This fall, reporters from the Mott Haven Herald and Hunts Point Express hit the streets of the South Bronx, attended local events, and led workshops to understand what young people see as the biggest issues of today.
During our many conversations with them during this election cycle, these teenagers and young adults described the problems they see facing their neighborhoods, and the nation.
To engage with them, we interviewed young people we met in the street, and with students at M.S./H.S. 223 in Mott Haven, along with some area nonprofits with a strong focus on their issues: Bronx is Blooming, Rocking the Boat, and The Point CDC. So far, we have spoken with about 50 young people between the ages of 14 and 22.
Here’s what they had to say:
Safety, Drugs, Cost of Living
Among the issues that resonated most, safety on their streets, gang violence, the prevalence of guns, and crime topped the list. Drug addiction and its effects in their neighborhoods – discarded needles left on the ground, people they know overdosing – were also on their minds.
Many of the young people said they have witnessed physical and gun assaults. A few believe that’s because “the issue gets pushed to the side…and the police are not doing much.” One said “because Eric Adams was a cop, money goes to the cops without helping Hunts Point.”
The teens said they are regularly confronted with violence. “Every time on the Citizen app, you see another person getting shot at, or you hear gunfire.”
Students also voiced concerns about e-bikes and scooters “dumped on the street and in the [Bronx] River.” The bikes are used for fly-by street robberies, and are tripping hazards for elderly or disabled adults on the streets.
Drugs and Addiction
Students described the widespread impacts of drugs in their communities. “I see a crackhead on almost every block. I don’t like that kids have to see them,” one student said. "You can walk, but like, not barefoot or in sandals, because there's needles on the ground," another commented. Other students shared their concerns about the frequency of opioid addiction among their peers.
Alfonso Arichavala, 18, a young employee at Bronx is Blooming, said the city is not offering long-term solutions. “I think giving people Narcan and stuff, it's just not helping the [drug] problem,” he said. “It’s not an actual solution to what people need, like mental health-wise, or home-wise. People need shelter and stuff like that.”
Climate/Environment
On the environment, many lamented “pollutants from factories and diesel trucks,” citing “systemic racism” as the source of the high levels of asthma throughout the community.
They noted the use of air monitors tracking the level of pollutants across the South Bronx. One teen said that “it is normal on a school trip that kids will be pulled to the side having asthma issues. I don’t think this happens in other parts of the city.”
Education/School
One student voiced frustration that school “does not focus on useful things to help in your life, like finances and licenses and resources.”
Another teen said he and his peers aren’t being led in discussions about current events dominating the headlines. “World things that are happening, that are going to end up in history books,” one said. Instead, students turn to social media for breaking news updates. They also said classes are chaotic, with students misbehaving, and that 'teachers make "little effort to control the classroom."
High cost of living
Discussions about money were wide ranging, covering inflation, gentrification of their communities.
“I shouldn’t be paying $18 for a Chipotle burrito,” one teen said. Another teen worried that the rising costs would prevent his divorced parents from “each finding acceptable housing.”
The cost and inefficienty of transportation ruffled one student.
“One of the biggest problems is the MTA,” said Tielye Vanover, 19.
Photo and interview credit: Rebecca Raghunath
“I don’t have a problem with paying, but if you don’t have it then you don’t have it. They keep upping the prices and expect people to pay for it. There are more policemen on the bus, but they are less concerned with putting gates on the train tracks and taking homeless people off the streets. The train track construction is stopping people from getting to work or school. Do you know how many times I was late to my class, that they so valued?...Inflation needs to go back down, I’m not going to keep paying for this, especially with the train. I don’t need to spend $2.90 for a train ride that should be free.”
Several students said gentrification is taking a toll on their families, leading to skyrocketing prices for housing and groceries. One said, “It seems they just want to get rid of us.”
Social Media
Each group discussed the role of social media in their lives, with mixed sentiments. They rely on it for communication, news, and amusement, yet several teens described the negative impact it has on them and their friends, pressuring their peers into “following what others do;” always searching for “the next best thing;” and being bombarded with “unreliable information.”
Heading into the election, some commented that the candidates are “overdoing it” and that “using celebrity artists in campaigning is trashy,” and makes them feel “disrespected.”
South Bronx Teens and Young Adults: We Need Your Input
Are you a teen or young adult in the South Bronx? Our reporters are eager for your input on local issues impacting the South Bronx. Please consider completing our form at this link.
Editor's note: Reporters Erin Maher and Rebecca Raghunath contributed reporting to this article.
About Post Author
