District 35 is home to more than forty co-named streets that honor deceased residents who made a significant impact on their community. The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees a process by which New Yorkers can petition to “co-name” a street. While the street retains its original name, DOT installs a sign beneath the original street sign to “co-name” the street in an individual’s honor.
Typically, co-naming requests begin at the local community board, which votes on whether to approve the co-naming application. Each community board has their own requirements, including how long an individual must be deceased (ranging from 6 months to 3 years), total number of petition signatures, and letters of support. You can review the requirements for Community Board 2 (Ft. Greene/Clinton Hill), Community Board 8 (Prospect Heights/Crown Heights North), and Community Board 9 (Crown Heights South) at each link.
Once the community board approves the co-naming application, a letter of approval is sent to the local Council Member, including all materials submitted with the application. The co-naming request is then submitted for inclusion in bi-annual legislation that is then voted on by the full Council, and usually signed into law (though it could be vetoed by the mayor). Once approved, the Council office and requester work with the DOT to select a date for the sign’s installation. DOT installs one sign, provides one replica sign for the requestor’s family, and offers additional signs for purchase for $32 plus shipping and handling. Should you have specific questions about the co-naming process, please feel free to email us at district35@council.nyc.gov or by phone at (718) 260-9191.
The following list includes all identified street co-namings in District 35 found on the New York City Council’s Legistar website. If you know that we have missed one, feel free to email District 35 with the honoree’s name, sign location, and a photograph of the sign (if you are able).
All biographies are those sent to the New York City Council and included in the Committee Report for each co-naming bill. If a biography was not available, staff compiled one using public records with hyperlinks provided to indicate sourcing.
This list is current as of July 2024.
Melquain Jatelle Anderson Drive, 2021
Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace Way, 2019
FBI Special Agent Edwin R. Woodriffe Way, 2019
Frank and Doris Bell Way, 2018
Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard, 2018
Sarah and Michoel Behrman Way, 2018
Police Officer Christie Masone Way, 2017
Reverend Dr. John L. Pratt Sr. Way, 2017
Dr. Derrick E. Griffith Way, 2016
Dr. Rev. Clarence Norman Sr. and Ellen Norman Way, 2016
Benjamin Keefe Clark Way, 2002
Deputy Inspector Anthony J. Falco Square, 2001
The Street of Arts & Culture, 2001
Saheed Vassel Way
Intersection of Crown Street and Utica Avenue, 2025*
(Photo Credit: The New York Times)
Saheed Vassell (Died April 2018) had a history of mental illness and was seen wielding a metal object at pedestrians. Many bystanders believed he was wielding a gun at people. He was shot and killed by NYPD officers. His death brought attention on how the NYPD should respond to mental health related incidents. The responding officers were not charged for his death.
*This co-naming sign has not yet been installed. A ceremony is tentatively planned for 2025
Ahmad Samhan Way
Hall Street (Between Myrtle Avenue and Willoughby Avenue), 2024
![](https://council.nyc.gov/crystal-hudson/wp-content/uploads/sites/117/2024/07/as.jpg)
(Photo Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership)
Ahmad Samhan (May 22, 1969 – June 21, 2020) was a longtime resident and business entrepreneur of Fort Greene, Brooklyn. He was born in a small village in Palestine and later migrated to Brooklyn, New York in March 1973. He resided on Vanderbilt Ave between Myrtle and Park for over 30 years before starting a family of his own in his childhood home. Inspired by fellow Brooklyn residents, Ahmad was determined to be the true definition of an American-Arab pioneer. From the age of 13, he began to work so that he may provide additional income for his family. His earliest business ventures varied from delivering newspapers door-to-door in the neighborhood, to selling water bottles on the street, to washing car windows at the gas station formerly located on Vanderbilt Avenue, to working as a bag boy at the Met Food supermarket on Myrtle Avenue. Many people in the neighborhood recall his inviting smile and incredible sense of humor.
Aside from his remarkable work ethic, he was known in the community for his impressive intellect. As a student at Samuel J. Tilden high school, he was a member of the school band and played the French horn. After graduating high school in 1987, he obtained his baccalaureate at John Jay College in Criminal Justice. Although very fond of and well versed in criminology and justice, he found his niche as an entrepreneur instead. He went on to own over eight businesses in his lifetime, two of which were on Myrtle Avenue. Paying homage to his Palestinian roots, Ahmad opened his first restaurant ‘Zaytoons’ in Carroll Gardens in 1995. Following the immediate success of that location, Ahmad was able to open a second location in his own backyard on Myrtle Avenue. Of all his businesses across Brooklyn, this location was always Ahmad’s favorite.
However, as the neighborhood began to transform, Ahmad realized he too would have to adapt to the evolving neighborhood. After 15 years of serving the community Middle Eastern food, Ahmad converted Zaytoons into a taqueria in 2017. Villa Pancho would eventually close after his untimely passing in 2020. The neighborhood not only enjoyed his cuisines, they were acquainted with his exuberant personality. Ahmad was known for stopping anyone and talking to them. The bench in front of his business has encountered a multitude of conversations varying from common street banter to the deep and thought-provoking conversations that many people in the community expressed their gratitude for after his passing.
Indifferent of age, religion, politics, race or beliefs, Ahmad always found a way to connect to the people he would converse with. He left an incredible impression on those who knew him. He was an extraordinary man who could relate to anyone who interacted with him. He was best described as a wealth of knowledge, always able to relate and understand anyone he happened upon. He spent many days sitting on the bench in front of his restaurant talking to his neighbors and bringing joy to their lives as they brought joy to his. He cared for the community that contributed to his upbringing and constantly reminded everyone around him to always give back to their local communities as it is what shapes the future generations. He spent his life in service to his community, from his lunch donations to Brooklyn Hospital and SUNY Downstate Hospital in appreciation of our healthcare heroes on the frontlines of the pandemic to his annual dinners, made by him personally, in Ramadan at the local mosque on Fulton Street.
Emily Ann Myrick Way
Southwest corner of Park Avenue and Carlton Avenue, 2024
(Photo Credit: Community Heroes)
Emily Ann Myrick was known as “A Mother To All” who cared for children at PS 46 and all 22 of her children and grandchildren. She was able to obtain her master’s degree at the age of 71. She was a guidance counselor at PS 46 and served as president of Fort Greene Houses for many years. She fought for many programs and resources for the Fort Greene community. She was the president of the Tenant Association and fought for buildings to be clean and safe. She volunteered at the Little Zion Baptist Church for over 70 years and advocated strongly against the closing of Cumberland Hospital, which was in the largest public housing complex in Brooklyn. She also served as assistant to the executive director of Cumberland Hospital and deputy executive director of the Fort Greene Community Corporation.
Dr. Beny J. Primm Way
Fulton Street (Between Waverly Avenue and Washington Avenue), 2024
(Photo Credit: HIV.gov)
Dr. Beny J. Primm (May 21, 1928 – October 16, 2015) was a doctor who started some of New York City’s first methadone clinics to treat heroin addicts and advocated for changing public health policy toward intravenous drug users during the AIDS epidemic. He served in the United States Army’s 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg and trained as a paratrooper. In 1969, he founded the Addiction Research and Treatment Corporation, which opened methadone clinics in Brooklyn and Manhattan. He was an advocate for clean-needle programs and information campaigns during the AIDS epidemic. He was appointed to Ronald Reagan’s Presidential Commission on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Epidemic in 1987. He served on the National Drug Abuse Advisory Council, associate administrator of the Office of Treatment Improvement and was president of the Urban Resource Institute, which he founded in 1981 to provide career counseling and job training for addicts and to provide a safe haven for victims of domestic violence.
James Caldwell Way
Dean Street and Washington Avenue, 2024
(Photo Credit: Kings County Politics)
James Caldwell (Died May 27, 2021) served in the United States Army for six years. He served as president of the 77th Precinct Council and former executive director of Brooklyn United for Innovative Local Development, an organization designed to implement the community benefits agreement for the then Atlantic Yards Development Project. He served as the board chairperson for the North Crown Heights Family Outreach Center to help families with drug and alcohol addiction and served as president of the Brooklyn House Community Relations Board, a halfway house to assist people recently released from prison to integrate back into society. He also served as chairperson of the Ryerson Street Veterans Committee which successfully stopped the loss of vital services to over 3,000 Black and Latino Veterans in Downtown Brooklyn.
The English Way
New York Avenue (Between President Street and Union Street), 2024
(Photo Credit: Community Heroes)
Dr. Josephine English (December 17, 1920 – December 18, 2011) moved to Brooklyn in 1956 after graduating from medical school and working in Manhattan. She opened a women’s clinic in Bushwick and delivered thousands of babies, including the daughter of former United States Secretary of Commerce, Ron Brown, and the six daughters of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz. In 1979, she established the Adelphi Medical Center to provide better medical care to both men and women and later added a senior citizens’ center. In 1981, she started the Up the Ladder Day Care Center and After School Program and a summer youth camp. In 1982, in an effort to bring more of the arts to the community, she purchased a deserted church next to the Adelphi Medical Center and converted it into Brooklyn’s Paul Robeson Theater. In 1986, she became the first minority and the first woman to be awarded a license from the New York State Department of Health to develop a free-standing ambulatory surgical center. She self-funded many of her programs and had to continuously fight foreclosure. She received several awards, including the African Community Contribution Award and a Lucille Mason Rose Community Activist Award. In 1996, the Dr. Josephine English Foundation was established in order to honor her and to carry on her health and welfare initiatives.
Edward A. Carter Way
North Portland Avenue (Between Myrtle Avenue and Park Avenue), 2023
(Photo Credit: Patch)
Edward A. Carter (1933 – 2011) served the Fort Greene community for many years. He served in the United States Military in 1950 with the 715th AA Battalion. He received several commendations of merit and four honorable discharges, one from the Army and three from the Air Force. He founded and served as executive director of the Fort Greene Youth Patrol, which was established in 1968 and served hundreds of inner city youth, young adults, and senior citizens, was a founding board member of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and participated for over 20 years, served as chairman of the Parks and Public Safety Committee for Community Board 2 for 20 years, was co-founder and vice chairman of the Fort Greene Senior Citizens Council, served as chairman of the Veterans Association’s Civic Affairs Committee, founded Fort Greene Memorial Post 1908 of the American Legion, founder and board chairman of the Wonderland Day Care Center, president of the Walt Whitman Tenants Association from 1968 to 1976, president of the Resident Advisory Council for New York City Public Housing in 1970, executive board member of Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center, served 26 years on Selective Service Draft Board #145 in Brooklyn and was vice president of the Black Cowboys for more than 15 years.
Joyce Quamina’s Way
At the intersection of President Street and Nostrand Avenue, 2023
(Photo Credit: WIADCA)
Joyce Quamina steered WIADCA organization for over 40 years, was affiliated with the carnival group, more than twenty of which she served as business manager. She was director of judges for more than 20 years. During her tenure, she implemented the Children’s Carnival and, along with Marta Vega, developed the Stay in School Concert, now known as Youth-fest. She also started the Jamboree at Brooklyn’s Boys and Girls High School, as a fundraiser for the Mas’ and Steelband groups, where artists donated their time. She negotiated for the Daily News to sponsor CASYM Steel Orchestra and provided educational scholarships to the youth. As a cultural ambassador, she represented WIADCA and supported other carnival groups in Toronto, Miami, Boston, New Jersey, Washington DC and Baltimore. She spent time mentoring youth, community members and prison inmates about Caribbean culture. Over the years, she continued to support the organization as co-chair of the Steelband Committee, assisting the groups to get practice space, and worked alongside the NYPD on sensitive cultural and community matters affecting them. She was dedicated to WIADCA and all its members and enjoyed sharing her knowledge of the early days. She was a spectator of the original West Indian American parades in Harlem, and became an active participant when the parade began in Brooklyn, stating that she was the founder and organizer of the Kiddies Carnival, an event in which children between the ages of infancy and sixteen participate in their own mas or masquerade parade. She was also a contributor to the Westchester County Caribbean Carnival in White Plains, New York. She was director and, thereafter, vice president of the Westchester Carnival; director of the Caribbean Muzik Festival in the Bahamas for 10 years; consultant for Western Union, the money transmitter, in past carnival events; vice president of the International Caribbean Carnival; and one of the founding members of the World Carnival Commission. Joyce was lectured and conducted carnival workshops at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York; Hofstra University; Ossining Penitentiary; and Folsom Prison. The late Calos Lezama, the founder and former WIADCA president, had recognized her organizational skills and expanded her role to include business manager. After over 30 years of service, she tendered her resignation from WIADCA. In 2010, she recommissioned to coordinate what is the most difficult event on the carnival calendar, the Steelband Panorama, which she successfully did for the last 10 years.
Tomchei Temimim Way
Crown Street (Between Troy Avenue and Albany Avenue), 2023
![](https://council.nyc.gov/crystal-hudson/wp-content/uploads/sites/117/2024/07/PXL_20231102_152349414.MP_-1-1024x771.jpg)
(Photo Credit: Office of Council Member Crystal Hudson)
Located at 570 Crown St, the United Lubavitcher Yeshiva, also known as Tomchei Temimim, occupies most of Albany Avenue and is recognizable as the “red brick building with tinted windows” in the center of Crown Heights. Established in 1897 in Russia by Rabbi Shalom DovBer, the fifth Chabad Rebbe, the yeshiva survived through various upheavals and wars, relocating to Warsaw and later Otwock, Poland, and finally to Shanghai, China during World War II. The previous Lubavitcher Rabbi founded Tomchei Temimim of America in 1940, immediately upon arriving in America, having just escaped war-torn Europe. He encouraged the continuation of Jewish life, traditions and culture in America, and the roots of the school that were planted on that day bore fruits that helped rebuild the broken Jewish community shattered by the Holocaust. In 1988, the grand Lubavitcher Rebbe called for the construction of more housing and cultural, educational, and community facilities, which led to the construction of the iconic 570 Crown Street building, which opened in 1992.
For over thirty years, this building has serviced tens of thousands of children in our community. It has hosted thousands of community events including bar mitzvahs, engagements, community awareness programs, conventions and much more. Recently, during the COVID 19 pandemic, when the building was not able to service the children we retrofitted the school to be a rehabilitation center for the many people recovering from the pandemic. Currently, the facility is adding an additional 21,000 square feet to include more classrooms, resource rooms, mental health offices, staff lounges, a recreation room, a new synagogue and gym. The new gym will service the community with after school programs, children leagues and occupational outlets.
Eudes Pierre Way
Eastern Parkway and Utica Avenue, 2022
(Photo Credit: College of Staten Island Athletics)
Eudes Pierre (Died December 20, 2021) was shot and killed after allegedly charging at police officers with a knife during an apparent mental health episode. His death has brought attention to mental health awareness.
Dr. Sam Pinn Jr. Way
Fulton Street (Between Grand Avenue and Cambridge Place), 2021
(Photo Credit: Our Time Press)
Dr. Sam Pinn Jr. (Died December 27, 2017) was born in Rice, Virginia and later moved to New York to become a life-long resident of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He served in the United States Army Reserves for eight years and was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Morgan State University, a Masters of Social Work Degree from Rutgers University, and two Doctors of Law degrees bestowed by Mary Holmes College and Morgan State University. He was also a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) in the State of New York. In May 1973, he helped found and then served as Chairman of the Fort Greene Council Inc. Under his leadership, the Council expanded its sponsorship of senior centers, offering a range of comprehensive services, from their first center located in Fort Greene-Clinton Hills to its present sponsorship of 13 centers located throughout Brooklyn. The expansion also included a meals-on-wheels program, two child care centers, COMPASS, and UPK for ALLs. He was a visionary who created and organized Jazz 966 in November 1990, opening its doors to the Brooklyn community at affordable admission fees at a modest $15.00 donation, which was an alternative to the expensive Jazz clubs in New York City. Jazz 966 featured world renowned artist, such as Wynton Marsalis, Trumpeter; Houston Person, Saxophonist; Etta Jones, Jazz Singer; and their own Danny Mixon, Pianist. For five years, he hosted and produced “The Grand Ones,” a weekly radio show formerly aired on WNYE, 91.5FM. He served as Chairman of Independent Brooklyn CORE for 16 years and helped fight for social justice and political empowerment. He was elected to Central Brooklyn’s Community School Board No. 16, where he held the position of Chairman and was instrumental in initiating policies which dramatically improved the districts overall reading and math scores as well as its attendance rating. He was the recipient of more than 90 awards and accolades from various elected officials, block and tenant associations, PTAs, academic and religious orders, schools, fraternal groups, cultural institutions and other groups and was also honored by Ramapo College’s Board of Trustees with its most prestigious award, the Fred and Florence Thomas Award. He was also the recipient of the inaugural Sam Pinn Educator Activist Award presented by Ramapo College’s Minority Faculty and Staff Association for his years of advocacy on behalf of Ramapo’s students, faculty and staff of color.
Ida B. Wells Plaza
Barclays Times Plaza, 2021
(Photo Credit: Biography.com)
Ida B. Wells (July 16, 1862 – March 25, 1931) was an African-American journalist, abolitionist and feminist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She went on to found and become integral in groups for African-American justice. She was a teacher who became a vocal critic of the condition of African-American only schools in Memphis. In 1896, she formed the National Association of Colored Women and later became a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She worked with the National Equal Rights League to end discriminatory hiring practices for government jobs and also created the first African-American kindergarten in her community and fought for women’s suffrage.
Jitu Weusi Plaza
Putnam Plaza, 2021
(Photo Credit: Patch)
Jitu K. Weusi (Died May 22, 2013), formerly known as Leslie R. Campbell, was a long-time educator and activist throughout his life. He was born and raised in Brooklyn and was very active in education, politics, social justice and music. He began his career in education with the New York City Department of Education in 1962 and was a founding member of the African-American Teachers Association (ATA). He was widely known for his involvement in the Ocean-Hill/Brownsville conflict that proved to be instrumental in bringing about changes nationwide in community control of public education. In the late 1960’s, he left the Department of Education and opened the first Black independent private school for inner-city youth: Uhuru Sasa Shule (Freedom Now School). The school was one of the founding member schools of the Council of Independent Black Institutions (CIBI), an international umbrella organization for independent schools. Among his political accolades, he was essential in forming the New York Chapter of the National Black United Front (NBUF); African-Americans United for Political Power, which was a vital force in the election of Mayor David Dinkins; and, he worked vigorously on Reverend Sharpton’s campaign to become the first black US Senator from New York. In 1970, he was the principal operator of the East Cultural and Educational Center, where he presented Jazz programs weekly which featured Freddie Hubbard, Max Roach, Betty Carter, Roland Kirk, Gary Bartz, Randy Weston, Pharoah Sanders, McCoy Tyner, Hugh Masekela, Sun Ra and a host of other performers. An avid enthusiast, collector of and writer on Jazz music, he served as the chairperson of the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium for several years.
Melquain Jatelle Anderson Drive
At the intersection of Gold Street and York Street, 2021
(Photo Credit: Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation)
Melquain Jatelle Anderson (Died October 2017) was killed while waiting at a bus stop outside of the Farragut Houses. His family later started a scholarship and emergency fund in his name at John Jay College where he earned his bachelor degree.
Richard Wright Way
Carlton Avenue (Between Willoughby Avenue and Myrtle Avenue), 2021
![](https://council.nyc.gov/crystal-hudson/wp-content/uploads/sites/117/2024/07/rw.png)
(Photo Credit: Encyclopedia Britannica)
Richard Wright (September 4, 1908 – November 28, 1960) was an African American writer and poet who was employed by the Federal Writer’s Project and received critical acclaim for “Uncle Tom’s Children,” a collection of four stories and was also well known for his 1940 bestseller “Native Son,” and his 1945 autobiography, “Black Boy.” Raised in Jackson, Mississippi, he was interested in American literature. By the age of 16, a short story he wrote was published in a Southern African American newspaper. In 1927, he moved to Chicago and joined the Communist Party after being frustrated with American capitalism. He joined the Federal Writers’ Project and moved to New York City in 1937. In 1938, “Uncle Tom’s Children” was published earning him a $500 prize from Story magazine and led to a 1939 Guggenheim Fellowship. He published “Native Son” in 1940, which became a bestseller and the first novel written by an African American to be selected by the Book-of-the-Month Club. After becoming disillusioned with both the Communist Party and white America, he moved to Paris and wrote four more novels and lived there until his death.
Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace Way
St. James Place (Between Fulton Street and Gates Avenue), 2019
(Photo Credit: Biography.com)
Christopher Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), who was known professionally as Biggie Smalls, Biggie and the Notorious B.I.G., is considered one of the most influential rappers of all time. He began rapping as a teenager and made a demo tape which The Source magazine profiled in their Unsigned Hype column in March 1992. The recording came to the attention of Sean “Puffy” Combs, an A&R executive and producer who worked for Uptown Records. Combs set up his own record label called Bad Boy Records and signed Wallace. From there, he released the “Ready To Die” album which was certified platinum and was named MC of the Year at the 1995 Billboard Music Awards. Two years later, he was gunned down and killed by an unknown assailant while leaving a party. His album “Life After Death” was released 16 days after his death and became one of the few hip-hop albums to be certified Diamond.
FBI Special Agent Edwin R. Woodriffe Way
Jefferson Avenue (Between Claver Place and Franklin Avenue), 2019
(Photo Credit: FBI)
Special Agent Edwin R. Woodriffe (1941 – January 8, 1969) was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He later served with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for two years before he was killed in the line of duty while he and Special Agent Anthony Palmisano were shot in an apartment building in Washington, DC, while attempting to arrest a prison escapee who had robbed a bank earlier that morning.
Malbone Centennial Way
Empire Boulevard (Between Flatbush Avenue and Washington Avenue), 2019
(Photo Credit: Brooklyn Eagle)
This co-naming commemorates the Malbone Street Wreck, a subway derailment that killed 93 people and left hundreds injured on November 1, 1918. The Brooklyn Rapid Transit subway train crashed near the intersection of Malbone Street, Flatbush and Ocean Avenues becoming the deadliest transit disaster ever in New York City.
Randy Weston Way
At the intersection of Lafayette Avenue and Grand Avenue, 2019
(Photo Credit: The New York Times)
Randy Weston (April 6, 1926 – September 1, 2018) was an American jazz pianist and composer who was born in Brooklyn and studied classical piano throughout his childhood. He released his debut album, Cole Porter in a Modern Mood, in 1954 followed by numerous recordings throughout his musical career. He was named New Star Pianist in the Down Beat International Critics’ Poll in 1955, was a 2001 NEA Jazz Master, a 2011 Guggenheim Fellow, a 2016 inductee in the DownBeat Critic’s Poll Hall of Fame and won a 2014 Doris Duke Artist Award. He received several honorary doctorate degrees and his personal works of musical scores, correspondence, recordings and other materials were acquired by the Harvard Library in collaboration with the Jazz Research Initiative at the Hutchins Center for African and African-American Research.
Walt Whitman Way
At the intersection of Dekalb Avenue and Ryerson Street, 2019
(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)
Walt Whitman (May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892) was an American poet, journalist and essayist who is considered one of America’s most influential poets. He published Leaves of Grass, which is considered a landmark in American literature. He worked as a volunteer nurse during the Civil War which inspired him to write a collection called Drum Taps, in connection to the experiences of soldiers.
Frank and Doris Bell Way
Southwest corner of Classon Avenue and Sterling Place, 2018
(Photo Credit: Frank R. Bell Funeral Home)
Frank and Doris Bell contributed to the community by the encouragement they gave to others who sought advice on overcoming their personal problems regarding their business endeavors, social interaction and financial obstacles. In 1968, they opened the Frank R. Bell Funeral Home. Their success over the years was based on their humanitarian concern to serve those families, mostly in the neighborhood, who could not afford the cost to hold a funeral for their loved ones over the past six decades. Frank R. Bell Funeral Home has hired dozens of employees, some of whom have gone on to start their own businesses. Today, there are seventeen full-time staff members at Frank R. Bell Funeral Home who continue to enjoy a very comfortable standard of living in the community. 2017 will mark 60 years since the Frank R. Bell Funeral Home established a ministry that has served all faiths in the community.
Ida B. Wells Place
Gold Street (Between Willoughby Avenue and Myrtle Avenue), 2018
(Photo Credit: Biography.com)
Ida B. Wells (July 16, 1862 – March 25, 1931) was an African-American journalist, abolitionist and feminist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She went on to found and become integral in groups for African-American justice. She was a teacher who became a vocal critic of the condition of African-American only schools in Memphis. In 1896, she formed the National Association of Colored Women and later became a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She worked with the National Equal Rights League to end discriminatory hiring practices for government jobs and also created the first African-American kindergarten in her community and fought for women’s suffrage.
Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard
Rogers Avenue (Between Farragut Road and Eastern Parkway), 2018
(Photo Credit: New York Public Library)
Jean-Jacques Dessalines (September 20, 1758 – October 17, 1806) is one of the founding fathers of Haiti, having taken charge of the Haitian Revolution to victory in defeating the French Napoleon Army in 1804. Significant to world history, the Haitian Revolution is not only the first and only successful slave revolution in the Americas, but also resulted in Haiti being the first Latin American country and second in the Western Hemisphere to declare its independence, after the United States declared independence from Britain in 1776. Furthermore, the Haitian Revolution was inspirational and gave support to the enslaved and subjugated peoples throughout the world. More significantly, the Haitian Revolution was a truly transcultural event, joining three interlocking and intersectional 18th Century struggles, which continue to reverberate to the present: the challenge to imperial European authority; the fight for racial equality and the movement to end to slavery. Jean-Jacques Dessalines was born into slavery in the French colony of Saint-Domingue. In 1791, he joined the fight for freedom when thousands of brutally exploited enslaved people rose up against their colonial masters, and their enablers in France, who murdered and massacred hundreds of thousands of people across the Caribbean. By 1793, he was fighting under General Toussaint Louverture, earning the nickname “the Tiger” for his intensity in battle and his military skill. Within a few years, the slave insurgents forced the French administrators of the colony to emancipate them, a decision ratified by revolutionary Paris in 1794. From 1794 through 1802, Dessalines fought with Louverture both for and against France for the eradication of slavery and the self-determination of the people of Saint-Domingue.
After Louverture was kidnapped, shackled and deported to France in 1802, Dessalines led the Revolution, as Napoleon appointed General Rochambeau to lead the French military expedition to re-conquer Saint-Domingue. Rochambeau immediately embarked on a massacre of much of the non-white civilians, including women and children, and military population by staging mass executions via firing squads, hanging and drowning. By January 1, 1804, the French were defeated and Dessalines declared Haiti independent. Between February and April 1804, Dessalines, in response to French brutality and out of fear of future French re-conquest and re-enslavement ordered the execution of all the remaining white French on the island, estimated in the range of 3,000 to 5,000, but personally protected whites loyal to Haitian independence, including thousands of Polish soldiers who had defected from the French Army. The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) became the first slave revolt in modern history to result in an independent nation.
The independence of Haiti reshaped the Atlantic world by leading to the French sale of Louisiana to the United States, and encouraged republican revolutions in Latin America, and eventually Africa. Under Petion, Haiti provided direct assistance to Simon Bolivar on at least two crucial occasions during the latter’s successful efforts to secure independence for the Spanish Colonial territories throughout Latin America. Dessalines was declared Emperor of Haiti in September 1804. Many of the policies he implemented were progressive even by today’s standards, including social policies, such as freedom of religion, equal rights for children born out of wedlock, marriage and divorce laws favorable to women. Dessalines also attempted land reforms, and specifically policies to address the concentration of ownership of valuable plantations throughout the country by a few wealthy families, which likely led to his death in a roadside ambush on October 17, 1806, when those who opposed his economic policies rebelled and took up arms against him. Jean-Jacques Dessalines remains a popular symbol of Haitian nationalism. The first capital of independent Haiti was renamed “Dessalines”; the national anthem of Haiti is named after him (“La Dessalinienne”); and his image appears on the 250 Haitian gourde note.
Dr. Solly Walker Way
Irving Place (Between Putnam Avenue and Gates Avenue), 2017
(Photo Credit: Saint John’s University Athletics)
Solly Walker (April 9, 1932 – April 28, 2017) was the first African-American basketball player for St. John’s University who played from 1951-1954. In 1993, he was inducted into the St. John’s Athletic Hall of Fame and was also presented the Trustees Award by the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame. He was drafted by the New York Knicks but chose a career with the NYC Board of Education instead and later became principal of the Manhattan School for the Mutli-Handicapped.
Sarah and Michoel Behrman Way
Carroll Street (Between Brooklyn Avenue and New York Avenue), 2018
(Photo Credit: The Jewish Press)
Sarah Behrman was an educator and advocate for the less fortunate. She worked for Hebrew Academy For Special Children, the Jewish educational and clinical social service agency for people with special needs. In addition to using the resources available from HASC, she worked with State and City agencies, OHEL, Job Path, and other community resources, to insure to those for whom she was advocating were able to lead the most productive lives possible. In 2001, Sarah was the recipient of the Leader Family Fund Award, a $5,000 prize given to a person who had made an outstanding contribution to the special needs community. She was chosen for this award from a large pool of candidates from social services organizations all over the City. Sarah served as an advisor to Friendship Circle of Brooklyn, a non-profit organization affiliated with The Jewish Children’s Museum and Chabad, which provides volunteer support services for young adults and children with special needs. Sarah was also involved in many other Crown Heights organizations and community activities. Working with Mechon Chana Institute for Women, a diverse educational program for women, Keren Simchas Chosson V’Kallah, which underwrites wedding expenses for needy couples in Crown Heights, she wrote, directed and performed in many musical comedies that gave great delight to women and girls in the community and raised money for their causes. After her passing in June 2013, HASC established an annual award in her name, which recognizes a staff member who excels at implementing HASC’s person-centered philosophy. In 2014, Bnos Chomesh Academy of Crown Heights based their high school production on her powerful story, and life journey. Audience members were deeply touched by the moving performances. After her passing, a short documentary, “To Catch a Star,” was made about Sarah by a local filmmaker, Yanky Ascher. It provides a glimpse into Sarah Behrman’s life at HASC.
Michoel Behrman was a civic activist and substance abuse counselor. He founded Operation Survival, a drug prevention program and saved hundreds of lives. In the aftermath of the riots in Crown Heights in 1991, he helped organize emergency committee meetings and events working to protect the residents.
Police Officer Christie Masone Way
Washington Avenue (Between Myrtle Avenue and Willoughby Avenue), 2017
(Photo Credit: Officer Down Memorial Page)
Police Officer Christie Masone (December 18, 1949 – April 2, 1978) was assigned to the 79th Precinct. He and his partner Officer Norman Cerullo were killed in the line of duty after stopping two suspicious men in front of 660 Willoughby Street, Brooklyn. The suspect who was arrested was charged with murder.
