On Monday, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson joined the Bronx Tourism Council, Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Montefiore Hospital, Essen Health Care and other community partners to kick-off Bronx Week 2023 at the new Bronx Children’s Museum.
The event’s highlight was the announcement of the 2023 Bronx Walk of Fame inductees.
“Bronx Week is our marquee event of the year meant to celebrate everything that makes the Bronx a beautiful place to live, work and raise a family,” said Gibson. “Following today’s kick-off, we have an amazing lineup of events, including our Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, Health Day and Skating Party, Centenarian celebration, Induction Ceremony, Bronx Ball, Bronx Parade, Concert, and so much more.”
Since 1997, the Bronx Walk of Fame has allowed Bronx natives to be celebrated for their work and contributions to their respective industries. There will be an unveiling ceremony of the street signs honoring them at 1:30 p.m. on May 20 at 161st Street and Grand Concourse. They will also be honored at the Bronx Ball happening that evening.
This year’s inductees include:
- Sunny Hostin, three-time Emmy Award-winning legal journalist, New York Times bestselling author and co-host of ABC’s “The View.”
- Juliet Papa, award-winning reporter for 1010 WINS, author, media consultant and event host.
- God-Is Rivera, vice president of inclusive marketing at Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution.
- and SWV, three-time platinum R&B recording artist.
Additionally, Luis Torres — principal of Community School 55, also known as the Benjamin Franklin School, and winner of the “People’s Choice Award in Education” — will be added to the Bronx Walk of Fame. This new category allows the public to select their favorite Bronx educator for inclusion.
The inductees expressed their gratitude to the borough for their achievements.
“The Bronx is more than just a place to me. It’s a part of my identity,” said Hostin. “This vibrant and diverse community has taught me the value of resilience, strength, and determination, and has instilled in me an unwavering sense of pride for where I come from. The Bronx has given me the tools to overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
Papa said the Bronx has been one of her most influential life teachers.
“It is an honor to be part of this Bronx celebration. Growing up here taught me lessons of the street, and the heart, and they’re lessons that have helped me through work, and life,” she said.
The inductees also spoke about the significant cultural hub that is the Bronx — with SWV even saying the borough is “where legends are made.”
“It’s the borough of dreamers and where hip hop originated,” the R&B group said. “We carry the X in our hearts everywhere we go with pride.”
“What I love about the Bronx is that it is in every way the breeding ground of some of the most influential cultural phenomenons on the planet and the birthplace and foundation of some of the most innovative, creative, impactful, and powerful people in the world,” God-Is Rivera said.
Torres said he’s appreciative of the honor, and is making it his life’s mission to ensure equitable education in the borough for generations to come.
“I have dedicated my life to improving the lives of the people of the Bronx. I could work anywhere in the world but there is no place like the Boogie Down. I was born in the Bronx and I will die here,” he said. “I want all young men and women to know that no matter where you are born, that does not determine your success in life. Everyone can be successful when they focus on making the lives of others better.”
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