Sneak Peek into Episode 178: The Suffering of a Mentor w/ Danny “Bookem” Rivera

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Danny was born to Puerto Rican parents in Jersey City New Jersey. He was raised until 4th grade in the old downtown Jersey city between Erie and Manilla Avenue. At the age of 10 he, his mom, sister, and father moved to Bayonne New Jersey. Danny biological father was not present, although Danny knew who he was. Danny was raised by a step father named Wilbert who was very strict but hardworking and provided what the family needed. Wilbert was a heavy drinker and at a young age Danny started to witness domestic violence in the home. Danny did not grow up with alot of love and attention. Many days he was left to babysit his sister and watch over the house while the parents worked. During this time he found his love for rap music and began to write his own rap lyrics. This was a way for Danny to deal with the emotions he felt during this time.

At age 15 my mother left his stepfather and met a new man. This new man was also a alcoholic, but more violent. We moved to Staten Island where this man locked food in the basement, kept the house keys away from Danny and was very verbally and at times physically abusive. Danny then started to be in the streets heavily to avoid being home. Danny started to surround himself with many dangerous individuals who supported his rap career and also taught him about the streets. Danny spent alot of time jumping house to house after dropping out of highschool at age 16. He slept in hallways and parks while chasing a rap career. He also hung out alot with friends from Newark NJ, an area called hoodaville which was predominantly african american. Danny was surrounded by the element of gangs and street culture.

At age 21, Danny started going to church and became a boen again Christian. He then got his GED at the adult education center in Jersey City, before taking the police test and being hired by the Hudson County Sheriff's Office in 2006. Danny still works there and also founded a community outreach movement called THE BRIDGES PROJECT. This movement was created to form a bridge of understanding between communities and law enforcement. Danny utilizes music and his life story as a conduit to form trust. Danny is also known by many as "BOOKEM". He goes to schools and mentors kids from different areas who he can relate to. Most of the kids he mentors have similar issues trauma that BOOKEM has dealt with. Danny has worked in patrol, superior court, and was on loan to the Prosecutor's narcotics task force. Daniel was recently selected by the NEW BLUE fellowship to be part of an international group of law enforcement officers who also pour value into their communities. Danny is also a father of 3 daughters and has a wife.

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Www.thebridgesproject.org