The South Bronx is an area of the New York City borough of the Bronx. The area comprises neighborhoods in the southern part of the Bronx, such as Concourse, Mott Haven, Melrose, and Port Morris.
In the early 1900s, the South Bronx was originally known as the Manor of Morrisania, as it was the manor of Lewis Morris. As the Morris family continued to expand on the land, an influx of German and Irish immigrants started to populate the area. By the 1930s, the Bronx was considered the "Jewish Borough", as nearly half the population was Jewish. This soon changed as World War II caused rent to increase in many apartments, pushing people out. By the end of the 1950s, the South Bronx was two-thirds African American or Hispanic (of any race).
The South Bronx is known for its hip hop culture and graffiti. Graffiti became popular in the Bronx in the early 1970s, spreading through the New York City Subway system. The South Bronx also became notable as the 1974 birthplace of hip-hop music and culture.
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the South Bronx is the poorest Congressional district in the United States.[1][2]
- ^ "South Bronx is poorest district in nation, U.S. Census Bureau finds: 38% live below poverty line". Daily News. September 29, 2010.
- ^ "The Poorest Congressional District in America? Right Here, in New York City". September 30, 2010.