Brooklyn, NY:
A SECTION of Church Avenue, extending from East 98th Street to Remsen Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, is to be co-named Bob Marley Boulevard in honour of the late reggae singer.
The New York City Council, under the sponsorship of Charles Barron, Council member for the 42nd district, voted for the co-naming following a proposal from Community Board 17 earlier this year.
Chairman of Community Board 17, Jamaican-born Michael Russell, welcomed the vote, but said the board had hoped that Bob Marley Boulevard would have extended several more blocks to Bedford Avenue. He, however, thanked the City Council for making the co-naming effort a reality.
HELP TO ENERGISE, REVITALISE
"Bob Marley is an iconic image, an image reproduced on postage stamps, on posters, clothing and many other mediums. The co-naming of Church Avenue, which is the cultural hub of the Caribbean community, will help to energise and revitalise the commercial strip of Church Avenue," he said.
Among the community leaders and elected officials who praised the decision to co-name Church Avenue are Assemblyman Nick Perry.
POSITIVE MESSAGE
"As East Flatbush residents shop and travel on Church Avenue and see Marley's name on those signposts, it will always remind them of the profound message of the lyrics of one of his more popular songs, One Love; that in these times of violence and terrorism and the abundance of guns in our streets, if we can get together and love each other, everything will be alright."
Chairman Russell concludes that it was also a profound recognition of Marley's life and work, adding that it will "serve to remind everyone who travels along the busy thoroughfare of those who came before us and dedicated their lives to create positive and meaningful change."
A commemorative committee will be created to put the mechanisms in place for the unveiling at a later date at which time the Marley family, elected officials, the entertainment community and the general public will be invited.
