Julius Burns Smith Shares Bronx Childhood in The Valley in the Bronx on The Zach Feldman Show

Julius Burns Smith Shares Bronx Childhood in The Valley in the Bronx on The Zach Feldman Show

Julius Burns Smith joined The Zach Feldman Show to discuss his nostalgic memoir, The Valley in the Bronx, a heartfelt reflection on growing up in the Bronx during the 1950s and 60s. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt emotion, Smith brings readers back to a time when community, culture, and connection defined everyday life.

Listen to the Exclusive Interview

A Journey Back to a Bronx That Once Was

In The Valley in the Bronx, Smith recalls life in a multicultural, tight-knit neighborhood filled with love, laughter, and life lessons. From neighborhood stickball games to visits to Freedomland U.S.A., and afternoons at the local candy shop, every chapter captures the spirit of an era that shaped not only a boy, but a generation.

On The Zach Feldman Show, Smith talked about the challenges and joys of writing such a personal story. He also discussed the broader importance of preserving stories like his to highlight the cultural richness of communities often forgotten in mainstream narratives.

A Memoir Rooted in Family, Faith, and Friendship

Smith’s book is more than a memoir—it’s a tribute to the people and places that helped shape his values. Through his detailed recollections, readers meet the characters that made his Bronx childhood unforgettable: family members, school teachers, local shop owners, and lifelong friends.

The book resonates not just with Bronx natives, but with anyone who cherishes the memory of simpler times and strong community roots.

Purchase the Book

The Valley in the Bronx by Julius Burns Smith is available now: