Gowanus community members on Wednesday honored the legacy of Carl Stubbs, a Brooklyn social justice advocate, with a street renaming ceremony at the corner of Douglass Street and 4th Avenue.
The ceremony, which was attended by local elected officials including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Brooklyn Council Members Shahana Hanif and Lincoln Restler, coincided with what would have been Stubb's birthday, according to a press release.
Stubbs, who passed away in June 2023, was a longtime leader with the nonprofit VOCAL-NY.
The unveiling of Carl Stubbs Way serves as a permanent tribute to his dedication to social justice and community activism, ensuring his memory and work continue to inspire those who walk the streets of Brooklyn, the press release said.
“Carl Stubbs was not only a friend, but a true leader of his community and the VOCAL-NY membership,” said Alyssa Aguilera, co-executive director of VOCAL-NY. “So many lawmakers and stakeholders knew Carl because he was everywhere – at City Hall, the Capitol and across the state of New York fighting to end injustice in all its forms. We miss him, but getting to come to work every day on Carl Stubbs Way is the perfect reminder of who and what we’re fighting for.”
VOCAL-NY, located on the same block as the newly renamed street, has been at the forefront of advocacy for social justice issues such as housing, addiction and criminal justice reform. Stubbs was known for his tireless activism and was a prominent figure in rallies and meetings with lawmakers throughout New York State.
“Carl was a transcendent leader for justice in our community. His presence is deeply missed, and I love that we are able to forever honor his legacy of activism at VOCAL with the new Carl Stubbs Way," said Restler.
