A Great Day in the South Bronx

More than a quarter century after her death, Dra. Evelina Antonetty was honored in her beloved South Bronx when the intersection near United Bronx Parents was renamed for her. It’s now known as Dra. Evelina Antonetty Way – which is fitting for an activist who often got her way, one way or another. Evelina – grandmother of Joe Conzo, Jr. – was a legendary activist and educator who had great influence in the Puerto Rican community, from the politicos to the man or woman on the street – when she spoke, they listened. Her organization, UBP, helped thousands of families make it through tough times – like the days chronicled in some of Joe’s images of infamous cheese lines and street protests to defend local dignity.

Scores of people showed up to pay homage to the so-called “Hell Lady of the South Bronx” – from Rep. Jose Serrano to Dr. Felix Matos Rodriguez, president of Hostos Community College. Francisco Reyes II, whose photos from his days teaching at UBP are part of our exhibit, was there, as was Edwin Pagan. An honored individual – and speaking for the family – was Elba Cabrera, who herself has helped several generations of Latino artists, inlcuding most of us in Los Seis. Joe, as usual, was snapping the whole time, as seen above (with his mom, Lorraine Montenegro, at left and Evelina in the pix behind them).

So, next time you pass by Prospect Avenue and 156 Street, look up – and see the name of the woman who looked out for us.

Text and Photos by David Gonzalez