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New York State Unified Court System |
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A Bronx Tale of Historic TreasuresBy Court Officer Aleus Philius, Bronx Criminal CourtThe Bronx has sometimes been considered “the worst of boroughs,” with a reputation of violence and crime. But the northernmost borough of NYC, which at first glance might seem to have no glorious foundation to stand on, has much more to offer, with deep roots that still hold to many strong historical foundations, and the experiences of countless, successful triumphs. 
Top Left; The Lit Bar Bookstore 3rd Avenue, the first independent bookstore of the Bronx. Bottom Left; Justice Sonia Sotomayor mural in Soundview and the Grand Concourse presently.
“Da Bronx,” as many residents know, has been said to have adopted its name from the Dutch immigrant and settler Jonas Bronck of Amsterdam, who purchased 500 acres in 1639 from the then-occupying Indigenous people. The land was then referred to as Bronck land, Bronxland, and then became the good old “Bronx.” Streets like the Grand Concourse, which is said to have its foundations from approximately 1894, has in its very name the prestige and desire for property that was almost as high as one who landed on Park Place in a game of Monopoly. So, what has caused such a downgrade in perception for this borough that is rich with incredible, historic worth? Perhaps it’s a lost sense of the borough's history. Perhaps it’s the lack of coverage of the inspiration right before our eyes, on practically every street intersection, as we hastily look up at cross streets for direction, never really asking ‘who’ or ‘what’ was this street named after? Working in the Bronx Criminal Court as I do, one witnesses a diverse array of people, from court staff to the public that is served. This diversity is not a cut of new cloth but is imbedded in the very fabric of the Bronx’s long-time existence. Rooted here are the likes of the Van Cortlandt house, said to be erected in 1748, and one of the oldest still-standing structures of the Bronx, where it's said that General and President George Washington dined and spent a night, while engaging in the American Revolution. If we were to travel down to the Morrison and Westchester Avenue section of the Bronx, our eyes would witness the artistically etched mural of the first Hispanic Justice on the US Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Sotomayor is inspiring, and her image symbolizes not only the hardships of parents migrating to seek better opportunities for their children, but the truth that amongst the adversity of poverty and drug-stricken streets, there is still hope for success. There is the choice to help even one person by bettering oneself. From the creation of the hip hop music genre (with Rock and Roll Hall of famers Grandmaster Flash and the Fab Five); to the fashionable sportswear of Ralph Lauren; from the new, but sure to become historic Lit Bar, giving stage to Bronx literary culture and local authors; to the historic remnants of the likes of Henry Hudson and FDNY Engine Co. 46 and Ladder 27 (serving NYC since 1894); the Bronx has given them all a home. 
The Grand Concourse in the 1930’s looking down E 161 Street. The cars parked on the right side of this picture sit where the future Bronx courthouse would be built. Current view of the Bronx Courthouse on the right.
An understanding of one's history seems to bear correlation to the outcome of one's future, and our roots dig deep and push for better results in all we endeavor to do. Whichever path we take, knowing where we came from serves as a guidepost to where we want to go, or what we inspire to reach. The Bronx is one of many boroughs and places where its historical prestige may be overshadowed by its current challenges of crime and poverty. In this column, I seek to share with you the unparalleled historical prestige that the Bronx holds. One of the means said to catalyze change in individuals can be to first recognize one's worth and purpose. Another may be to consistently share the progress and successes of those who relate to, and came out of, the very hardships that are faced today. There are many avenues by which the judicial system can reach its goals, and each of us have a role to play. Whether it’s the great task of Judgeship, or with the IT department that works quietly and relentlessly to make sure we receive the best of communications services. Maybe it’s the efforts of the financial management team, putting forth their best in accuracy, while our Public Safety personnel engage in the tasks of balancing enforcement of the law, aiding in emergencies, and sometimes having to be -- in a moment’s time -- an intervention officer for a person in crisis. Knowing the history and purpose of our work and continuing the meaningful, historic legacy of the Bronx should be among our highest aims. We have big shoes to fill. Thank you for reading. |
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