Who is Evelina Antonetty?
Known as the “Mother of the Bronx,” community organizer and education leader Evelina Antonetty was a driving force behind the efforts that transformed the Bronx from a symbol of urban blight in the 1960s and 1970s into a livable place in the 1980s. Founder of United Bronx Parents (UBP), an organization that fostered quality education and community control of schools. Evelina was a tireless fighter for education and human rights, she went from negotiating peace with South Bronx gangs to fighting for educational rights for parents and their children, instituting bilingual education and saving Hostos Community College to getting a Ph.D. United Bronx Parents became a model of urban grassroots organizing expanding to include a bilingual care center, an adult education program, and a youth leadership center, empowering residents to fight against the social ills caused by failed urban and economic policies.
Our goal is to continue showcasing the life and work of Evelina Antonetty, affectionately known as “Titi” (Auntie) by her family and friends. It is a dynamic theatrical production for young and general audiences. On the production committee are Luis Cordero, Lillian Jimenez, Esperanza Martell, Elena Martinez, Eddie Pagan, and Sandra Rodriguez.
With your invaluable support, One World Arts Inc. can continue to present “Titi Strikes Back,” a unique and original portrayal of the activist and educator Evelina Antonetty. Nicknamed the “Hell Lady of the South Bronx” by the NYC Police Department, she empowered parents grappling with an 85% dropout rate among their children, initiated the first city-wide lunch program that provided jobs to gang members, and advocated for community control of public schools. She fought to keep Hostos Community College open for marginalized students. She organized the community against the production of “Fort Apache: The Bronx,” a film that portrayed Puerto Ricans and African Americans through negative stereotypes.
“Titi Strikes Back” features an all-woman cast and incorporates original music from Puerto Rico’s rich musical traditions alongside contemporary urban music. Evelina’s story, which revolves around a life-changing decision: return to Earth to fight or move on to heaven, will resonate with the young and general audiences. More importantly, it aims to inspire young people to advocate for their rights, a mission that aligns with our mission and the values of many of our donors and supporters.
Your donation to One World Arts helps bring powerful, community-rooted productions to stages across all our communities.
