Interview with TOPAZ1 (TED)

Oral history recorded for the Bronx Aerosol Arts Documentary Project on April 27, 2023 with TOPAZ1, a true pioneering writer, and artist. TOPAZ1 speaks about his family history and growing up in Hunts Point, The Bronx. He speaks of a life changing experience where his apartment was set on fire by an intruder who was ultimately killed by TOPAZ1's father, for which he served time in prison. He fondly speaks of growing in the South Bronx and the games he enjoyed playing with his friends in the neighborhood, Summer day camp, and the schools he attended. TOPAZ1 speaks of his gang affiliation and his experiences in the gang life where he was introduced to his passion of boxing. He talks about his military career and being part of several U.S. Army Boxing teams where he traveled extensively throughout Europe and shared hotel rooms with boxing legends such as Tyrell Biggs and Carl "The Truth" Williams. TOPAZ1 talks about the influence the "Hippie" movement had on his life and writing career. On Friday, April 28, 2023, a short addendum to the oral history was recorded and added to the end of this oral history. The interviewers are Butch2, 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.