Oral History with BOM5 (Bronx Aerosol Arts Documentary Project)

Oral history recorded for the Bronx Aerosol Arts Documentary Project on April 13, 2023 with BOM5, a graffiti writer and artist. BOM5 was born in Puerto Rico and migrated to the Bronx with his parents as a young child. In his oral history, BOM5 speaks about his family's migration to New York City in search of work and a better life. He discusses growing up on 175th Street and Hoe Ave in the east Bronx and his families adjustment to their new home. He speaks of his first experiences, as a 9-year old, writing gang graffiti as a young Savage Skull member, interactions with other gangs, both good and bad, and learning how to tattoo. BOM5 recalls racking not just spray paint but also food items and clothes to help support his family of 10 siblings.

The interviewers are Butch 2, a pioneering graffiti writer and community historian for the The Bronx Aerosol Arts Documentary Project (BAADP), and Pastor Crespo, Jr., research librarian and archivist for The Bronx County Historical Society. The Bronx Aerosol Arts Documentary Project is a project of The Bronx County Archives at The Bronx County Historical Society Research Library. This oral history is brought to you through the support of The New York City Council Cultural Immigrant Initiative.