By BOB KAPPSTATTER
With Bronx Week 2023 underway, Bronx officials kicked off its start on Monday announcing the inductees for the 2023 Walk of Fame.
Representing the fields of music, media, entertainment, and education, the inductees’ names will be emblazoned on street signs along the historic Grand Concourse, with the unveiling on Saturday, May 20, followed by the Bronx Ball that evening.
The week will close the next day with a big parade along the Grand Concourse, a street festival and a concert near Borough Hall.
“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 Borough President Vanessa Gibson, who joined Bronx Tourism Council, Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Montefiore Hospital, Essen Health Care, and other community partners at the new Bronx Childrens Museum.
“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.”
This year’s inductees are:
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
Three-time Platinum R&B recording artist SWV.
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.
“We are proud of all our 2023 Walk of Fame inductees because they represent Bronx excellence all day, every day,” said Sulma Arzu-Brown, Executive Director of Bronx Tourism Council. “They are powerfully sprinkled and impacting society in the field of education, journalism, marketing, and entertainment. It’s an honor to commemorate their legacy in the Bronx Walk of Fame for our community and their families.”
“The Bronx is more than just a place to me. It’s a part of my identity. 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,” said inductee Sunny Hostin.
“Growing up here taught me lessons of the street, and the heart,” said inductee Juliet Papa, “and they’re lessons that have helped me through work, and life.”
“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,” said God-Is Rivera.
“The Bronx is where legends are made,” said SWV. “It’s the borough of dreamers and where hip hop originated. It’s a unique experience. We carry the X in our hearts everywhere we go with pride.”
“I could work anywhere in the world but there is no place like the Boogie Down,” said Torres. “I was born in the Bronx and I will die here, ensuring our children have an equitable education.”
For a complete list of events for Bronx Week 2023, go to https://www.ilovethebronx.com/btc-events/bronx-week
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson (4th from left) and borough leaders welcome Bronx Week 2023 inductees at the new Bronx Children’s Museum.
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