South Bronx Battles

“The stories in South Bronx Battles are those of my friends and neighbors, as well as my own. It underscores the contributions of community members to rebuilding. McLaughlin shares lessons applicable to other cities in this compelling, timely book.”—Vivian Vazquez, coproducer of Decade of Fire

“The devastation of the South Bronx and other areas of New York City was caused by a multitude of factors that compounded the economic crisis that plagued the city. These factors included misguided government policies and widespread discrimination, as described in South Bronx Battles. What I find most important about this book are the illustrations of the transformative impact that community organizations can have when government collaborates with them as true partners for sustainable solutions toward progress.”—David Dinkins, 106th Mayor, City of New York, 1990–1993

“No one has done more to build human services in the Bronx than Carolyn McLaughlin. A must-read for students of urban politics and those who love the Bronx.”—Mark Naison, Fordham University, and coauthor of Before the Fires and The Rat That Got Away

“I met Carolyn McLaughlin in 1982, the [then] executive director of the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). CAB became an indispensable part of living in the South Bronx. McLaughlin and CAB, along with other Bronx community organizations, were my partners in laying the foundation of a reviving South Bronx.”—Fernando Ferrer, Bronx Borough President, 1987–2001