Narratively, the gorgeous forum which tells one story each day sharing a weekly theme, published my narrative as part of the week "The Bronx Is Not Burning." It certainly is not, but the community at La Casita in the Melrose neighborhood - a place where the music of plena travels between generations - remembers when it was.
The story is accompanied by recordings of plenero Jose Rivera and photography of the people & place that form a unique familia, both by Narratively's director of multimedia
Everyone I spent time with for the piece was incredibly generous in letting me be present in their day, sharing their stories, their pasts, and their traditions.
As writers, we are usually drawn to similar themes, expressed uniquely. This is a narrative of home, and it was an opportunity to explore my self-described genre, the biography of place.
Have a look, listen and read: Can't Stop La Musica
Yours,
CMMOB.
Here's a pull-quote that Narratively shared on their Facebook page, which I recommend you LIKE to follow all of the Bronx week stories.
"Despite the turbulence, segregation and violence associated with the area, Tito speaks fondly of his early days here. 'You’d dance,” he says. “Nobody would fight when they’d play the Temptations, Gladys Knight.'" Today, Narratively reminds you through photos, sounds & text that you "Can't Stop La Musica."
