Edlawn “EJ” Joseph died on July 19, 2021 as a result of his car accident. During the reporting of his untimely death the news/media reported his death as a “speeding driver dies”... leaving a community of black and brown folks, as well as his family speechless and without a follow up or resources. As members of the black and brown community, we get sick and tired of having our young black boys criminalized and painted as a bad person for the world to see. EJ represented a lot and so much more than a 30 second read in the news paper where his character was scheduled to be destroyed. Yet, at his funeral there were so many family and community members speaking of the great work EJ done in and outside of community. They spoke of the people he inspired, they spoke of the many moments he created the space for people to laugh, and we know first hand of his work in community and the way he showed up to support community. As members of Neighborhood Benches we want to highlight the many moments he stood with us to do hood for community and the work he had to do to stand strong as a black boy growing up in NYC (Harlem and the Bronx). The work he did and the work he contributed to inspire youth and young adults to be focused and empowered is not what we see regularly from mentors and leaders in our community. This is so important that our community and the world see why someone means to community and NOT be judged by a single action.

With this petition we will have EJ name placed on the same block he was raised. Share information about driving safety and the importance for community voices to be included when redesigning a neighborhood. This street co-naming mission will also speak to the thousands of young people working to design their future... and remind them how important it is to stay out of the criminal justice system and work harder towards designing a future that is best for them and their community. This petition and co-naming of this street will also highlight the importance for creating your own storyline and allowing the community to stand by you as part of your journey in life. This petition will allow neighbors to see EJ was not forgotten and all he has done to live a life free of violence and the criminal justice system is worthy of living. This petition will also represent how community stands by their own when they are truly a member of community and represents young leadership.

One mistake should not define us. This petition and co-naming of this one pole will also support our campaign for wearing a seat belt while driving and support our argument for the news media to stop working so hard to destroy our black and brown boys.