Kerry and Valerie Washington on Simpson Street in The Bronx, NY | Street You Grew Up On

On this episode of Street You Grew Up On, Kerry Washington goes back to where it all began. Where SHE began. We travel back to Simpson Street in The Bronx, NY with Dr. Valerie Washington. Simpson Street was a melting pot of cultures, a place where immigrant families came to start their life in NYC, as her parents did from Jamaica. Children played together, families looked out for one another, if you did something bad, within 10 minutes your parents would know about it. Although families came from different places, there wasn’t any fighting or animosity between the cultures. We’re so inspired by her story and we’re so grateful for the memories that she shares with us in this incredibly special episode. We hope you enjoy! ❤️
About Street You Grew Up On: Simpson Street is where our journey begins. It’s the street that Kerry Washington’s mom grew up on in The Bronx, NY. Through this social series, Kerry Washington interviews artists, influencers and industry experts to uncover their origin stories, amplify our common humanity and affirm the value of every individuals' journey, beginning with the “street you grew up on...”
Simpson Street: @Simpson Street
Kerry Washington: ‪@kerrywashingtonvideo‬

[@NotBlaqueenough]

Kerry’s mom is so elegant.

[@EsuMandusa]

Kerry’s mom is so chill. Her responses are so direct, and concise, refined and calming. Her vibe is so unbothered, I looooved it.

[@estellamobley9288]

I absolutely loved this episode. Your mom is the epitome of beauty and elegance. The apple 🍎 didn’t fall too far from the tree. Thank you for sharing your mom with us.

[@ChynaDeveroux]

Kerry’s mom is an absolute delight

[@GeecheeWoman]

Wonderful , we love you Kerry & Dr. Washington . I am s retired NYC math teacher & had the opportunity to sake one of your African- American history classes at Lehman College in the Bronx , New York. It was a joy & pleasure being in your class. I remember your large afro & it is a honor to know that you are my sorority sister : Alpha Kappa Alpha ...GOD Bless you & the family. ..

[@tobconnected]

Wow my Mother will be 97 on the 26th. We talk all the time. She talks about her childhood in Georgia all the time. I will video her on special occasions but never videoed an in depth conversation similar to this. She usually will not allow me to video her at all. I can remember the stories of her childhood the same way Kerry's Mother shared here. I actually have a picture of my Mother in the middle of the cotton field picking and she was pregnant. My Mother also tells of how she use to dance in jitter-bug dancing contest. She was the youngest child. When my Mother retired we found out the birthday that we always celebrated was not really her birthday she was actually born on January 26th however the Midwife didn't turn it in until February 13th and now we happily and lovingly celebrate two birthdays. LOL Thank you Kerry. I will be having a conversation that will be a video just like this with My Mother who is my Everything ♡♡

[@toofastforthem]

Listening to your mom takes me back to 712 Beck Street near Leggett. Same neighborhood and my mom, Ruth Miles purchased a Brownstone in 1951 and moved her parents and brothers family in. She graduated from NYU in 1943. This was before she married my dad. Bert Miles who was friends with your dad. Youe dad, Earl Washington was one of the last people who visited my father in the hospital before he passed. My family members lived there from 1951 until 2003. It was a very healthy and warm inclusive neighborhood. Thank you for memorializing the Longwood section of the South Bronx in this way!

[@rai55]

This is beautiful, thank you for sharing ❤️

[@joanngoddard6328]

So very nice to see Val speaking about growing up in the Bronx. I too grew up in the Bronx and proud of it. My friends were of all ethnicity and it was never considered an issue. We were all the same. Growing up on Tiffany St. (just a few blocks away) enabled me to be on and around Simpson daily. Val's kid sister was one on my "best friends" and I visited their home often. I have fond memories of the whole family including her MOM. Thanks for bringing me back to those days - they were the best days and great memories!

[@KarenProctorGoodNews]

I love listening to the elders. 🙌🏾. Great interview

[@belindalindsey607]

I'm glad she got over her nervousness, she spoke so freely during this interview. She's a great historian of her time and represented the women of her time very well. I hollered at 'Big Boy Simpson'!!!

