The Bronx is an orphan. Don’t get me wrong, she has four siblings, but it feels like her parents don’t invest in her own success. That’s cold.

Sure, she had that burning incident. But that was over 40 years ago. And for the millionth time, it’s unfair to blame her for the actions of Robert Moses. Robert was not good for her; he came into her life without her permission and took advantage of her. He took her wealth, he took her home, he tried to take her promise.

But through the ashes of the fires from Loring Place to Valentine Avenue rose Our Bronx. She raised our kids, she opened small businesses, she started nonprofits. She stabilized the people; her promise shining brighter than ever. She sees people of The Bronx as assets and not burdens. She sees her people as current and future engineers, doctors, teachers, artists, lawyers, homeowners and leaders. But as the saying goes, “not all good things last forever.”

Robert is back. And he’s hot. Brand new BMW, leather jacket, he owns the tall shiny buildings downtown and he goes by a cool nickname, REBNY. But we know Robert, he’s back to take Our Bronx’s wealth, until he finally captures her promise.

The effects of Robert’s return are already being felt. Scars can be seen on The Bronx’s left ribcage near her Jerome Avenue tattoo. And I can’t even begin to describe what Robert did to her ‘piano district’.

Our Bronx needs us now to come together as a community and protect her. How can our rallies and calls for resistance lead to wins if our elected officials are on #TeamREBNY. We the people need to protect The Bronx by voting for politicians who will join the fight. We all play a role in seeking justice. Politicians play a HUGE role in zoning and planning decisions that lead to changes like the ones felt by The Bronx over 40 years ago.

Which brings me back to her parents; our current politician. You’ve seen her grow through the good times and the bad. She needs you to invest in her assets now before it’s too late. Before displacement, gentrification, and Robert finally get their way.

Why do you ignore The Bronx? Do you hear her cry? Do you understand why? Do you see her laugh? How can we sustain that?

Imagine a Bronx where all of her people are educated and empowered. Where all of her people can share in the vast wealth and ownership that her parents deprive her of. I believe we have a moral responsibility to see The Bronx live up to her promise. Invest in her future and success because her beauty will always outweigh her scars. Vote for a politician who agrees, and the world will see.

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

Randy Abreu is a born and raised Bronx native and current candidate for New York City Council. Hailing from the corner of Fordham Road and Sedgwick Avenue, he looks forward to representing the community that raised him. Randy sees the coming wave of displacement and gentrification and wants to stand up for The Bronx at City Hall.