Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade

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Another section of Church Avenue, one of Brooklyn's busiest thoroughfares, will be co-named Bob Marley Boulevard, completing a mission started by members of Community Board 17, three years ago.

The first phase of the co-naming of Church Avenue took place on July 1, 2006 with then Consul General of Jamaica, Dr. Basil K. Bryan participating in the unveiling of signs along a stretch of roadway from East 98th Street to Remsen Street.

Phase Two of the co-naming exercise is now set for Wednesday, February 6, at 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Church and Nostrand Avenues, Brooklyn, co-inciding with the birthday of the late, great reggae icon.

United States Congresswoman, Yvette D. Clarke, who piloted the initial petition through the New York City Council, told JIS News that she was honoured to have been part of such a historic undertaking.

"Bob Marley's vision of world peace through his music and deeds has transcended all boundaries and his undying commitment for the redemption of all oppressed people still echoes in the hearts of many throughout the world," said Congresswoman Clarke, who is a member of the host committee for the event.

The co-naming will take in a 14-block stretch of Church Avenue from Albany Avenue to Bedford Avenue.

Michael Russell, President of the West Indian American Progressive Action Council (WIAPAC) of Brooklyn and a former Chairman of Community Board 17, told JIS News that he was also pleased with the progress of the project since co-authoring the petition with Leithland Rickie Tulloch, a former executive member of Community Board 17 and the current Vice President of WIAPAC.

Councilmember Mathieu Eugene who has replaced Miss Clarke in the New York City Council and who is scheduled to play a prominent role in the unveiling ceremony, said he was honoured to be a part of such a project to honour an icon.

"Bob Marley has made a significant impact throughout the world with his music and his philosophy of love and unity for all people and is most deserving of this public acknowledgement," he said.

Councilmember Charles Barron of the 42nd Councilmatic District (Brooklyn), was the first elected official to champion the cause to co-name Church Avenue Bob Marley Boulevard, and on May 10, 2006, the petition was unanimously approved by the full Council, leading to the July 1, 2006 co-naming and unveiling ceremony in front of a big crowd which had gathered at the corner of Church Avenue/Remsen Street in Central Brooklyn.

The event is also part of a Borough-wide schedule of activities marking February as Black History Month.

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