Educators, administrators, activists, historians, and friends of the borough are invited to raise a glass to toast the Bronx!

On Thursday, May 22, 2014 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm, Dr. Evelyn Gonzalez, William Paterson University, will deliver a free lecture celebrating the Bronx’s history of community activism at the Museum of the City of New York as part of the Bronx County Centennial celebrations. The lecture “The Changing Bronx: Community Activism and Non-profit organizations” will cover the early history of the borough followed by examples of challenges and successes as the Bronx continues to develop and change over time. Topics will include the early history of the Bronx, leading examples of early community activism such as the tenant associations, rent strikes and housing rehabilitation efforts including Banana Kelly, Sebco, WHEDCO, and more. Concluding with examples of activism in present day, Dr. Gonzalez’s illustrated overview fittingly celebrates the borough’s centennial.

Following Dr. Gonzalez’s talk, the Museum’s education department will unveil its new school program “Bronx Tales: A History of the Borough” during the reception. This event is a proud partnership between the Museum of the City of New York and the Bronx Borough President’s Office.

“My office is proud to partner with the Museum of the City of New York on this wonderful new program highlighting the great history of The Bronx. This year is the centennial of Bronx County, and in partnership with the Museum we can provide our students with this wonderful opportunity to learn more about the history of their hometown. I encourage all Bronx schools to take advantage of this fantastic program, and I am incredibly grateful that the Museum of the City of New York has joined our centennial celebrations in such a tremendous way,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.