Isabel Castro mentored Sarah on use of music and story development. The choice and use of music, which is a tribute to the Bronx, communicates that these students have a right to be there despite feeling misplaced at times. Sarah is currently in the editing process, though she has yet to film the student’s graduation as well as their tournament at Columbia University.

She plans to be an independent filmmaker, and appreciates the presence of her team.

“I think the successes from my previous projects have all come because I’ve been able to bring an amazing group of people together,”

Still from film.

Team members discuss the “feeling of otherness” in environments which are dominated by competitors who do not look like them, said Sarah.

Popular media does not portray debate as a particularly interesting activity despite the high tension disagreements and biting criticisms from either side. Sarah believes the 8th graders’ story can be thrilling if properly executed. She experimented with pacing and music to make her piece stand out. “When I’m brainstorming ideas for films, I usually know what it sounds like before I know what it looks like,” she said.

Sarah wanted the music in the piece to be rem-

Still from film.

said Sarah.

She emphasized the importance of treating people kindly, because film is a collaborative medium. Everyone, from the debate team in the film to the crew, demonstrated that a documentary can not be a one-person show. Sarah felt that her “big breaks” have been the result of emailing, reaching out, and talking to artists despite fears of dismissal.

She seeks to inspire other artists with her work. Sarah’s new documentary shifts perceptions on debating in the minds of casual viewers, “average” competitors, and the debaters at the center of the film.

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WORDS FROM A BJPL SENIOR

ADANNA TAYLOR'S FAREWELL

© Kalada Halliday

Some are lucky if, in their lifetime, they find even one place to call home. I am one of the fortunate few that has found two. Before I came to the Bronx Documentary Center, I, an eighth-grader, often felt lost.

I had no serious hobbies that I pursued outside of school, nor were there any after-school clubs that I was a part of.

I remember in 6th grade, my mom signed me up for an after-school program at my middle school. What was supposed to be a carefree and joyous environment made me miserable because I simply did not fit in.

On the night of my orientation for the BJPL’s Middle School Digital Photography class, I sat in the second row, shielding myself behind a slice of free pizza, and waited for that inevitable moment where I would feel out of place. As I stared ahead at the presentation on the gallery wall, anticipating the fall of the proverbial other shoe, I was pleased to find a shocking sense of comfort setting in. After the presentation had ended and everyone mingled in a sea of introductions and pleasantries, I took the opportunity to meet my teacher, Kholood. Immediately, we bonded over TV shows and our shared love of ‘The Office.’ Just like that, I realized that I had found my tribe of weirdos.

For the past five years, I have grown up at the Bronx Documentary Center, but more importantly, I have grown alongside the BDC. Without the BDC, I wouldn’t have had the op-

portunities or experiences that shaped me into the human being that I am. From traveling to Maine in the summer and working for publications such as New York Magazine to having my work be exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. From learning to develop film and print in a darkroom to developing my public speaking skills and understanding the power of my voice and photography as a tool of expression.

Without the BDC, I wouldn’t have learned to open myself up to new people or have found my way to the people I now call my family.

There is something special about the community at the BDC. It’s a space of constant growth and change that pushes everyone who comes into contact with it to become the best version of themselves. The Bronx Documentary Center taught me to embrace all of my quirks, flaunt my idiosyncrasies, and to be me, unapologetically. Now that I am in my final month as a BJPL student, I want any incoming student to know that you are at home here, and you’re locked into this family forever. This space is here for you, and when it’s your turn to leave, make sure that you leave it better than you found it.

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HS3 VIDEO DOCUMENTARY STORYTELLING

onefiftyseven

onefiftyseven is a documentary about a community centered around River Avenue Skate Park in the South Bronx.

It is a celebration of a special place and the people who made it what it is today, a vibrant and inclusive community that continues to inspire and attract new generations of skaters and friends.

Through a mix of archival footage from the early days of the park, juxtaposed with present-day footage, the documentary highlights the intergenerational bond formed through skateboarding and celebrates the resilience and creativity of the South Bronx community.

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HS3 VIDEO DOCUMENTARY STORYTELLING

A new documentary by the BJPL’s HS3 Video Documentary Storytelling class.

