My name is Elissa Carmona, a singer, Air Force veteran, and founder of the award-winning Morrisania Band Project. I was born in the Bronx and have ties to the Morrisania community for over 40 years. A college graduate, I currently work as a performer, public arts director, and fundraiser, primarily within the South Bronx.
On April 28, 2019, I attended the community forum held at Andrew Freedman Home (AFH). Also in attendance were 2-3 Bronx media outlets, panelists, artists, and community members. I’m grateful for the opportunity to voice my concerns about the It’s The Bronx cancellation, however, I was mostly disheartened at the results of this forum. In addition to being misquoted by a fellow attendee, no viable solutions were offered other than a list of demands drafted by Hydro Punk, a Bronx-based community collective. Towards the end of the meeting, a shouting match ensued between a local artist and forum host.
Morrisania Band Project was one of the scheduled headliners for the It’s the Bronx Festival on March 23, 2019. Since mid-February, this was public knowledge and a quick Google search would have demonstrated our mission and community ties. We were not notified of any protests or possible cancellation until the Wednesday before the event. The reason given were protests, led by Hydro Punk, to put an end to outside developers exploiting Bronx artists for gentrification purposes. No protest leader reached out to Morrisania Band Project beforehand to supply information that may have led to an informed decision on my part. Instead, it was implied that these actions were for our own good. While this could be true, not making us a part of the initial conversation makes the protesters no different than the issue being protested. It’s The Bronx founder, Marco Shalma was referred to as “slimy and shitty”. He was not present yesterday to defend himself and where’s the proof?
At the AFH forum, I mentioned that protest is a construct of privilege. Not every Bronx artist shares the same lived experiences. Some of us have the freedom to protest and others don’t. One artist called me “self-serving” and another misquoted me completely by switching the word “protest” to “social justice”. An opportunity was not granted for me to defend myself or refute either statement. Bronx Council on the Arts, Partnerships for Parks, and Citizens Committee for New York City have graciously funded our public concerts. We’ve also had consistent support from Councilmember Vanessa Gibson, Assemblyman Michael Blake, thisistheBronX, and a host of nonprofit agencies. I write grants to fund Morrisania Band Project and am well-supported in my community. The cancellation actually yielded me more opportunities than an actual performance, so thanks! But does every artist here have those same opportunities and resources?
I share common goals with Hydro Punk and their followers, in that, I too, see our beauty when others don’t. Like them, I demand to be a part of the conversation, and don’t wish to be displaced from the borough I call home. I do applaud efforts made to highlight wrong-doing on the part of outside developers. In this case, accusations were made but concrete facts have yet to be produced. I’m still willing to hear this out.
The exploitation of working artists is a serious concern, however, working for free does not always constitute exploitation. That distinction seems to have been overlooked. At some point, every artist has performed without monetary compensation for various reasons; building a following, establishing a brand, or promoting a cause they believe in. Sometimes the opportunities presented are greater than payment. As artists, we are required to do our homework, research these opportunities, and advocate for ourselves when necessary. Morrisania Band Project was not exploited by It’s The Bronx. We would have welcomed monetary compensation were it offered, however, we were guaranteed a performing platform, expert promotion, and high visibility. This enabled Morrisania Band Project to network with new Bronx artists, build a stronger following, and secure gainful opportunities outside of the event. For that I remain grateful, and have been shown no reason why I should not.
Yesterday I posed the question, “As artists, what are our social responsibilities to each other”? Initially, this question was met with silence. The meeting concluded with a list of researched demands executed by Hydro Punk. Here’s mine:
- As a member of the Bronx artist community, I expect to be kept informed about changes within said community that affect me, including, but not limited to, protests “with my best interests in mind”. I’m both approachable and reachable by phone, email, and social media. I also frequently offer paid opportunities and a platform for other performers.
- I expect compensation when doors are shut by community leaders, protesters, and those working for the good of Bronx artists. In short, don’t kick opportunity away from me, tell me it’s for my own good (with little explanation), and fail to offer a suggestion or replacement. That’s beyond inconsiderate.
- Respect my money. There’s a cost to run a musical collective while building one’s own artistry in NYC’s poorest borough; from rehearsal space, promotional materials, and instruments. Grants only go so far and “best interests” don’t pay bills.
- Value my time and lived experiences. I’m a 43 years old cisgender woman that identifies as both Black-American and Puerto Rican, with an MSW degree that focuses on business. My thought processes, background, and privileges differ from others, yet, I have much to add and should have a seat at the table going forward.
- Empower me to make an informed decision and consider my point of view. Don’t attempt to silence me with name-calling because I take a different approach.
My wish is that my letter is taken in the spirit intended, which is growth, inclusion, and more opportunities for Bronx artists of all ages and backgrounds. Hopefully, what I witnessed yesterday will not be indicative of what we can build by standing together, and not separating ourselves with ego and an unwillingness to listen and consider all Bronx artists.
Elissa Carmona, MSW
Morrisania Band 