Just in time for Black History month, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to approve landmark designations of several homes where some of the greatest African American figures of the 20th century once lived.
“I think it’s monumental in that artist and historical figures that we hold dear to our heart are being recognized on a grander scale,” said Latoya Henry of Harlem.
The History and English major, who graduated from Spelman College, a historical black college founded in 1881, said preserving our history is extremely important.
Homes belonging to Jackie Robinson, WEB Dubois, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Joe Louis and Lena Horne among others are now apart of the city’s history. The commission also approved the Addisleigh Park Historic District in south Queens - 422 homes where some of the most influential Blacks grew up and raised their families.
“I love the idea that young people will be able to one day walk through the homes or even ride by and see that the powerful figures grew up near their homes right here in our community,” said the native New Yorker.
The Rossville AME Zion Church along with two cottages and a home in the Sandy Ground section of Staten Island were also approved.
“It’s an exciting time for African Americans!”
