With energy and excitement, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) President Rob Walsh, Bronx Tourism Council Director of Development Julius Drake, and event sponsors to officially launch Bronx Week 2025 on Tuesday, May 6, with a festive celebration at the Bronx Museum of the Arts.
Now in its 53rd year, Bronx Week has become a cornerstone celebration honoring the borough’s vibrant culture, proud history, and enduring community spirit. The 2025 festivities will culminate during the weekend of May 18 with a series of hallmark events, including the Bronx Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony, the Bronx Ball, the Bronx Week Parade, the Food and Arts Festival, and the Bronx Week Concert.
“Bronx Week is a time to celebrate everything that makes our borough extraordinary—our people, our culture and our legacy,” Gibson said. “I am proud to kick off this year’s celebration at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, where we honor the achievements of our Walk of Fame inductees and the incredible community members who continue to make the Bronx shine. Our theme, ‘Strive and Thrive in 25,’ represents the heart and spirit of our borough, and our commitment to making this year’s Bronx Week the best one yet!”
As part of the celebration, this year’s Bronx Walk of Fame inductees were officially announced. The 2025 honorees include acclaimed artist Devon Rodriguez, former NBA star and current basketball coach Kemba Walker, professional wrestler Damian Priest, freestyle music legend and dance-pop singer Judy Torres, and journalist, DJ, and television personality Gary Axelbank.
“Growing up in the Bronx shaped everything I am today,” Rodriguez said. “It taught me resilience, strength and the power of hard work. This is where I learned to draw—drawing portraits on the 6 train, inspired by the people and energy around me. The Bronx didn’t just raise me, it gave me my vision.”
Walker also reflected on the borough.
“From the blacktops of the Bronx to the bright lights of the NBA, my journey is a testament to the power of talent, perseverance and never forgetting where you come from,” Walker said. “I hope my story continues to inspire the next generation to rise.”
Priest, meanwhile, welcomed the recognition.
“To say I am honored and grateful is an understatement,” Priest said. “I truly feel privileged to be recognized by a borough, city and state that I love. Thank you, New York.”
Torres said the Bronx provided him with all that he needed for success.
“To be from the Bronx means I’ve been equipped with all I need to succeed: grit, courage, resilience and the determination to see success!” Torres said.
In addition to his induction into the Bronx Walk of Fame, Axelbank will be honored with the People’s Choice Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to media and the arts in the Bronx. DJ and record producer Derrick “D-Nice” Jones will also receive one of the borough’s highest honors—the Key to the Borough—joining a distinguished list of past recipients that includes Yankees announcer John Sterling and hip-hop pioneer MC Sha-Rock.
“For someone who has dedicated his career to presenting TV programs to the people of the Bronx for three decades, this is the most wonderful honor I could possibly be given” Axelbank said. “What makes it even more special is being the People’s Choice, because it’s the people of the Bronx who inspire me every day.”
Jones, the DJ and record producer, paid tribute to his home borough.
“From growing up in the Bronx to receiving the Key to the Borough — this moment is truly full circle,” Jones said. “The Bronx shaped me, grounded me and gave me the strength to dream beyond what I could see. To be honored by the place that raised me is something I hold with deep pride and gratitude. This key represents every lesson, every memory and every part of my journey that started right here.”
BXEDC President Walsh said the event has become a great tradition.
“There’s no other borough in New York City that has a celebration like this that takes place over not one week, but several, recognizing everyone from seniors to veterans to entrepreneurs, and it allows us to tell the story of many people and places here in the Bronx,” Walsh said. “It’s a great tradition for the Bronx to put something like this together. This year, we have a number of exciting new additions, including our new app for the Bronx Walk of Fame, our BX Factor pitch contest, which will be bigger than ever, as well as our annual Bronx Ball.”
This year’s honorees for the Bronx Tourism Awards were also announced. The Bronx Music Heritage Center, which opened its doors in late 2024, and the New York Yankees, who are projected to generate around $594 million from home games during the 2025 season, will both be given Bronx Tourism Awards for helping to make a significant impact on tourism in the borough.
For the full schedule and more information on Bronx Week 2025, visit ilovethebronx.com.
