Celebrate humans of the northwest Bronx

This week’s Living cover offers a delightful and inspiring glimpse of the humans of the northwest Bronx.

From a sandwich maker on Riverdale Avenue to a young couple heading down Kingsbridge Avenue to prom, people from an almost dizzying range of backgrounds and walks of life make this neighborhood a special place to live.

It seems every year brings new groups to our melting pot. Jewish communities are growing. Entrepreneurs from Latin America are setting up new shops and restaurants. People from Africa, Arab countries, Asia and beyond are all striving to find their place here.

We would do well to lend a helping hand where we can. We should also revel in the extraordinary opportunity that living in such a diverse neighborhood represents.

Even if you’re not Jewish, checking out prayer services can be a fascinating experience. The same goes for other religious institutions in the neighborhood. There is always something new to taste, too. Kosher Chinese and Cuban restaurants have just opened on Riverdale Avenue and Bailey Avenue, respectively. 

It has also been a very musical summer, with cultures from around the world represented. The Bronx Council on the Arts’ seasonal series features groups ranging from a salsa orchestra to a Beatles tribute band. Barefoot dancing at Van Cortlandt Park has featured bhangra, Brazilian and other beats. There’s nothing quite like hearing a unique kind of music for the first time while bouncing to the rhythm on an open lawn.

Recent months have seen shocking displays of racism around the country, from the shooting at a historically black church in North Carolina to a presidential candidate’s crude remarks about Mexican immigrants.

In this climate, it is more important than ever to reach out to people from other backgrounds. Happily for us, the northwest Bronx is a downright fun place to do so.