[@2chatmyhair]

You mom is a beautiful lady inside and out! What a Blessing You will have this history to cherish forever Bless you . 💐❤️

[@valenciasanders485]

I loved this interview, the history she gave us is wonderful

[@bravomcqueen]

I love the vulnerability and honesty of this conversation.

[@michaelc1247]

Very relaxed, engaging interview, flowed so naturally, your Mom has such a sweet candor and such a quiet strength, great job, Kerry!

[@harlemsonchap2]

Thank you for keeping this legacy alive

[@nygakat]

Remind me of my mom. So classy. Bronx born and Jamaican blood!

[@SDotCole]

I still live a block away from Simpson. You have no idea how much of an inspiration you are to me!

[@pattiabb3259]

As a former New Yorker and Bronxite it's nice to see her pay homage to Simpson St.

[@i-shineofkylesworld]

Thank you for sharing your mom's story. I grew up on President Street in Brooklyn, and I do agree that in the 70's it was much different. There was a sense of family with our neighbors, who hailed from different Caribbean islands. I look forward to more in your series Kerry.

[@phyllissimon3518]

l LOVED IT. YOUR MUM IS A LOVELY AND GRACIOUS LADY. THANK YOU KERRY FOR SHARING HER!!

[@lindaharrison5139]

Ms. Washington, What a Wonderful Show. Your Mother is Fantastic and so are you. I Grew up in Harlem, and I remember my Father use to go to Simpson Street to The Big Meat Market to do his shopping. We had lived in the Bronx prior to Harlem. My Father would take us sometimes with him, I was a little Girl. Ask your Mother About the Famous Meat Market. This Show was exciting to me, Thanks because a few days ago I thought about Simpson Street Meat Market.

[@brooklynhomesteader3721]

You look beautiful. Thank you for this interview about Simpson Street. My mother's best friend from back home lived on Simpson St. and I use to travel from Brooklyn to play and visit with their daughter. I remember, lots of large apartment buildings and very diverse cultures alongside each other.❤

[@chikaliciousdessert1838]

Dr. Prof. V. Washington is delightful and so well centered. Fantastic interview. Very much enjoyed. KW for President.

[@Piper31]

My grandma moved to Simpson St in ‘81, my mom grew up there from her teens into adulthood. I lived on Simpson in the 90’s until I was about 9. Grandma still lives there in the same building and apartment, so I do visit when I can.

[@bxboro4662]

Bronx stand up! 👏🏾

[@phyllisclark4450]

Kerry, an important conversation between mother and daughter. You mirror Dr. Washington's spirit and demeanor. It's beautiful to hear and observe. Thank you.

[@MsPaigeygirl]

Coming from the Caribbean and a child of the 60s, i relate to her talking about community, our neighbors had a hand in raising us, I miss that in this era we're living in. So glad you interviewed your mom, everybody story matters.

[@rawtravel6417]

Your Mom is awesome Kerry. Thanks for bringing her on.

[@Melody-ko3tc]

This interview was a complete joy to watch and so relevant. What a blessing! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾Thanks!💙

[@latiam]

I randomly clicked on this and am so glad that I did... Your Mom is precious!

[@kubulient.inc.4271]

Thanks for the honesty🙏🏾

[@lb1798]

This is SO SPECIAL!!! The history...the richness of her Mom's experience in such a diverse neighborhood. I LOVE IT!!

[@jezriemarcano-courtney1405]

Wow! Thank you for sharing this discussion. My mom and my late father grew up in The Bronx. This inspires me to have a discussion with my mom. I really loved this content. And, thank you for the quick lesson on the children’s museum. As a Bronx “legacy” supporting the museum would be my honor.

