Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul signed two pieces of legislation during the 51st Harlem Week festival to honor the history and culture of Harlem. The new laws will rename the 110 St-Central Park North subway station as 110 St-Malcolm X Plaza and empower the Council on the Arts to designate the Harlem Renaissance Cultural District as a region of cultural significance.
During her remarks, Governor Hochul recognized those who played key roles in making these bills possible. “First of all, this day belongs to so many people. It’s a long time coming. It’s been talked about, debated, and those are the kind of bills I like to sign. When you have a leader like Cordell Cleare who would not take no for an answer — not that I was going to say, no — but you do not want to get in her way. Right, Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins? She’s a powerhouse. So you have an incredible representative. Also, Jordan Wright, the co-sponsor in the New York State Assembly. Those two individuals really are the reason we talk about a man and a legacy.”
Hochul spoke about Harlem Week and its founder Lloyd Williams, who recently passed away. “It’s also Harlem Week here, and it is bittersweet as we launch a celebration that I’ve attended many, many times. The food is incredible, the dance, the comradery, the love, the pride — the pride in Harlem is on showcase for the rest of the world. And more people are invited to come here and understand what Harlem looks like and feels like: the senses, the smells and the long legacy of struggles that were borne in this community.”
“So it’s bittersweet because we lost the founder of Harlem Week, Lloyd Williams. Let’s give him another round of applause in his memory. His wife, Valerie Williams. And it’s hard. I got to know Lloyd, you can’t know Harlem without knowing Lloyd. So we went out many times and talked about the challenges but also his belief in this community, the sense of optimism as leading the businesses to greater days.”
The governor acknowledged Malcolm X’s legacy and addressed his family members present at the event: “So he’ll be missed, but we carry on in his absence, just as we’ve had to carry on in the absence of Malcolm X, a life struck down so young, leaving a devastated family. And the families who are here today, please raise your hands and give a shout out if you’re related to the dynamic, incredible individuals who shaped the course of history. You’ll be hearing from them, including his daughter.”
“Now,” she continued addressing Dr. Shabazz directly regarding her father Malcolm X’s assassination files: “But you also called for transparency, a call to release the files. Now if the family wants files released I say release files come on Department Justice release all files you know what I mean?”
Governor Hochul thanked other leaders present including Andrea Stewart Cousins; New York City Mayor Eric Adams; Demetrius Crichlow President MTA; Ilyasah Shabazz daughter Malcolm X; Hazel Dukes; and Kayden Hern whom she called “my poet laureate.”
She described how she met Kayden Hern outside Apollo Theater before winning election: “He was standing on street…it was Amateur Night…he said ‘No I’m here deliver poem’…I said ‘If I win election I’m going make you my poet laureate.’”
Before signing both bills into law at event’s close Hochul explained their impact: “But most importantly not only will I be signing bill momentarily…but also with stroke pen I’ve decided designate Harlem Renaissance Cultural District enshrining that into law as well…the district will stretch from 110th Street to 155th from Fifth Hudson River marking this as sacred ground for black art culture music thought.”
“So just like Harlem Renaissance 1920s we’re having our own…it’ll talk about struggles triumphs…But also second bill honor Malcolm X…from this day forward 110th Street–Central Park North subway station will have brand new name…110th Street – Malcolm X Plaza Station.”
She reflected on Malcolm X’s life: “Read books read writings about what he telegraphed 60 years ago…it’s 60 years—marks his assassination not far from here…the profound difference he made as young man converted prison converted Islam…an example all us on what are we doing with time we have here earth…All us must continue journey because what he talked about journey for real racial justice is not yet over today.”
Governor Hochul concluded by inviting Senator Cordell Cleare up for official signing: “So fight continues my friends…and fighters you’re going see front lines today Senator Cordell Cleare come up…Let’s get this done…Let’s get this bill signed.”
