A Reflection of Community Activism as a Tool in the South Bronx against Urban Decay - Viewed through the Life of Astin Jacobo, a Dominican Republic-born Community Activist

Abstract

From the colonial period of the United States, there have been recorded trends of Afro-Caribbean immigrants migrating to this country, especially to New York City. However, like many ethnic groups, Afro Caribbean- immigrants and their contribution to the city are rarely addressed. Through the lens of Astin Jacobo, a Dominican-born immigrant, this paper it discusses how local grassroots coalitions can impact housing and community policy outcomes. The South Bronx from 1970 - 2000 provides documented insight on mortgage discrimination through redlining and federal abandonment which resulted in white flight, the Burning of the Bronx, at-risk youth engaging in gang violence. With a concentration on housing and youth programs ,coalition and faith-based organizations were able to advocate, strategize, and implement ways to raise the standard of living of the community members.