[@veganchefchnchcjaniemdrj1047]

Yes indeed!!! Bronx, NY!! Was born and lived there for part of my life ❤🙏🏼🌹. Thank you Kerry for sharing these wonderful and valuable loving memories... thank you for texting me the link!🙏🏼XOXO BLESSINGS TO YOU ❤🙏🏼

[@angelashavers4828]

I presently teach on Simpson St. in the South Bronx. I have been at the elementary school for over thirty years. Wow! What a joy it was for me to listen to the conversation of two strong woman. I greet my students and day with…”Hello Greatness.” I just loved this interview. My mother was a proud Afro Latina. My daughter auditioned for Ms. Washington for a project……hopefully “Simpson Street” will someday be part of my daughter’s journey. “Simpson Street” continues to inspire numerous gifts, that I get to work with each day. Endless blessings and a healthy New Year!

[@Dareal6trey]

My favorite teacher ever along with Mrs. Curry! There will never be another you! Mrs. Shavers my 5th grade teacher CS150

[@miskijamil760]

Aww Kerry you are so gentle with your mum 🥰

[@sharonzennetta8562]

Lovely Mother and Daughter amazing people grew up on Simpson Street in the Bronx.

[@brandonsandoval5188]

Your mother has come a long way. And she's raised a wonderful daughter.

[@dianekleinhikerry.beenwatc287]

Diane Hi Kerry and Dr. Washington. Kerry ,I have been watching your career since the beginning because Your Mom was my professor and she often said watch my daughter Kerry in ""so and so" movie she is trying to break into the movie business. And boy did she know what she was talking about! Dr. Washington we all loved every one of your classes. You made us all feel proud of our teaching profession and gave us the will to become the best we can be. Thank you for that!

[@donnamckenzie7623]

Love this Kerry ..Love you and Mommy.. Where is Jamaica are your grandparents from? I am from Eastern parish of St.Thomas..One love!

[@denisehopkins4885]

Love this interview with your mom. Hope many children who see this will be inspired and don’t feel that where they grow up is their final destination. Thanks for sharing!

[@cattb5271]

Beautiful and so lovely to be a part of on a Sunday morning. Remind me of watching Freda Payne on Sundays. Now I get Kerry, the elegance, the stability....Thanks Kerry and Mrs. Washington.

[@elamb53]

Hi Kerri. TY and your Beautiful Mom for Honoring my childhood neighborhood

[@lynettemokgano9009]

A job well done Ms Kerry. My mom passed before I had a sit down with her. It is conversations like this one that make me wish I had time. Kudos!

[@Eye-na]

OMG, I love this first episode, you and you mother are exceptionally beautiful, black educated women. Generations need to hear more of these stories about the communities that we live in now and how they use to be. This gives history of the community so people will possibility appreciate it more. AWSOME, thank you for sharing.

[@soulstarmusiclover1254]

This was such a beautiful conversation between Mother and daughter learning about the family family and her childhood experiences. Beautiful classy woman. 🙏🏽❤

[@HH-qw6ex]

Kerry your very lucky to have a beautiful Mother inside and outside! I do appreciate you and admire all you do to help your community so beautiful Kerry keep up the good work and good lucky for your production company.

[@darkchild5983]

It was awesome!

[@annamariebaioumy892]

I remember Simpson Street more than 50 years ago. My grandmother lived in a tenement and my uncle owned a jewelry store. The people living there were not rich in money but rich in heart. We were raised with the idea that there was hope to do better. I specifically understood what your mother in feeling alienated for trying to earn an education and do better.

[@madelined9733]

I agree with your mom about missing the community. I grew in Brooklyn. As she was speaking it brought back so many memories. Loved the interview!

[@carmensimpson6782]

This was lovely. Watching this makes me wish I had asked my mom and grandma these questions. What a wonderful show this is. I enjoy every episode❤️

[@emersonyearwood4012]

I am a proud 1967 graduate of PS 20 in the Bronx. Lived on Tiffany Street at the time. I pretty much remember it just as Dr. Washington described.

[@pahu7620]

Went to P.S. 20 also

[@bbrosser694]

This Mother and Daughter conversation is such a nice find for me tonight! Thank you very much for sharing your beautiful story.