Reverend Dr. John L. Pratt Sr. Way
Clermont Avenue (Between Myrtle Avenue and Willoughby Avenue), 2017
(Photo Credit: Office of Former Council Member Laurie Cumbo)
John Pratt pastored church for 30 years and was very involved in community efforts. He was pastor of the Zion Shiloh Baptist Church, recording secretary for the Progressive National Baptist Convention, moderator of the New York Missionary Association, instructor for the New York Missionary Baptist Association of Ministers and president of the Brooklyn Council of Churches. He was also a member of the Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center Community Advisory Board, the Advisory Board of Community Board 2, the Cumberland Community Board, the Hampton Ministers Conference Board and the Fort Greene Support and Rescue Group. He was at the forefront of efforts to ensure that the Fort Greene community remained a stronghold for affordable housing and his accomplishments were cited by the United States House of Representatives as part of the Congressional Record of the 107th Congress.
Cecil Collymore Way
Putnam Avenue (Between Grand Avenue and Downing Street), 2016
(Photo Credit: Kings County Politics)
Cecil Collymore owned a number of shops including Collymore Laundry, a 99-cent store, and a coffee shop. He purchased the property along Putnam Avenue in 1978 when it was a place of prostitution and drugs. Now, the area is being developed and changing positively. He was the founder of the Putnam Avenue Community Service Inc., which encourages neighborhood development by supplying free employment referrals for the youth and elderly, promotes computer training for all ages and provided transportation for elderly and cancer stricken children to attend special events. He was the first volunteer with the 88th Precinct to assist in organizing a small community patrol and gave out food to needy families. He was responsible for saving the Julia Richman High School from closing and the school has since educated thousands of children in the neighborhood.
Carey Gabay Way
Clinton Avenue (Between Willoughby Avenue and Myrtle Avenue), 2016
(Photo Credit: Carey Gabay Foundation)
Carey Gabay grew up in the Boston Secor Houses, a Bronx public-housing project. He graduated from Harvard, where he studied government, and in his senior year was elected president of the undergraduate council, the main body of student government. He attended Harvard Law School and worked at several firms in New York, specializing in corporate finance law. In 2011, he became an assistant counsel for Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. He was appointed first deputy counsel for the Empire State Development Corporation, the state’s main economic development agency. On the evening before the West Indian American Day Parade, he was killed by a stray bullet in a shootout in Crown Heights as an innocent bystander. Governor Cuomo created the Carey Gabay Fellowship that is awarded every two years to an attorney who will work on anti-violence initiatives. Also, the Carey Gabay Scholarship Program was also created by Governor Cuomo that will provide five full-ride scholarships to the State University of New York annually.
Dr. Derrick E. Griffith Way
Montgomery Street (Between Bedford Avenue and Franklin Avenue), 2016
(Photo Credit: New York Amsterdam News)
Dr. Derrick E. Griffith 9July 14, 1971 – May 12, 2015) served as the Acting Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Medgar Evers College and prior to this position, he served as the Assistant Provost for Student Success in the Office of Academic Affairs. He oversaw and managed the Smart Scholars Early College, a collaboration between Medgar Evers College and Medgar Evers College Preparatory High School which allows high school students to enroll in Medgar Evers College courses, giving them a head start in their college careers. He joined Medgar Evers College after serving as the Executive Director of Groundwork, Inc., a Brooklyn-based community organization working to increase college access among residents of public housing developments. Prior to that position he served as the founding Director and Principal of CUNY Prep Transitional High School administered by CUNY’s Office of Academic Affairs where he oversaw the administration of CUNY Prep, a model school that continues to offer out-of-school youth between the ages of 16 and 18 an opportunity for full-time study in order to qualify for admission to college. In 2006, he began a collaboration with Hostos Community College to launch a College Now program for students awaiting their GED results. He was named to the inaugural committee for CUNY’s New Community College where he worked closely with the chair of the student services committee to create a template for student and academic affairs that would be user friendly and promote student success. While on the committee, he worked with the chair of the majors committee to explore health science majors for the New Community College. At the University of North Carolina, he was active in student government and was the first African American Student Body President to serve two terms in that role. After his death, the Derrick E. Griffith Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at Medgar Evers College to serve as a lasting tribute to his accomplishments.
Dr. Rev. Clarence Norman Sr. and Ellen Norman Way
Rogers Avenue (Between Eastern Parkway and Union Street), 2016
(Photo Credit: Office of Former Council Member Laurie Cumbo)
Dr. Rev. Clarence Norman Sr. served as pastor of The First Baptist Church of Crown Heights (FBCCH), originally founded in 1953 as the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg for 61 years. Today, the congregation is over 2000 people. He also served as Protestant Chaplain for the State of New York Division of Parole, Chaplain for the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Center for Law and Social Justice of Medgar Evers College, Chairman of the Orange Housing Authority in Orange New Jersey, served three terms as a Democratic County Committeeman in Orange, New Jersey and was Chairman of the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights Housing and Development Corporation. In 1987, he founded the Local Development Corporation of Crown Heights and assisted in developing more than 800 units of housing for senior citizens and low income families. The Local Development Corporation has constructed twenty-one buildings in Crown Heights, including David Chavis Apartments, The Albany Residence and St. John’s Apartment. He received many awards and honors such as the 1969-1970 Parish Ministry Fellowship by the Fund for Theological Education, Princeton, New Jersey, recipient of the First Annual Ecumenical Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews on May 9, 1984 and a certificate as accredited Resident Manager by the Institute for Real Estate Management in 1985. In June 2002, Ebony Magazine honored him as a “great Black father” at an awards luncheon for distinguished fathers and sons who have followed in their paths.
Ellen Norman (October 21, 1942 – January 6, 2016) began a career with the Brooklyn Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children where she worked as a child protective agent for over 25 years. She served on the Usher Board at the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg.
Gus Vlahavas Place
Sterling Place (Between Washington Avenue and Classon Avenue), 2015
(Photo Credit: The New York Times)
Gus Vlahavas owned Tom’s restaurant in Brooklyn. He began working at Tom’s when he was 9 years old and worked there for over 60 years before retiring in 2009. He graduated from Brooklyn College and served in the United States Army. He would tell stories of how he served Jackie Robinson and members of the Dodgers frosties. Tom’s restaurant is still open today and has survived the changing neighborhood which at points was devastated by drugs, crime and property decay especially during the 1970’s and 80’s.
