Julius Burns Smith’s new Memoir “The Valley in the Northeast Bronx” Unveils an Unforgettable Childhood Amidst Diversity, Joy, and Change.

October 03, 2025

Bronx, NY – In a time when memories matter more than ever, author Julius Smith opens the door to a deeply personal and vibrant story of growing up in one of the most culturally rich and unique neighborhoods in New York, The Valley in the Northeast Bronx. His new book, The Valley in the Northeast Bronx, is a heartfelt memoir that captures the sights, sounds, and soul of a generation raised during the 1950s and 60s.

At its core, The Valley in the Northeast Bronx is a story of love, loss, growth, and community. Through vivid recollections and personal photos, Smith takes readers on a journey back to a time when neighborhood block parties, stickball games, sledding down Arnow Avenue, and trips to Freedomland USA defined childhood. But beneath these joyful memories lies a story that reflects on family legacy, cultural shifts, race relations, and the power of unity in diversity.

Julius Smith begins his story with a personal introduction to his family, his resilient mother, Lavinia Smith, a brilliant academic and teacher who raised him with strength and grace, and his stepfather Arnold, who introduced him to the Methodist Church and the legacy of Harlem. With touching anecdotes of meeting Sugar Ray Robinson, attending Dr. King’s sermon, and even reconnecting with his estranged father through a phone call from historian Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Smith's memoir reveals how the people around him shaped his world.

The book also reflects on the unique makeup of the Valley, a neighborhood where Jewish, African American, Puerto Rican, and Italian families lived together in harmony. Smith recalls how his godmother Josie, who was Italian, treated him like her own son. He paints a clear picture of a neighborhood without borders, where kindness bridged cultural divides.

One of the standout themes of the memoir is the reflection on Freedomland USA, the Bronx’s very own answer to Disneyland, located just minutes from his home. Smith shares how the park, from its themed rides and live performances to the unforgettable summer of 1960, became a childhood dream come true for the kids in the Valley.

From Catholic school discipline to public school movie screenings, and from the strict rules of his father to the taste of plantains at the Arroyo family home, Smith’s storytelling draws readers into a world that feels both nostalgic and alive. His voice is warm, sincere, and filled with a mix of humor, humility, and reflection.

“The Valley in the Northeast Bronx” is not just a story about one boy’s life. It’s a story about a neighborhood that became a family, about times that shaped a generation, and about the kind of love that “never fails,” as echoed in the author’s reference to 1 Corinthians 13.

This book is a must-read for anyone who grew up in the Bronx, anyone interested in the lived experiences of New York’s diverse communities, or anyone looking for a real, grounded, and loving look back at an America that was both struggling and thriving. It also stands as a tribute to those who paved the way with resilience and care, especially the mothers, neighbors, and teachers who saw potential in every child.

The Valley in the Northeast Bronx is available now in paperback and digital formats.

About the Author

Julius Smith was born and raised in the Valley, a neighborhood in the Northeast Bronx. A gifted storyteller with deep roots in education, music, and community engagement, Smith shares his life story with passion and purpose. His work is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the communities that shaped him and honoring the memory of his remarkable mother, Lavinia Smith.

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