East Harlem Renames Street to Honor Late Actor Cicely Tyson

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September 17, 2022

By Kiki Intarasuwan, NBC New York

A photo of the new street sign taken by NY Senator Jose M. Serrano

Cicely Tyson paved the way as the first Black woman to have a recurring role in a dramatic TV series, and now she will be forever remembered at Cicely Tyson Way.

A stretch of 101st Street in East Harlem, between 3rd and Lexington, where the late actor grew up was renamed after her on Saturday. A group of supporters unveiled the street sign with claps and cheers.

“She actually spent time out here. She went to church in Harlem. She was famous,” said Taina Traverso who’s on the street renaming and landmark committee. “She did the work that she did. She was well known, but guess what? She never forgot where she came from.”

Keep reading to learn more about Tyson’s achievements.

Schools, theaters, and dorms have all been renamed for Black figures, while New Jersey now has a Black Heritage Trail.

Learn how others have been honored by checking out our breaking news.

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