(Nicole Rodriguez in front of “Big Pun” mural after this Saturdays Hugs From Pun Foundation school supply give away)
This Saturday I had the honor to meet up with the main organizers of the Hugs from Pun Foundation after their eleventh year of distributing free school supplies to youth in the South Bronx. The organization, lead by his sister Nicole Rodriguez above, distributed 547 school supply packages to local youth as they prepared for their first day of school.
Murals of "Big Pun" can be found often when driving around the South Bronx. Besides creating music many loved, he also was loved by the community due to his philanthropy. His early death caused by weight issues, ended a carrier that would have exploded making him legendary, much like many of the artists he collaborated with. During his life time he earned the honor of being the first Latino Hip-hop artists to go platinum.
Speaking to his sister Nicole made me wonder why we have yet to see this iconic figure on the “Big Screen”. Much like Brooklyn has “Biggie Smalls” the South Bronx has “Big Pun”. Is it time for a film about this great entrepreneur and community philanthropist? Everyone I asked in the Bronx has been enthusiastic about the idea. Please do let me know your thoughts on the question.
(Left and Right Shot of Mural Dedicated to Big Pun on Rogers Pl and 163rd)Official Big Pun web site;
http://www.bigpunplace.com/