Scan the QR code to view onefiftyseven

Bronx Junior Photo League

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

ACCEPTING THE AUTHENTIC LORENA VICENTE WRITTEN BY P.M CAMPBELL | PHOTOS BY LUIS SEBASTIAN FREIRE + ALEXA PACHECO

In her work Lorena Vicente offers detailed insights of her lived experiences.

Her upcoming project demonstrates that she is an unbiased yet sympathetic narrator.

She joined the Bronx Documentary Center’s, Bronx Junior Photo League (BJPL) in 2019, during the summer preceding her senior year at Marble Hill High School. She resumed the program that fall semester; though she learned the photography skills and established the portfolio that would grant her admission to NYU, the COVID-19 pandemic cut her time at the BDC short.

She joined the Bronx Documentary Center’s, Bronx Junior Photo League (BJPL) in 2019, during the summer preceding her senior year at Marble Hill High School. She resumed the program that fall semester; though she learned the photography skills and established the portfolio that would grant her admission to NYU, the COVID-19 pandemic cut her time at the BDC short. Lorena, now an NYU junior majoring in film & TV, is back at the Center in 2023 as an intern creating a short documentary titled Dates, that traces the relationship between parents and their children in the Bronx.

“I’ve seen with my own eyes how the lack of a parental figure that truly loves you can make the most beautiful person [in]to the hardest soul,” she said.

Lorena, now an NYU junior majoring in film & TV, is back at the Center in 2023 as an intern creating a short documentary titled Dates, that traces the relationship between parents and their children in the Bronx.

She recognized the instrumental role of parents in their children’s lives after an unpleasant parting with a friend. For Lorena, the experience underscored her own mother’s role as her primary source of love and support, and helped her understand the impact on those lacking such a figure. Lorena is dedicating her film to mothers, particularly the one who she follows in the documentary.“ All of my projects have one thing in common,” she said..“They are very representative of me and my life experiences; and of my mother’s story, my father’s… my siblings’…”

“I’ve seen with my own eyes how the lack of a parental figure that truly loves you can make the most beautiful person [in]to the hardest soul,” she said.

Her stories originate from a well-rounded understanding of personal experiences. For example one of her previous scripts, Espaghetti, draws from one of her favorite memories—a beach day which was not overshadowed by parental imperfections. In her new film, Lorena follows her friend Lucki’s family, and she is able to draw parallels between them and her own family.

She recognized the instru© Alexa Pacheco

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

© Luis Sebastian Freire

“Through each chapter, through each kid, you kind of get a different understanding of how they see their parents,” said Lorena. She opens and closes the documentary with a focus on Lucki’s mother, but the film is composed of perspectives from Lucki and her younger siblings. Lorena juxtaposes the youngest brother’s innocence with the older brother’s rebellion, and both are put into context by Lucki’s forgiveness. Lucki, who is Lorena’s BDC classmate, has an indifferent perception of her parents–they are neither good nor bad, but rather “whole”.

“I’ve been fasting, I’m reading the Quran, I’m trying to pray five times a day,” said Lorena. She committed to her connection with Lucki’s Islamic Bengali family, practicing Ramadan and breaking fast with them some evenings. She recognizes the similarities between Lucki’s younger brothers, her own older brothers, and how both respond to their fathers. Lorena’s mother, like many others, has repeatedly sacrificed for others yet her needs go unmet.

She takes influence from artists like Abbas Kiarostami and Renell Medrano who base their work on the most human aspects of their subjects. Like them, she prefers subtle story telling, rather than the sometimes hyperbolic narratives surrounding places like the Bronx. In her work her obvious compassion for her subjects makes sure that her themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and understanding are not overshadowed by socio-economic or racial themes.

“You don’t have to have a super power…to be interesting enough to appear on screen,” she said, “you can be an everyday human being that goes through everyday human being struggles but there’s beauty in that.”

Dates, which is in post-production and will premier in July, is ripe with themes of innocence and perception.

Lorena values authenticity rather than spectacle in the scenes she captured with Lucki’s family. Her documentary, by capturing moments of unaltered vulnerability, will offer a hint to what lies ahead for the director.

"You don't have to have a super power to be interesting enough to appear on screen, she said, "you can be an everyday human being that goes through everyday human being struggles but there's beauty in that."

