Parade and Street co-naming

4th Annual Yemini-American Parade, With a street Co-Naming for a Fallen Yemen President

By Robert Press

It was a beautiful warm day for the 4th Annual Yemini-American parade, which this year included a street Co-Naming for a former President of Yemen in the community of Little Yemen and at the corner of White Plains Road and Rhinelander Avenue next to the Bronx Muslim Center. Hundreds of people came to march and celebrate the memory of the former President of Yemen Ibrahim al-Hamdi, who tried to reunite North and South Yemen for the betterment of all people of Yemen.  It is written that President Al-Hamdi was assassination on October 11, 1977 which came two days before a visit to South Yemen to unify the country, which still to this day is mired in civil war. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, City Council members Marjorie Velazquez and Oswald Feliz, Assemblywoman Nathlia Fernandez, and former Councilman Mark Gjonaj marched, while State Senator Gustavo Rivera arrived for the street Co-Naming and celebratory feast. A stage was set up with a giant portrait of President Al-Hamdi where co-hosts Yahay Obeid and Dr. Debby introduced the speakers. 

Then it was time for the Street Co-Naming for President Ibrahim al-Hamdi, where people gathered on the Southeast corner of White Plains Road and Rhinelander Avenue right near the Bronx Muslim Center to unveil the new street name at the corner. As Mr. Obeid pulled the rope to uncover the name underneath, the cover ripped as if it didn’t want to come off, but Mr. Obeid was able to continue and the cover came off to show Ibrahim al-Hamdi Way. A loud roar came from the crowd to celebrate what they hope will happen in their homeland. Then there was a celebratory meal at the Alwaha restaurant. 

Leaders from the Yemini Community from around the world including ambassadors were at the parade and street co-naming for the past Yemen President.

Children dressed in  traditional Yemini clothing.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson presents a Proclamation to the Yemini community Proclaiming Sunday June 26th Ibrahim al-Hamdi Way Day. Yahay Obeid, District Leader Irene Estrada, Dr. Debbie, Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, and Councilman Oswald Feliz behind Dr. Debbie and BP Gibson. The portrait of President Ibrahim al-Hamdi is in the background.

As Mr. Obeid pulls the string to uncover the name of the Yemen President, the paper rips.

The paper covering held together to allow Mr. Obeid to uncover the name of Ibrahim al-Hamdi Way, as everyone celebrates.

Bronx Borough President is with the highest ranking Yemini police officer, Deputy Inspector James Altaheri commanding officer of the 115th Precinct of the NYPD. Also in the photo is the Community Affairs officer of the 115th precinct.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera sits with Yemini leaders at the feast after the parade and street co-naming.