East Tremont Ave. in C.S. 92

Recently, as I walked through the hallways of C.S. 92 I felt a sense of nostalgia and pride of the Crotona Neighborhood. Along the corridors are murals of the mom & pop stores through out the neighborhood.

Some like JJ Restaurant specializes in Dominican cusinie, family, neighbors and I eat their regularly.

Others like Emmanuel Stationary have recently close as developers speculate over the value of our community. Stores that have been in our community for decades are beginning to post signs "Lost my lease after 50 years". 

 Other stores like Linda's Pizzeria are still there but I can tell its under new ownership or  management. I hopefully of the next generation response to addressing issues of self identity, ownership and sustainability. As I build the foundation of my career I realize the importance of seeing our reflections. When I interact with Black- Americans, entrepreneurs, activist, Christians  or young adults they empower me to work harder to meet my goals. They make it a reality and take away the "anomaly" or "super hero-nism of becoming a lawyer or teacher or homeowner.