Synopses & Reviews
An engrossing and counter view of one of the most dangerous elements of American urban history, this graphic novel tells the true story of Benjy Melendez, a Bronx legend, son of Puerto-Rican immigrants, who founded, at the end of the 1960s, the notorious Ghetto Brothers gang. From the seemingly bombed-out ravages of his neighborhood, wracked by drugs, poverty, and violence, he managed to extract an incredibly positive energy from this riot ridden era: his multiracial gang promoted peace rather than violence. After initiating a gang truce, the Ghetto Brothers held weekly concerts on the streets or in abandoned buildings, which fostered the emergence of hip-hop. Melendez also began to reclaim his Jewish roots after learning about his family's dramatic crypto-Jewish background.
Review
"A fine documentary graphic novel of cultural and personal change for the better." —Ray Olson, Booklist
Review
“A fascinating, largely unknown story that’s told in a compelling, unexpected way.” —Victor Wishna, jta.org
Review
"Rendered in frenetic, splotchy blacks and whites against stark NYC cityscapes, Ghetto Brother is absorbing—a true testament to the power of faith in goodwill." —Zachary Solomon, thejewniverse.com
Review
"Vivid, illuminating. A worthy addition to the canon, Ghetto Brother is a brisk, compact work highlighting an overlooked, yet pivotal, part of the history of both a genre and a city." —Jason Newman, Rolling Stone
Review
"A coming-of-age story that will expand graphic novel collections with its incorporation of the historical oppression, community empowerment, and identities of marginalized communities in 1970s New York City." —Sujei Lugo, Library Journal
Review
"A personal story of survival,loss, oppression, and reclaiming one’s heritage. Gorgeous black and white watercolor illustrations enhance this inspiring true story." —Allyce Amidon, Foreword Reviews
Synopsis
Winner of:
2016 In the Margins Book Award
2016 Booklist's Top 10 Graphic Novels
2017 Maverick Graphic Novel List
An engrossing and counter view of one of the most dangerous elements of American urban history, this graphic novel tells the true story of Benjy Melendez, a Bronx legend, son of Puerto-Rican immigrants, who founded, at the end of the 1960s, the notorious Ghetto Brothers gang. From the seemingly bombed-out ravages of his neighborhood, wracked by drugs, poverty, and violence, he managed to extract an incredibly positive energy from this riot ridden era: his multiracial gang promoted peace rather than violence. After initiating a gang truce, the Ghetto Brothers held weekly concerts on the streets or in abandoned buildings, which fostered the emergence of hip-hop. Melendez also began to reclaim his Jewish roots after learning about his family's dramatic crypto-Jewish background.
About the Author
Julian Voloj is a photographer and writer who explores aspects of identity and cultural heritage through his work. He lives in New York City. Claudia Ahlering is a painter and illustrator. She is the founder of the magazine Spring.