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BJPL YEAR-END EXHIBITION

ON VIEW: JUNE 1-18, 2023

© ANDREA ORTEGA

© JASIRAH ROJAS

© NADIA REYES-RODRIGUEZ

DANIEL LUCERO

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BJPL YEAR-END EXHIBITION

BRONX JUNIOR PHOTO LEAGUE YEAR-END EXHIBITION

© JODY ANN THOMAS

© RYAN CRUEL

Jordan Turner, 8th Grade | Jasirah Rojas, 8th Grade | Ryan Cruel, 8th Grade | Madison Edwards, 8th Grade | Stephany Sanchez Garcia, 7th Grade | Brigitte Marino, 7th Grade | Isaac Suazo, 7th Grade | Lucas Rodriguez Landrau, 7th Grade | Nylah Williams, 7th Grade | Julio Lugo, 8th Grade | Noah Capote, 6th Grade | Kylie Feliciano, 6th Grade | Noah García , 7th Grade | De’ryah Plummer, 6th Grade | Ryan Plummer, 8th Grade | Nadia Reyes-Rodriguez, 6th Grade | Brigitte Tellez Celis, 8th Grade | Jeremiah Thomas, 6th Grade | Ixoye Moguel, 8th Grade | Amiyah Louis, 10th Grade | Nylah Myers, 10th Grade | Andrea Ortega, 10th Grade | Daniel Ortega, 9th Grade | Maya Sanchez, 9th Grade | Paola Soto, 10th Grade | Jodyann Thomas, 12th Grade | Fahim Reza, 10th Grade | Fatou Conde, 10th Grade | Adanna Taylor, 12th Grade | Steven Jimenez, 12th Grade | Itzel Robles, 12th Grade | Tanvir Kaur, 11th Grade | Daniel Lucero, 12th Grade | Aminata Camara, 11th Grade | Elisa (Luna) Cameron, 11th Grade | Joshua Capote, 10th Grade | Cesar Florencio, 10th Grade | Luis Sebastian Freire, 12th Grade | Brandon Carrillo Leon, 10th Grade | Alexa Pacheco, 11th Grade | Arwen Polanco, 10th Grade | Cara-Star Tyner, 10th Grade | Christopher Vidals, 11th Grade

© NOAH CAPOTE

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ACROSS 1. How elements are framed in the image 4. Cutting/removing part of an image 6. Controls how blurry the image looks 9. Photograph shot from high above the ground 10. Burst of artificial light 11. A photograph taken as a positive on a thin tin plate

DOWN 1. What you call a picture that’s not posed 2. Extreme close up 3. Keeps the camera stable, has 3 legs.

5. When a picture is too bright, it is called _____exposed 10. When a picture is too dark, it is called ____ exposed

Across: 1) Composition 4) Cropping 6) Focus 9)Aerial 10) Flash 11) Tintype; Down: 1) Candid 2) Macro 3) Tripod 5) Over 7) Under 8) Selfie

Bronx Junior Photo League

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SUMMER BJPL CLASS APPLICATIONS OPEN UNTIL JUNE 23, 2023!

Free Middle School Photobook Program [Open to 7th-8th Graders] Program Dates: July 5 - August 11, 2023 Tuesdays 1-4PM or Thursdays 1-4PM Middle School students will explore storytelling with photography through the medium of a photobook, experimenting with collaging, zines, and sequencing, ultimately creating their own unique photobook. In weekly Creative Conversations, students will meet working photographers and editors to gain inspiration from their work and learn about possible career pathways.

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Free High School Video Newsroom Program [Open to 9th-12th Graders] Program Dates: July 5 - August 11, 2023 Mondays & Wednesdays, 11AM-3PM Using their phones and simple recording equipment, High School students will learn to report, produce, and edit video news pieces, telling the stories of the Bronx in a visual medium. This class will include multiple reporting trips to landmarks like Yankee Stadium and the Bronx River.

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Bronx Junior Photo League

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CLASS OF 2023

BJPL GRADUATES

STEVEN JIMENEZ

DANIEL LUCERO

ITZEL ROBLES

THE CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK

COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY

JODY-ANN THOMAS

LUIS FREIRE

ADANNA TAYLOR

JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

COLLEGE OF MOUNT ST VINCENT

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

CONGRATULATIONS BJPL SENIORS! We’re so proud of all of you and in awe of everything you’ve accomplished!

We wish you the best of luck in your new adventures.

PHOTOS BY LENNY MEDINA RETROLENZPHOTOGRAPHY.COM @RETLENZ