Nilda Velazquez Way (Bronx)
Present name:None
Location:At the southwest corner of West Fordham Road and Davidson Avenue
Honoree: Nilda Velazquez (1942-2020) moved to New York from Puerto Rico with her mother in 1948. In 1960, whwn she was 12, her mother died of cancer. She grew up in an orphanage, attended school and raised her family the best way she could. She organized with her fellow mothers for better housing, better schools, and better living situations. She carried out these efforts along with NYS Assemblyman Jose Rivera, and former NYC Council Member Maria Baez while serving in their state and city legislative offices respectively. She was renowned for her legendary constituent services. In addition to her being a public servant, she also was a community activist. She participated in the Creston Avenue Block Association, providing block parties. She started the Davidson Family Community Association. She was active in the Bronx County Democratic Party with Roberto Ramirez and Jose Rivera as a judicial delegate and also served as the Democratic District Leader of the 78th Assembly District, running the North End Democratic Club. She ran for State Committee Member, and won with the highest plurality amon those running with her. She fought for Criminal Justice Reform; protested cancer clusters stemming from the United States Naval bases in Vieques, Puerto Rico; as well as campaigning for basic living conditions in the West Bronx. (Cabrera)
LL:2021/14