Alain Schaberger Way
Gold Street (Between Tillary Street and Tech Place), 2012
(Photo Credit: New York City Police Department)
NYPD Officer Alain Schaberger (1969 – March 13, 2011) served in the United States Navy from 1991 until 1995. He was a 10-year veteran in the NYPD when he was killed in the line of duty on March 13, 2011 when he was pushed over a railing while responding to a domestic violence dispute and fell nine feet breaking his neck.
Reginald Nero’s Way
McKeever Place (Between Montgomery Street and Empire Boulevard), 2012
(No photo found)
Reginald Nero (January 1, 1920 – March 10, 2010) was a guiding force in the lives of many young men and women in Brooklyn for over 62 years. He was one of the founders of Medgar Evers College and served on the Medgar Evers College Community Council with Dr. Betty Shabazz. He was also a member of the Youth Services Committee on Community Board 9. From 1972 -1979, he worked at the Ebbets Field Ball Park where he started the Crown Heights Youth Institute providing organized recreation for the youth in the community including boxing, basketball, paddleball and tennis. He received numerous citations and awards from former Parks Commissioner, Gordon J. Davis and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for his contribution to the youth in the community. He was also honored by the Department of Parks and Recreation with the renaming of a basketball court at Wingate Park.
Benny A. Lyde Place
At the northeast corner of Lincoln Place and New York Avenue, 2009
(Photo Credit: Brooklyn Ink)
Benny A. Lyde (died September 2005) was a resident of Lincoln Place (age 21 at the time of his death) was shot on September 2, 2005, and later succumbed to his injuries. Mr. Lyde, a business management and computer science student at Long Island University at the time of his death, helped run Groundwork for Youth, a youth literacy program in his East New York neighborhood.
Carlos Lezama Way
Northeast corner of Brooklyn Avenue and St. John’s Place, 2008
(Photo Credit: Carlos Lezama Archives and Caribbean Culture Center)
Carlos Lezama (Died January 22, 2007), known as the father of the City’s annual West Indian American Day Carnival. The original Carnival in New York City took place in Harlem, and beginning in the mid 1960’s, Carlos Lezama directed his efforts, with his friend Rufus Goring, to firmly establishing Carnival in Brooklyn. By promoting the culture of Caribbean people and enriching the cultural life of New York City, Mr. Lezama was officially recognized and honored by four New York State governors, including Governors Nelson Rockefeller, Hugh Carey, Mario Cuomo and George Pataki, as well as every New York City Mayor since John Lindsay.
Shawn Powell Place
Concord Street (Between Gold Street and Navy Street), 2008
(Photo Credit: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation)
Shawn Powell (Died September 11, 2001) was appointed to the FDNY on October 14, 1996 and was assigned to Engine Company 207 in Brooklyn. He tragically died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
P.O. William Rivera Way
6th Avenue (From Bergen Street to Dean Street), 2007
(Photo Credit: NYPD)
Police Officer William Rivera (Died on October 2, 2004) served in the 78th Precinct for his entire career of over ten years working on many assignments which included patrol, street narcotics and anti-crime. During these assignments he affected 260 arrests and received six citations for outstanding police work. He was killed in the line of duty.
S. Anesta Samuel Avenue
Layafette Avenue (Between Waverly and St. James Place), 2006
(Photo Credit: Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino)
Ms. S. Anesta Samuel (March 2, 1917 – August 16, 2004) was a well-known and well-loved community activist and philanthropist. Originally from Panama, she started a very successful line of women’s beauty products and became one of Panama’s leading businesswomen. When she moved to New York, she graduated from an American high school and went on to receive a BA and MA in early childhood education. Throughout her life, she was deeply involved in her church, Emanuel Baptist. She received awards from the NAACP, the Black Political Action Union and the City Council of New York.
Mary Pinkett Avenue
Washington Avenue (Between Eastern Parkway and Lincoln Road), 2005
(Photo Credit: Patch)
Mary Glover Pinkett (September 8, 1926 – December 4, 2003) was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 8, 1926, to the late Julius and Awelda Glover of Hampton, South Carolina. She was a lifelong member of the Berean Missionary Baptist Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher and choir member. It was at the Berean Church that she met and married her husband of forty-nine years, William Daniel Pinkett. To this union was born one son, William Daniel, Jr., who preceded his mother in death on August 2, 1982.
As a lifelong resident of Brooklyn, she received her education in the New York City school system and Brooklyn College. She served as president of the 15,000 member Social Services Employees Union (Local 371) and vice president of District Council 37, New York City’s largest municipal union. In November 1973, she became the first African-American woman elected to the New York City Council. She was the first chair of the City Council’s newly created Committee on the Aging and later served as chair of the Committee on Governmental Operations. During her twenty-eight year tenure on the Council, one of the longest in the City’s history, she also served on the Committees for Finance, Education, Land Use and State and Federal Legislation.
Mary Glover Pickett died on December 4, 2003. She was survived by her husband, William.
Etheline Dubin Way
Lincoln Place (Between Washington Avenue and Classon Avenue), 2004
(No photo found)
Ms. Etheline Dubin was a great pioneer of change within the District 8 community; she was not afraid to speak out against injustice or to speak out for change. Ms. Dubin fought diligently to maintain the integrity of the District 8 community and to make sure it progressed forward, and not backward.
As 1st Vice Chair of Community Board 8, Ms. Dubin often co-chaired the Community Board meetings under the leadership of Mrs. Ruth G. Goring. As a dutiful Community Board member as well as active resident, she was concerned with overall welfare of community; however, she was especially concerned with economic development and fostering economic vitality in our community; housing—she was the Chairperson of the Housing/ULURP Committee for several years and assisted the District Manager on housing inspections; youth and education—she was committed to the youth in the District and during the holidays, she sponsored events to make sure that each child at the St. John’s Recreation Center received gifts. She also worked with Parkway Stuyvesant Day Camp to make sure the children were taken on education and fun trips.
For 26 years, Etheline Dubin served as a member of Community Board No. 8; however, her diligence within the community neither began nor ended with her membership on the Board. She lived on Lincoln Place between Classon and Washington Avenues for over 40 years, and fought hard to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood by speaking out against employment and housing discrimination, and battled to keep the Franklin Avenue Shuttle from being dismantled. In addition to fighting for our institutions, she also fought for individual residents, attempting to make sure they were not taken advantage of.
