Revolutionary Boricua Lisa Ortega guides Nicolás through some of the sites that she, together with neighbors and activists around Southern Boulevard, have regained access to for community purposes. Once condemned, padlocked or out of reach for collective use, some of the lots that Lisa and Nicolás will visit with you are today playgrounds, vegetable gardens and sports courts. This walk on March 30th in the South Bronx evolved from conversations about tourists’ buses, mostly with Spanish visitors, arriving in the area and stopping by for a quick selfie at “The Bronx” mural on Westchester Avenue where the popular Double Discount department store used to be. What brings people from outside to this section of our borough still perceived by those not from here as a “ghetto”? How does a tour for Bronxites look like and what benefits will it yield in terms of remembering and honoring those who have done the work?

One specific story that prompted this walk was shared with Nicolás by Lisa, and it relates to an unhoused person sleeping below “The Bronx” mural. This person was threatened to be removed because of an outsider’s call to the police so tourists could use the backdrop for their “I was there” selfies. What does it mean to reclaim spaces for communities in a South Bronx that even some of its local politicians have been giving the green light to developers to gentrify…because as Nicolás heard someone say “…it is “cheap”? How do communities in this culturally vibrant area of our city continue to hold onto the spaces reclaimed and keep them RADICAL?

Lisa Ortega is a revolutionary Boricua, Mother of 4, Grandma of 5. She is a recovering addict being clean for 35 years and has been organizing for 31 years. She is a devout atheist and anarchist. She believes strongly that "people power" will ultimately bring about a full revolution...replacing politicians, police, and all other forms of oppression." Organizing is not an option but a way of life". Liberation of all is the final destination.

This event will be documented through video and photographs. Those attending must be okay with this. To join for this walk for Bronxites on March 30, 12 noon and to get directions as to where to meet, please contact Nicolás at indioclaro@hotmail.com or click HERE.