Neighborhood Storytelling Series: Bronx Stories

Back in the 1970's politicians and the media were using phrases like "slums," "urban blight," "white flight," "street gangs" to describe the decline into disrepair that was occurring in parts of many cities in the US. Conservatives said it was a reflection of the character of the people who lived in those communities. The South Bronx became the poster boy for this process of decay. Bronx Stories is a charming, interesting and original series held at some great venues, that allows us to see a more accurate reflection of the character of the people who live in the Bronx: colorful, creative, intelligent and unique. This series deserves your vote.

Bronx Stories is a wonderful and diverse series. It has had a rich track record with many imaginative themes and locales. A great deal of credit goes to the tireless efforts of Bronx Stories curator Bridget Bartolini and her staff.

Bronx Stories is amazing! It is really bringing the community together. The more I attend, the more it feels like home. They just need to promote it more, so that more people can know about it. I hope Bronx Stories wins and can grow with this award!

I don't live in the Bronx, but I encourage such ventures for they connect people who live in the same neighborhood, walk down the same streets, see each other at grocery shops without knowing much about each other. Providing a space adds a physical identity to this project and it seems that it's promised a great future in the community. I'm eager to listen to more Bronx Stories! Go Go Go!

Bronx Stories is about community and keeping our community alive combined with art at the Bronx Museum. Many beautiful stories have been told and the audience is diverse in age/gender/cultural background. When you can bring in an audience from as young as 9 to 90 then you are telling your story. Lets keep it going and growing - Maria Aponte Bronx Storyteller

I really enjoyed Bronx Stories. Let's keep it going!

Bronx stories is taking off as a staple in a community full of talent bursting at the seams. It is innovative and contagious. more and more people are stepping forward and recognizing what a gem this program is. The best part about it is that it s inclusive. It brings people from all walks of life together in such a inspiring way. Kudos to BronxSstories. Bravo . This program is what Greatness represent..

Several weeks ago I wrote an article about an amazing storytelling show called Bronx Stories. I have personally attended and performed at this great Bronx event held at the Bronx Museum of Art. I really, really loved it. It’s an amazing, much needed show that helps in building up arts in a community that needs it. I wish something like this was available to me when I was growing up in the same neighborhood. When I attended I saw many youngsters that performed for and attended Bronx Stories. These are young kids that could be elsewhere, doing other things, participating in an amazing storytelling show. I believe a show like this can make a huge different in a kid’s life. When these kids attend and hear people like myself that grew up in the same area sharing our life stories, it gives them the hope and the guidance they also need to push forward! Please vote for this program! It will literally take you a few seconds to register yourself and vote for the program to receive this much needed help. Once you register you will receive a confirmation email, click the link and your vote is cast. It take a few seconds of your time and you’ll be helping Bronx Stories to continue bringing this free, not for profit show to a community that needs programs like this. The whole process took me under one minute to complete. We are not asking you for your money, just a few keystrokes and a clicks. Won’t you please help? Please vote, this vote is not for me, trust me I gain nothing out of this, just the personal satisfaction of knowing I helped the community where I grew up! It’s not for the show organizers, it’s not for any one individual, it’s for the children and a community that desperately needs it. Thank you very much! Angel J. Rodriguez

Bronx Stories made its debut at The Bronx Museum in March 2011. Since then we've had 9 events, and built a devoted following of community members and artists. We have carved out a space for people to come together, united by a love of the neighborhood, of art, and of stories. We have provided a positive counterpoint to the relentlessly negative portrayals of the South Bronx in the media. Bronx Stories challenges stereotypes and uses the power of stories to move beyond simplistic conceptions of different people and places to a more nuanced understanding of others. The acts of listening to stories, sharing personal tales, and connecting with others in a social atmosphere inspire more stories and conversations among the audience members, strengthening community connections. Why do we need your help? The Bronx Museum's budget has been cut, and Bronx Stories' future is uncertain. In an underserved, low-income community like the South Bronx, it is especially important to be able to offer public programs free of charge. We are dependent on grants, and on your votes! Please help us to continue offering this program, and vote for Bronx Stories!

Good luck Bronx Stories!!