[@RiRifanatics]

That was incredible! I didn't know that she was your mom! What a blessing! Kerry Washington You are such an inspiration. I love you and never get tired of seeing you!

[@karenbates4529]

I loved this interview. Your mom is a delight! I grew up in the Bronx and had friends who also lived on Simpson street.

[@dianevetter4260]

Having worked in the Bronx for over 40 years it gives me great joy to hear about Simpson Street. Wonderful residents, great community atmosphere . Miss my many days there. Go Bronx !

[@gloriasimon5235]

I grew up on Freeman Street in the Bronx. One train stop away from Simpson Street. Hi neighbor. 😀

[@Shadow13801]

Your mom is so Beautiful and I really Enjoyed listening to her tell her story ❤

[@Piasays]

Loved this one!!! ♥️♥️♥️

[@evelynparra6143]

I too grew up on Simpson Street and this is a family I've known for over 60 years everything Val said was on the money she is a wonderful lady and she has a wonderful daughter the whole family was terrific to me always Mrs Morris their mom was a lovely lady and my years of friendship with the Val's youngest daughter Daphne and Jean have been terrific they've always been there for me this interview was fantastic it was wonderful to see Val and I hope all goes well with this and in the future

[@anp0731]

Loved EVERYTHING about this interview with your lovely and amazing mother!! I love hearing the history and how far from where we as women have come. I always enjoy sitting at elders' feet and soaking up the wisdom they possess. Thank you, thank you for doing this interview.

[@chanelhopeful5336]

Absolutely loved this👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@theDiaRee]

I enjoyed this very much. Your mother is lovely. Please interview your mother-in-law. I met her some years ago at an event at LA Southwest College. She was lovely as well and so kind. Would be interested in an episode about her childhood experience.

[@ChristianNewsandInterviews]

Delightful interview. Thanks!

[@elamb53]

This piece brought back sooooi many fond memories. We moved from Harlem too to Tiffany Street which was 2 blocks away. I went to PS 150 across the street from PS 120. Wow. So so many memories 🥰 Thank You Dr. Valerie Washington for taking me back there in my journey ♥️

[@cydadams]

Thank you for those wonderful Bronx Memories Aunt Valerie... I'm glad you found your way to 223rd St 😊 Kerry, best of luck with Simpson Street! We love you both!

[@makeitcount8164]

Thank you so much for this!❤

[@cocopaulette]

This was beautiful! She seems so kind. Great job, Big Boy Simpson! Haha! Too funny, Kerry.

[@MelanatedExplorer]

Loved. Loved. LOVED!!!! She's so precious. Happy Birthdaaaay Dr. Val aka mama bear❤❤❤

[@jaz1elise]

Amazing interview! This was everything!

[@gdpiirock]

This is so sweet! Thank you for sharing. This is so relatable because I am very close with my mom and often ask her about her experiences growing up.

[@janebrady866]

What a lovely interview 🙏💕

[@DrRoandRogSchmidt]

Lovely memories…thanks for sharing! 🙌🏾💙🤎

[@guyfernandez3328]

I really enjoyed watching this interview. Two remarkable people.

[@luckystarsashanti]

Great interview!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👌🏾

[@irmarfrank1005]

Thanks for sharing such a great interview with your Mum. I am from the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia and i thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@hadeev]

I enjoyed listening to your mom share her memories of growing up in the South Bronx. I was born at Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx, but raised in the South Bronx. My family lived in the Mott Haven section, in a housing project, and my circle of friends was a melting pot too. Saturday mornings Calypso music played on our radio for hours, while we did housework. My 89 year old mom is a retired nurse who attended a fashion high school in Manhattan. She wanted to be a furrier, but like your mom said, certain career opportunities weren't available for people of color. My maternal grandparents came from St. Croix, USVI, and settled in Harlem. I loved everything about growing up in NYC, but when I became a mom in 1983, I wanted my son to have a different childhood experience. We moved to Washington state when he was 6 years old, and I never desired to move back to NY. I visit every so many years, to get my batteries recharged though. I've never quite had the sense of community living in other states, that I had growing up in the South Bronx.

