In this oral history interview, Jerry Mayze, a pioneering Bronx B-Boy and dancer, reflects on his family background, upbringing in the South Bronx, and early experiences with street culture and music. He shares insights into his parents' origins, his childhood memories, and the environment that shaped his path in hip hop and breaking.
On Tuesday, March 18th, 2025, Pastor Crespo Jr., research librarian archivist for the Bronx County Historical Society, conducted an insightful interview with Jerry Mayze, a dancer, breaker, B-Boy, and pioneering Bronx writer. This session was part of the Bronx Hip Hop Oral History Project, aiming to document the rich cultural heritage of hip hop in its birthplace.
Jerry Mayze was born and raised in the South Bronx, specifically around Southern Boulevard. His family roots are a blend of North Carolina and Puerto Rico. His mother hails from North Carolina, while his father is from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Although Jerry did not have many conversations with his father about Puerto Rico, he recalls that his father shared stories about New York City life. His mother, on the other hand, came from a musical family known as the Williams sisters—Helen, Helena, and Delma Williams—who were church choir singers. Their father emphasized education, which limited their ability to travel and perform widely despite their popularity.
Jerry’s mother and her twin sister left North Carolina to escape their father's restrictions, seeking freedom and new opportunities in New York. Another aunt moved to Philadelphia. Both found partners and settled in their new cities.
Jerry was raised in the West Farms neighborhood, specifically around Freeman and Longfellow avenues, near 172nd Street. He lived there until around 1975, when he was about seven or eight years old.
His early years were filled with typical street games and activities such as baseball, Ringolevio, basketball, tag, and scousies. These experiences were grounded in the vibrant street culture of the Bronx during a time before the advent of modern technology like iPhones and iPads.
Jerry’s mother’s background in church choir music influenced the sounds he grew up with. The interview hints at the importance of music in his upbringing, although specific genres or artists were not detailed in this segment.
While this interview primarily focused on Jerry’s family and early life, it sets the stage for understanding his later involvement in breaking and street dance. His roots in the Bronx and exposure to its dynamic culture were foundational to his career as a B-Boy and hip hop pioneer.
Jerry Mayze’s story is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the Bronx and the personal histories that contribute to the legacy of hip hop. His family’s migration, his childhood in the streets of the South Bronx, and his early encounters with music and dance all played a role in shaping his path. This oral history preserves these narratives for future generations to appreciate the origins and evolution of hip hop culture.
