New York, January 28, 2008 - Another section of Church Avenue, one of Brooklyn’s busiest thoroughfares will be co-named Bob Marley Blvd, completing a mission started by members of the 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 an eight (city) block 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 pm at the corner of Church and Nostrand Avenues, Brooklyn, coinciding with the birthday of the late, great cultural icon.

US Congresswoman, Yvette D. Clarke who piloted the initial petition through the New York City Council, said that she is honoured to have been part of such an 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,” noted Congresswoman Clarke who is part 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, said that he too was pleased with the progress of the project since co-authoring the petition with Leithland Rickie Tulloch, a former executive member of CB 17 and the current VP of WIAPAC.

Councilmember Mathieu Eugene who has since replaced Ms. Clarke in the NY City Council and who is scheduled to play a key role in the unveiling ceremony, said that 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.”

NYC Councilmember Charles Barron of the 42nd Councilmatic District (Brooklyn), was the first elected official to champion the cause to co-name Church Avenue to Bob Marley Blvd, 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.