[@pahu7620]

You probably never will; such nostalgia. Peace & Blessings

[@nnereen7]

This was everything.🥹💛Thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and the trip down memory lane. And the ending. Yesss!🤣

[@gBalldevelopmentllc]

What a true blessing this interview is - treasure your mommy Kerry!!

[@pearlsellars4330]

Thank you Valerie,great to learn of your family time in the Bronx.lovely to see you and Kerry together.xxx

[@dannetteanderson9334]

It's so nice to here someone grew up on the same street as me in the South Bronx. I lived on Simpson Street as a child. I remember the neighborhood well. But I lived on the other end where the houses were near Freeman St. Station. Good times.

[@pahu7620]

I lived on Simpson St and went to P.S. 20

[@kumbua]

Enjoyed this interview with your mom

[@Syren90...Aka9]

This brought my heart so much joy. 🥲🧡

[@camilleemblem5994]

Simply refreshing and educational!

[@magharry10]

Thank you Kerry. Wonderful interview. Your mom is amazing! Sat there thinking how great it would have been to interview my mom. She too was smart and graduated valedictorian of her class.

[@thoughtsideas6929]

Thank You! Great to hear from you and your Mom about your life experiences.

[@Sharon-hh8tp]

Wow that was so awesome. Its truly a blessing to hear these wonderful memories. I feel like I'm living vicariously through all your guest stories. I can actually take a piece of all of the streets, towns, cities that I wont ever see. I know I wont ever be able to visit all the nooks and crannies of this country. However, Being able to listen to the stories. I can live vicariously through your guest as if I were there with them. It is also helping me know and understand our country a little bit more.

[@brooklynny1965]

Kerry I am 56 yrs old from the projects of Brooklyn. Your mom gave me so many memories about how things used to be… community, respect, family and lots of fun. Great interview! Your mom sounds like a next door neighbor. HBCU proud never thought I would make it. Crooklyn style😃

[@arlenewhyte3840]

Hi Kerry, this conversation is so wonderful to hear. It is so reminicint of my early years growing up first in Manhattan then the Bronx. So many correlations to mine. Thank you!!!

[@licia5376]

I love this …… community is important .. helping others be vocal or connecting Ppl to the necessary tools …

[@MrMarkgeller]

Great interview. My mom grew up on Fox Street during the 40s. Myself the 50s. Everything she said was totally spot on. So appreciated.

[@novletmills9244]

Excellent interview. Plus, their absolute love for each other is magical.

[@whprose]

Great interview Kerry! You mom, aka BigBoy Washington, was a joy to listen to -especially for someone like me whose never been to Simpson Street! She should be most proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished and I’m sure naming your production company Simpson Street is just icing on the cake!! Continue to be blessed on your journey and continue to be this inspiration for all of us! One love! 👊🏾❤️💯

[@ItsMeTashia]

Aww Dr Washington is so adorable! I enjoyed this interview. Her details aided my being able to imagine so much. And I love how each person says that they would love to bring back the sense of community into the present now. That’s great!

[@deborahwelch4637]

OMG!!! So glad I found your channel I have loved your amazing work!! Your mom is a great jewel so beautiful 💕

[@GreenOrchid9]

I can relate🎉 happy 2022 Kerry & your mom from the boogey down🎶🎶❤👊😷

[@jenlgray9417]

Such a wonderful interview with your Mom. All of your guests have been good, but this was the best one yet

[@LilMarybou]

Absolutely love Mama Doctor Washington!!!Can't wait to visit the museum!!! Congrats and keep up the amazing work!!!

[@ceejane-c4r]

My first time to your channel. This episode was so divine and to see how elegant and articulated so well with your mom, Dr Washington!!! PRICELESS!!! Thanks!

[@SoniT]

Great interview! I'm from DC but my aunt, uncle, and cousins lived in the Bronx for many years. I have fond childhood memories of visiting in the summer.