Brooklyn Borough President

BROOKLYN HONORS HARRIET ROSS TUBMAN

Photograph by Kathyrn Kirk

In photo from left to right (back row): Comptroller William Thompson, Jr., Council Member Erik Martin Dilan, City Council Speaker Gifford Miller, State Senator John Sampson, Reverend Herbert Daughtry, Council Member Al Vann (front row) Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, Borough President Markowitz, and Geraldine Copes Daniels and Laberta Gaskin Greenlea, descendants of Harriet Ross Tubman.

“I am filled with great pride to join in the unveiling of Harriet Tubman Avenue in Central Brooklyn — the heart and soul of our nation’s African-American community,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “Harriet Tubman’s courage and leadership provided the foundation for the vibrant, empowered, and united community that African-Americans have built here in Brooklyn. She knew better than almost anyone that the road to freedom was long and rocky. And she would have been proud to join us on this road named for her today in Brooklyn — as we continue together on the journey toward true equality.”

On Thursday, March 10, Borough President Markowitz, elected officials, community leaders, and hundreds of neighborhood students gathered to celebrate the life of Harriet Tubman and co-name Fulton Street — “Harriet Ross Tubman Avenue.” Council Member Al Vann introduced the resolution for the street co-naming in honor of the great escaped slave who was a hero of the Underground Railroad.