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Engaging with Bronx Culture

At the Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center in the Bronx, New York, an intriguing program unfolds where high school and college students delve into the rich tapestry of their community’s traditions and arts. Under the guidance of the Dr. Beverly J. Robinson Community Folk Culture Program, these interns learn to investigate, document, and represent various aspects of folk culture. From food and music to rituals and beliefs, this initiative encourages participants to appreciate the diversity and commonalities within their community.

Collaboration and Creativity

During the preparation for the 2025 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, collaboration took center stage. Lead curator Michelle Banks joined forces with Mind-Builders, conducting workshops that centered on festival themes while also helping students profile artists and cultural figures local to the Bronx. This partnership opened a floodgate of ideas, enhancing the students’ research and documentation, ultimately enriching their understanding of the cultural landscape they inhabit.

Spotlight on Notable Artists

In groups, the interns focused on interviewing local artists and cultural practitioners, culminating in short documentaries and essays that highlighted their subjects’ creativity and contributions to Bronx culture.

Amurá, Game Designer

Bronx, New York

Amurá’s journey into the world of game design was sparked by his childhood curiosity for reconstructing found objects. His recovery from a health challenge opened his eyes to the fusion of his architectural skills and game design. “It was a delightful moment when I recognized how all my talents intertwined,” he noted, illustrating the essence of creativity in his work.

His involvement in organizing a board game workshop during the Mind-Builders Kwanzaa celebration allowed interns to engage with him further. Known for games like Kitunda and Gin-Go, Amurá, raised in an intermingling of African American and Puerto Rican cultures, is passionate about fostering creativity in others. His game’s strategic nature resonates across ages, promoting intergenerational storytelling and connection.

Manny Vega, Visual Artist

Bronx, New York, and Bahia, Brazil

Manny Vega embodies the fusion of artistic expression and cultural history. A celebrated painter and muralist, he draws inspiration from the African Diaspora’s rich legacy. His art is intertwined with spiritual practices learned in Bahia, adding depth to his works.

Interns visited his exhibition, Byzantine Bembe, and absorbed the stories behind his murals throughout East Harlem, showcasing his belief that art is a community dialogue. Vega emphasized, “Creating art in front of people is the best way to initiate change and pass on cultural values,” highlighting the significance of community engagement in his art.

Rokafella and Kwikstep, Breakdancers

Bronx, New York

With dancing roots deeply embedded in Bronx culture, Rokafella and Kwikstep continue to pave the way for breakdancing as both an art form and a cultural heritage. As pioneers, they elevate the importance of community over competition, specifically focusing on teaching younger generations the values inherent in the dance.

Their master classes not only instruct on techniques but also foster an understanding of cultural pride and preservation. By promoting their artistic roots through workshops, they serve as role models perpetuating the essence of the Bronx’s vibrant culture.

Green Garden Health Food Store and Juice Bar

Bronx, New York

Since 1983, Green Garden has served as a community hub in the Bronx, particularly for Caribbean immigrants. The local juice bar champions traditional wellness practices, intertwining health with cultural identity. General manager Vaughn Mitchell embodies this mission, as he shares the family’s commitment to fresh, natural products resonant with Caribbean culture.

This family-run establishment signifies a cultural lifeline for communities, reminding patrons that wellness is as much about tradition as it is about nourishment. It’s a source of inspiration for students like Niara Grant, who reflects on how it plays a vital role in keeping connections alive with their heritage.

Conclusion: The Importance of Cultural Documentation

The wealth of culture in the Bronx, as illuminated by young documentarians, represents more than just art; it denotes community, tradition, and resilience. Their accounts and works serve to highlight the essence of the Bronx, showcasing how personal stories and creativity can drive cultural preservation.

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