I have partnered up with a Bushwick Brooklyn institution of 50+ years best known as Tony’s Pizza on Knickerbocker Avenue as well as Bushwick’s Finest Dj Carlito to bring this Co-naming of Knickerbocker Avenue to the attention of Community Board 4 and our respective elected officials.

As a Puerto Rican, raised in Bushwick Brooklyn, I had the opportunity to celebrate the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Knickerbocker Avenue. It is here where Puerto Ricans from all over Bushwick unite to celebrate our heritage, our culture and the love for our beautiful island. In recent years, this day has been celebrated on Knickerbocker Avenue with its own parade for all to enjoy. Knickerbocker Avenue has always drawn Puerto Ricans to its streets. Bushwick has the highest concentration of Puerto Ricans in Brooklyn. Many can be seen waving their flags proudly in the crowds as dozens of cars line the streets, honking their horns in celebration. When a Puerto Rican displays the flag, we do so with much pride and joy. It is representation of who we are and symbolizes the unity of our people. We are requesting Knickerbocker Ave to be Co-named “Knickerbocker Avenue of Borinquén”. “Borinquén” is the indigenous Taíno name for the island of Puerto Rico. Naming this avenue after Borinquén is a way to honor the island's indigenous heritage and recognize the Taíno people as the original inhabitants of the island. It will  also serve as a reminder of the island's history and cultural roots, a way to celebrate the island's identity, culture and the importance of preserving its heritage. Additionally, it can serve as a symbol of pride for the people of Puerto Rico and their connection to their ancestral land. This is a place where future generations can continue to gather and continue to celebrate all that Puerto Rico has to offer from sports, music, dance, food, art and fashion. It is important for us to hold our traditions close and celebrate every achievement as well as holding our island and each other up in times of need. 

We ask that you sign this petition as an effort to partner up with our neighboring community of Graham Avenue to maintain and celebrate a culture and the people who have worked tirelessly to make Bushwick what it is today.

Y Por Siempre Que Viva Puerto Rico!!!