New York, NY – Thursday, August 9th the New York City Council voted to co-name portions of Rogers Avenue after the Haitian Revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines. The newly co-named Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard will be situated within the parameters of Little Haiti in Brooklyn. 

Last week, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte delivered stirring testimony regarding the need for the City Council to approve the co-naming of Rogers Avenue from Farragut Road to Eastern Parkway after Jean-Jacques Dessalines. On Wednesday, Councilmember Jumaane D. Williams introduced Intro 1087. Co-sponsors of the legislation include; Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo, Councilmember Mathieu Eugene, and Councilmember Inez D. Barron.

The legislation, which overwhelmingly passed in the City Council, was the result of months of hard work on the part of Assemblymember Bichotte, several community leaders, activists, and elected officials.

"Jean-Jacques Dessalines is one of the greatest heroes of the modern world," said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte, who represents the largest population of Haitians in New York state. "As one of the leaders of the first successful slave revolt in history, a victory which led to the creation of the first free Black Republic in the Western Hemisphere, Jean-Jacques Dessalines impacted countries around the world struggling for independence. His actions also directly led to the Louisiana Purchase thereby doubling the size of the United States. We are grateful that the City Council has recognized Dessalines' contributions not only to the Haitian community but all of New York City and the United States. The City Council’s approval of the Rogers Avenue street co-naming to Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard will allow the community to proudly acknowledge and remember Jean-Jacques Dessalines contributions to Haitian and American history, as well as spark interest in learning about his influence as a leader."

Born on September 20, 1758, Jean-Jacques Dessalines became the first ruler of an independent Haiti. He fought in the Haitian Revolution as a top Lieutenant of the renowned Haitian Revolutionary leader Toussaint L'Ouverture. After L'Ouverture's capture, Dessalines took control of the Haitian Army and led them to a series of victories over the French securing the independence of Haiti in 1804.

Councilmember Williams noted the importance of the co-naming of Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard and expressed gratitude towards Assemblymember Bichotte and others for their hard work on this project.

"Jean-Jacques Dessalines was a revolutionary who fought for his people and overthrew an oppressive regime which brutally enslaved and persecuted the Haitian people." said Council Member Williams. "This revolutionary spirit, to fight for independence and against oppression, burns bright in Haitian Culture today. Haiti and its proud people are an intrinsic part of my district and it is only right to honor that spirit with this co-naming. I thank Assembly Member Bichotte for her fierce advocacy on this issue, as well as Little Haiti BK and the Haitian community I am proud to represent. I would also like to thank Speaker Corey Johnson and Council staff, Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo, Council Members Mathieu Eugene, Inez D. Barron, and Barry Grodenchik, and my other colleagues on the Council for their support."

Majority Leader Cumbo praised the Council's decision to pass the co-naming of portions of Rogers Avenue.

"Freedom is no simple feat and is not without its complexities. It is in that spirit that I celebrate the Council's approval of the street co-naming in honor of Haitian revolutionary Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Let this be an opportunity to highlight his incredible contributions towards the freedom of the Haitian people, which also served as a model for movements for freedom and justice worldwide," noted Majority Leader Cumbo.

In recognition of the New York City Council's passage of Intro 1087, a press conference and ceremonial unveiling of the street co-name is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 18th. The Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard street sign will be unveiled at the intersection of Rogers Avenue and Newkirk Avenue (Tonel Restaurant & Lounge), where there will be a Little Haiti Street Fair along Newkirk Avenue.

Click here  to watch the video of the hearing on Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard

Please click here to view the legislation Intro 1087

Articles about Co-Naming of Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard:

Black Star News

Brooklyn Reader

Kings County Politics

The Daily Express

New York Times