Ms. Dubin was a true leader, both by words and by example. She fostered in the community during her time on the Board, a lasting desire for positive change. Her fiery temperament and desire to voice her opinion to those that needed to hear it, made Ms. Dubin the community legend that she has become today.
James E. Davis Avenue
Nostrand Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and Eastern Parkway, 2004
(Photo Credit: The New York Times)
New York City Councilman James E. Davis (April 3, 1962 – July 23, 2003) dedicated his life to stopping violence in urban America, particularly violence in urban communities in New York City. Councilman James E. Davis was born in 1962, graduated from Samuel Tilden High School in 1980 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pace University in 1989. Upon graduation, James Davis joined the New York City Corrections Department, serving for two years at Riker’s Island before joining the New York City Transit Department as a police officer. In 1993 he was transferred to the New York City Police Department and upon graduation was assigned to the 73rd Precinct in his home borough of Brooklyn, later teaching social science as a certified New York State instructor at the New York City Police Academy and a Youth Officer at the 69th Precinct in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
Prior to elected office, he made many strides to combat negative influences on children in his community including his successful crusade against the largest toy manufacturer, Toys R Us, where he persuaded the company to stop selling toy guns that appeared real or could be modified to look like a real weapon; and campaigned against MTV’s daytime and evening music format, calling on the cable music station to stop showing videos during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. that glorify violence. Since his campaign, MTV has publicly announced that they have made positive changes regarding the broadcast of music videos.
Because he was so committed to making a difference in the lives of urban youth, Councilman James E. Davis founded a voluntary, not-for-profit organization called “Love Yourself” Stop the Violence, dedicated to instilling the message of self-love, self-respect, respect for our communities and partnership between communities and police departments across America. The Stop the Violence events are attended by thousands of community residents and feature prominent and notable guests including three-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world, Evander Holyfield; recording superstars Salt-N-Pepa and many more. James Davis sought political office to put himself in a position to allocate resources to benefit the community.
In recognition of his hard work and dedication, James Davis was featured in several local and national newspapers including The New York Daily News, The New York Post, The New York Times and The Washington Post; as well as national cable network programs such as USA Live, The Maury Povich Show, Leeza and The Montell Williams Show, and offered his insightful wisdom on law enforcement and its effects on the relationship between communities and police departments on such programs as CNBC, CNN, BET and MSNBC. In 1995 Council Member James E. Davis was honored as one of today’s heroes who exemplify the spirit and dedication of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by CBS television.
On July 23, 2003, during a Stated Council meeting at New York’s City Hall, Councilman James E. Davis, was tragically murdered by a political opponent who suddenly and inexplicably opened fire.
Benjamin Keefe Clark Way
Northeast corner of New York Avenue and Montgomery Street, 2002
(Photo Credit: Sodexho)
Benjamin “Keefe” Clark (June 30, 1962 – September 11, 2001) was a lifelong Brooklynite and executive chef before he was killed during the September 11 terrorist attacks. He served as a chef in the US Marines during the Gulf War and later trained at Le Cordon Bleu in New York City. He then joined the food service company, Sodexho Alliance, and worked as an executive chef at the Fiduciary Trust Company International, where he planned meals and fed more than 250 employees in the company’s office on the upper floors of the South Tower. It has been reported that Keefe called on employees to leave their offices and head down the stairs after the North Tower was struck and was last seen helping a wheelchair-bound woman get down the stairs.
Deputy Inspector Anthony J. Falco Square
The block bounded by Lafayette, Classon and DeKalb Avenues and St. James Place, 2001
(No photo found)
Police Inspector Anthony J. Falco was born on April 15, 1947 in Brooklyn. He attended St. Joseph’s Grammar School and Buswick High School. In July 1965, he entered the United States Air Force where he served until he was honorably discharged in 1969. On June 25, 1973 Anthony Falco joined the New York City Police Department and was assigned to uniformed patrol in the 108th Precinct and, thereafter, to the 23rd Precinct. In 1981 he was assigned as an investigator in the Brooklyn North Narcotics Bureau and soon thereafter, was promoted to the rank of Detective and assigned to the Manhattan Robbery Squad. In 1984 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to patrol duties and Anti-Crime duties in the 24th Precinct. In 1985, he was assigned to the Queens District Attorney’s office where he supervised criminal investigations on organized crime figures. After he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, he was assigned to the 19th Precinct and then the 102nd Precinct. In 1994, he was assigned as the Commanding Officer of the 88th Precinct in Fort Greene, Brooklyn; where he forged an outstanding relationship with the Brooklyn North community. His crime reduction strategies were the model used throughout the City. In 1996 in the 88th Precinct, felonies were reduced by thirty percent; the largest reduction in crime throughout the City. In December 1996, he was elevated to the rank of Deputy Inspector, remaining as the Commanding Officer of the 88th Precinct. In June 1998, he was assigned to command all of the Detectives in the Brooklyn North Detective Bureau and in Narcotics. Also in that year, he was promoted to the rank of Inspector and assigned as the Adjutant at Strategic Command, Brooklyn North.
While pursing his career, Anthony Falco found time to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Old Westbury and he worked toward his Master’s Degree. In addition, he was a graduate of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University. During his 27-year career, he was awarded 35 medals and proclamations commending his achievements to the people of the City of New York. On June 28, 2000, Anthony Falco died after battling cancer.
Above all, Anthony Falco loved his wife Deborah, to whom he was married for 20 years, and his two children, nine-year old Kaitlin Anita and five-year old Anthony Peter. His spare time was spent attending the children’s soccer games.
The Street of Arts & Culture
Rockwell Place (Between Lafayette Avenue and DeKalb Avenue), 2001
The Rockwell Place area has always been a mecca of cultural programs. Recently, this mecca has been enhanced by the addition of the 651 Arts Group and the Mark Morris Dance Group. The Mark Morris Dance Group has built an entire building from the ground up to house their internationally known troupe. In order to welcome these two additions to the community, and encourage other cultural programs to join them, Rockwell Place, between Lafayette Avenue and DeKalb Avenue, is proposed to be co-named The Street of Arts & Culture.