Ep 12. Nuyorican Barrios

Bare Feet With Mickela Mallozzi season 2 episode 12, titled "Nuyorican Barrios," takes viewers on a journey through the vibrant culture and history of Puerto Rican communities in New York City. Mickela explores the neighborhoods of East Harlem and the South Bronx, where she meets locals and learns about the rich musical and dance traditions that are so integral to the Puerto Rican identity.

In East Harlem, Mickela visits a dance studio where she meets Jolie Pichardo, a dance instructor and musician who teaches traditional Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena rhythms. Mickela learns about the history of these musical styles, which have their roots in Central African and Indigenous Taino cultures, and she gets a chance to try her hand at playing the drums and dancing along. She also talks with Jolie about the importance of preserving these traditions and passing them on to future generations.

Next, Mickela visits the South Bronx, which is home to the largest Puerto Rican community in the United States. Here, she meets with David Gonzalez, a spoken-word artist and storyteller who shares stories of his own childhood in the Bronx and the ways in which the neighborhood has changed over the years. Mickela also visits a local community center where she learns about the history of the Young Lords, a Puerto Rican activist group that played a major role in championing Latino rights in the 1960s and 70s.

Throughout the episode, Mickela is struck by the sense of pride and resilience that she encounters in the people she meets. Whether they are sharing stories of their families' journeys to America or teaching her how to dance to traditional rhythms, Mickela is moved by the passion and commitment that these communities have for preserving their cultural heritage.

Overall, "Nuyorican Barrios" is a celebration of the rich cultural traditions of Puerto Rican communities in New York City, and a reminder of the ways in which these communities have enriched the city and the country as a whole. Through her travels and encounters with locals, Mickela offers viewers a glimpse into the heart of these vibrant neighborhoods, and a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural roots that continue to shape them today.