A Bronx-based T-shirt campaign celebrates NYC resiliency

Bronx based nonprofit, The Enders Project Equal Access Inc., launched their new campaign “Still Walking NYC”, a limited-edition T-shirt series paying tribute to the resilience and strength of New Yorkers.

For their first edition, the Enders Project enlisted their very own spokesperson and liaison, Ivonne Sanchez.

As a Bronx native and longtime Riverdalian, Sanchez has deep roots not only within the Bronx, but across New York City. Having worked as an FDNY EMT who responded to the 9/11 tragedy, Sanchez embodies what it means to be New York strong. 

“This project really moved me. It’s about resilience — and as a New Yorker, a woman and a 9/11 first responder, I know what it means to keep going when things are tough,” Sanchez said. 

In assisting survivors and recovering bodies during 9/11 , Sanchez became a health spokesperson with the FealGood Foundation, particularly for first responders like herself, who developed illnesses related to the air pollution caused by the Twin Towers' collapse. Sanchez was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2018 from being exposed to toxic at Ground Zero.

Martha Villa, executive director and board co-chair of the Enders Project, met Sanchez two years ago and was struck by how deeply rooted in New York her story was.  

Villa and Sanchez’s connection started organically. Living in the same neighborhood in Riverdale, Villa couldn’t help but notice Sanchez’s decorations during the Halloween season and struck up a conversation. Through these encounters, Villa would come to learn about Sanchez’s layered background.

“With Ivonne you find out she was an FDNY and then you find out, ‘Oh my gosh, she was [responding to] 9/11.’ Then you find out she was the health spokesperson for 9/11. Just hearing her little blurbs of stories and people she's known, I’m like ‘This girl is the face of New York,’” Villa said. 

Inspired by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the slogan of the t-shirt series – “Still Walking NYC” – is an ode to New Yorkers who stayed in the city and gave back to their communities. 

“There was this big exodus out of New York [during the pandemic,” Villa explained “Everyone's saying ‘Everyone’s leaving’ and we went around and we were like, ‘Not everyone is leaving.’” 

According to the US Census Bureau, approximately 463,456 - almost half a million - New York City residents moved out of the city from 2020 to 2023. 

“It's especially important for New Yorkers who are here and long-term New Yorkers, especially people who are born and raised here, to understand the importance that it's not just a come and go city and so many people see it as that.”

“Still Walking NYC” is not only a way to share and honor New York stories, it’s a way to continue creating an impact within the community. 

There are 3,000 special edition shirts available for purchase, with profits going directly towards the Enders Project’s equal access scholarships and health initiatives. The scholarships provide underserved youth with access to a wide range of opportunities, including arts, sports, summer camps and after school programming with  health initiatives helping youth to make healthier choices. 

Thinking back to her time working as an EMT, Sanchez recalled witnessing the lack of opportunities for young people within neighborhoods of the city.

“As a single parent in New York, in Riverdale, I had a great job that gave me the financial support to raise my children in Riverdale [and] to go to one of the top public schools,” said Sanchez. “But as a first responder, at one point I was working in the South Bronx, I was working in Harlem – those kids – the parents didn't have that opportunity of scholarships.” 

Founded in 2017, the Enders Project has raised $150,000 in scholarships for underserved youth across New York City with 100 percent of high school seniors served by their scholarships graduating and being admitted to college or university. 

“I loved that this wasn’t just about a shirt — it’s about a message, a mission and lifting up the next generation,” said Sanchez.

For the next campaign, Sanchez nominated her fellow FDNY EMT colleague and friend Joe Conzo, who will also provide his own hand-written signature. 

Well-known for his photography in the South Bronx, Conzo is a member of the photography collective Seis Del Sur (Six of the South,) an author, an activist and retired FDNY EMT member who was also on the grounds during 9/11.  

“It’s an honor, plain and simple,” Conzo responded to being the next face of the campaign highlighting New Yorkers with a story.

After 27 years as an FDNY EMT, Conzo, like Sanchez, advocated for healthcare legislation supporting 9/11 first responders  like himself. Conzo’s drive to advocate for others is rooted in the legacy of activism within his own family. His grandmother, Dr. Evelina López Antonetty, founded United Bronx Parents to fight for better education for Black and Brown students in the South Bronx. Conzo’s mother later led the group and opened a rehab center for women with children. 

“When projects like these come up, it’s a no brainer. It’s about giving back”, Conzo added. 

As for their next steps with the campaign, Villa hopes it will catch attention from Bronx locals, starting with Riverdale residents.

“ We wanted to start local --  and then from there we'll branch out little by little as we go,” Villa said. 

Sanchez on the other hand, wants to go big. Having spent time in the nation’s capital with fellow FealGood foundation members advocating for funding for World Trade Center health programs, Sanchez was impressed by Bronx congressman, Ritchie Torres, who was present.

“ I want Ritchie Torres. Our famous, amazing Congressman Ritchie Torres who represents our district and in the South Bronx, who is doing amazing work,” Sanchez exclaimed, eager to get the congressman a t-shirt.

For those looking to grab a limited-edition “Still Walking NYC” T-shirt with Sanchez’ signature, visit the Enders Project website at endersproject.com/still-walking-nyc.