Washington Heights (For Real Though)
It’s the early 90’s and there are housewives without husbands wrapping their fingers around the pockets of the fences at the gate of P.S. 189 in upper Manhattan in New York City. One of them is my mother and it is noon time; recess for all their children. Waving and calling out the names of each of their children and conversing with other moms in Spanish.
These mothers would keep vigilant over their own children about two hours every single fall and spring. Aims at preventing a recruitment into a very prominent local gang called the Latin Kings.
Everyday these mothers put their literal backs in danger for their children during recess. Fully aware that rival gangs such as the bloods and the crips, both African American based could show up at any time with weapons at hand. After faithfully checking on the welfare of their own children they would go back home for lunch and return to pick up their children in the afternoon.
I have lived in Washington Heights and Inwood Heights all my life. A matter of 35 years. This neighborhood exists on the upper west side of Manhattan in New York City. Washington Heights starts at 155th street and ends at 193rd street. Inwood Heights starts from Dyckman street to 224th street.
Washington Heights is connected to the George Washington Bridge, allowing for easy access to…
