On August 22, the corner of South 4th Street and Bedford Avenue was co-named after activist and poet David Lopez.
NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez memorialized Lopez at the July 18 NYC Council meeting, “I’d first like to recognize the passing of a giant for North Brooklyn, for Los Sures, for the Southside: David Lopez, who passed away two weeks ago. A former Young Lord, a former board chairperson for Los Sures, Brooklyn Legal Services Corp. A, and my mentor in organizing. Who taught me you show up for everybody because no one struggles by themselves.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, NYS Senator Julia Salazar, Evelyn Cruz represented U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez, NYC Council Member Shekar Krishnan were the elected officials in attendance.
Juan Ramos, executive director of Southside United HFDC–Los Sures spoke about Lopez’s footprint on the community.
Lopez’s son, David Lopez, Jr. and many neighbors and community activists were also there to celebrate this corner’s alternate name.
It is a many-step process to have a street named after someone. This honor is given to those who have passed away. The potential honoree needs to have documentation that they were deeply connected to the community and that their efforts are worthy of recognition. Once the community board approves, the names are sent to the NYC Council, who will compile them into an omnibus bill for the mayor to sign. If the mayor vetoes, 2/3rds of the NYC Council must approve.
The Greenline 