It’s 2017 – the year of being real with ourselves and getting new chances at things we failed at last year. Things like actually visiting that gym we’ve been registered at for two years, not trying to trip the little kids that kick the shit out of you on the subway when you’re wearing white pants in the Summer or being a good person and not putting my boogers on the pole when we’re on the train. Think about all the second chances we don’t get. This week’s Boss of The Bronx is dedicated towards helping people in The Bronx get a second chance at a better life – her name is Darcel Clarke, district attorney of The Bronx.

Since her being selected as Bronx DA, Ms. Clarke has been working hard towards kicking the negative stereotypes that constantly get perpetuated on our beloved borough. In the Fall of last year, Ms. Clarke spent time creating the inaugural “Another Chance” event. The event was a team effort between The Bronx District Attorney Office and Legal Aid to help clear misdemeanors and small offenses that citizens were being accused of. Summons were cleared on the spot, as well as low-level warrants for things like drinking alcohol in public, trespassing, loitering and other small offenses.

An event like this helps put trust back in the borough. I grew up in the 90’s where there were still territory turf wars from rival gangs in playgrounds and people getting arrested left and right by simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Not to say these things have gone away 100%, but the likelihood of that happening has decreased significantly. Look at all the positive change our dope AF borough has gone through in the past decade alone! The Bronx gets a bad rap and that’s mainly because the people who speak so loudly about us have never even been to this borough once. (Ya’ll know who you are) Gangs have nearly diminished. I can honestly say I haven’t seen a needle on the floor in decades. And there are still plenty of staple mom and pop shops that sell some of the most unique home decor you’ll ever find. Not to mention, Moody’s Records is still open and thriving up in White Plains Rd!

But in the essence of keeping it real, I still see a couple of those acrobatic, gymnastic wizards who have mastered the lean on a train every now then. Ya know, baby steps. Hey! At least I see less of those brown paper bags that reek of broken dreams and Colt 45.

Ms. Clarke is helping us rebuild our borough by being just the kind of person who fights for their people, not against them. The kind of offenses that were dismissed at the Another Chance event would have a great chance of affecting housing applications, applications for citizenship, jobs, and even custody battles. Now that we have someone like Ms. Clarke on our side, she’s giving Bronx residents a better chance at living better and that’s why she holds the true reign of this week’s Boss of The Bronx!

*The opinions and ideas expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the opinions of The Bronx Brand*

https://soundcloud.com/listentothefixxx/the-fixxx-ep-41-dry-for-days

Jenni Ruiza is from the Wakefield section of the Bronx.  She says “The Bronx is my home. I know a lot of people out there who say they would move out of The Bronx as soon as they got money but this place is a big part of who I am today. I always feel like an alien when I go to Brooklyn or Queens. A great part about living in The Bronx is there’s so many facets and secrets like City Island, Arthur Avenue, Riverdale, Pelham Parkway and the house that has a thousand mannequins and lights that block traffic every Christmas. Where else are you going to find that?”

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