BronxConnect

A thread that runs throughout Dr. King's life and legacy is his unwavering hope for the future. Regardless of current events, situations, and obstacles, he remained hopeful and committed to doing his part in creating a better future for our youth. May we continue doing the same!

Love drives change. It's essential for our communities, cities, and nation that we never forget that. We as a people must continue to be motivated by love, even when taking a stand against systems where we want to see change.

Seeing our students adapt over this past year gives us great hope for the future. This is why it's so important that we continue investing in our youth! Check out our website to see how we do this through our programs and initiatives: https://bronxconnect.org/programs/.

Our Mobile Trauma Units enable us to bring our resources directly to individuals in our community. We've loved being able to serve and support our fellow New Yorkers in this way, especially during such an unprecedented time for our city!

As seen through the story and lives of the Exonerated 5 in "When They See Us," current interrogation procedures weren't created with our youth in mind. That's why we're calling for NY lawmakers to pass an essential piece of legislation to protect children's rights. Learn more and sign the petition here: http://bit.ly/3puaUy1. #Right2RemainSilent

What makes the Bronx unique? For us, it's the strength of the people in our community. Show this city some love, and let us know your answer in the comments.

Through every season, the strength of our community remains the same. We're so grateful for the people who make the Bronx what it is, and we're committed to building and supporting thriving communities throughout this great city and beyond!

From the very beginning, our main focus has been to support and protect our youth. That's why we want to see new legislation passed that guards our children's rights and promotes justice. Join us by signing the petition here: http://bit.ly/3puaUy1. #Right2RemainSilent

Everything we do at BronxConnect revolves around our community because we believe thriving communities are built from within. No one knows the Bronx better than those who call it home!

Three of the Central Park 5 in a The New York Times opinion piece call for the passage of legislation to end interrogations of youth using deceptive tactics and without counsel present. Read their call for justice here: https://www.nytimes.com//exonerated-five-false-confessions #Right2RemainSilent

We invite you to read & share these Freedom Agenda Issue Briefs on #CLOSErikers, documenting some of the key things that elected-officials, candidates, media & community members must know about Rikers Island and other New York City jails, and plans to close them. Learn more here: https://fa.urbanjustice.org/freedom-agenda-issue-briefs/.

Our youth have inherent value. They not only need our community's support and encouragement they deserve it! Throughout this new year, we'll continue to find ways to amplify their voices, empower them to go after their dreams, and equip them to rise above and beyond!

Did you know that it costs $247,000 annually to keep someone at Rikers, but ONLY $11,000 a year for BronxConnect to support them? As grantees of Communities Thrive Challenge's $1 million grant, we now have an incredible opportunity to provide even more care for our youth and help them build brighter futures away from violence and incarceration: https://www.communitiesthrivechallenge.org.

If there's anything we've learned as an organization, it's that lasting change is not accomplished alone we need each other. That said, what are ways you were able to connect and stand with your community while quarantining and social distancing?

From the very beginning, we've focused on building on the strengths that already exist in our community. From our youth to our leaders, the Bronx has so much to offer as a model for showing how powerful love in action can be in making a lasting impact on our city and beyond!

For over five years now, our Release the Grip initiative has partnered with our community to not only address violence in our city but also to provide support and healing to those who have been directly affected by it. Learn more about our programs here: https://bronxconnect.org/programs/.

When it comes to sustaining thriving communities, it's essential that every generation has a chance to share their ideas and speak into the challenges and solutions they face. That's why we love being able to work with our youth and get a glimpse of our next generation of leaders!

You can't look at the history of voting rights in America without acknowledging the barriers those impacted by the criminal justice system have faced and continue to face. Voting is a way of amplifying the voices of the people, and it's a right we must never take for granted.

Going live in 2 mins!

We're excited to be a part of Pray March Act's Bronx Action Meeting tonight at 7:30 PM ET! Watch as our Exec. Director, Rev. Wendy Calderón-Payne joins other Bronx-based leaders LIVE on YouTube and Facebook to continue the conversation around the fight for justice at: www.praymarchact.com.

This afternoon, our Executive Director, Rev. Wendy Calderón-Payne, will be testifying in front of the New York City Council to advocate for #JustReentry for thousands of formerly incarcerated NYers. Learn more about what faith leaders in the city are doing to address this issue at: justreentry.org.

Each street, block, and building here in the Bronx holds so many stories that reflect the perseverance and resilience of our community. We exist to highlight those stories and amplify the voices of our neighbors, so, what's your story?

It's one thing to hold strong values, and it's another thing to act on them. That's why we strive to translate our love for our youth and our community into action through every rally, event, and initiative. Learn more about the work we do by visiting us online at: https://bronxconnect.org/.

When it comes to the work we do at BronxConnect, it's essential that every member of our community is a part of the conversation! One of the most effective ways to keep our neighbors and youth engaged is by giving them a safe space to speak on issues that matter to them.

When it comes to issues like criminal justice reform and ending violence, the whole community needs to be a part of the conversation because the impact these issues have don't just effect those directly involved it impacts their whole community.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right. Even now, amidst a year of uncertainty, we can still find ways to do what's right for our families, communities, and city.

Our youth never fail to bring new perspectives and ideas to the table. When they feel empowered and equipped, they inspire those around them. Especially in light of the challenges and obstacles they faced this year, we're excited to see how they will change their world!