It’s been over twenty-five years since Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, a landmark film about racial tensions in Bed-Stuy, lit up audiences and prompted sharp dialogues about inner-city strife. Just yesterday Mayor de Blasio gave further recognition to the film, by signing legislation that officially renames Stuyvesant Avenue between Lexington Avenue and Quincy Street, Do the Right Thing Way. It’s the first time a street in New York City has ever been named after a film.
Although the idea of renaming this stretch of Stuyvesant Avenue had long been advocated by City Councilman Robert Cornegy, it wasn’t until a ceremony yesterday that the street’s new name was officially recognized. Various posts on social media from Christian Post reporter Nicola A. Menzie and Spike Lee express some excitement on the matter.
#Brooklyn officially renames Stuyvesant Street “Do The Right Thing Way” for Spike Lee. pic.twitter.com/pT54AcRNng
— Nicola_A_Menzie (@namenzie) August 10, 2015
Due to some routine legal impediments, the proposal slogged through City Council hearings for a year, but as per a statement issued by the Mayor’s office, the name change was part of a bill that will rename 50 NYC streets in honor of people who have come to influence the city in a positive manner.
They mayor said yesterday:
“Our city has a long and powerful history, brimming with dedicated New Yorkers who have fought to improve their communities in countless ways – from public service to community activism to the arts. It is essential that we commemorate those who have built up our past as we work to build a better future for our city. This legislation ensures that we remain connected to our history and to the important values embodied by these individuals.”
Just for reference, this is where Do the Right Thing Way is located:
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