Welcome to Cecil Corbin-Mark Way Our Earth Day Street Naming Ceremony
On Saturday, April 20th, more than 100 friends and family gathered at the corner of Convent Avenue and West 143rd Street to celebrate the legacy of Cecil Corbin-Mark as we unveiled the Cecil Corbin-Mark Way street sign. While some tears were shed as we all continue to struggle with the loss of such kind, generous, and powerful activist, there were plenty of smiles and laughter as colleagues, family, and friends spoke about Cecil, the work he did, and the life he lived.
Thanks to all who were able to attend and to those who helped make it possible. Below is a video replay and some photos of the event.
Remembering Cecil Corbin-Mark And Supporting His Legacy
Cecil Corbin-Mark was the Deputy Director and Director of Policy Initiatives at WE ACT for Environmental Justice when he passed away on October 15, 2020 at the age of 51. He helped develop and pass numerous environmental health related bills in New York City and New York State, provided overall policy guidance to WE ACT’s New York program staff, managed WE ACT’s Federal Policy Office in Washington, DC and served as an informal mentor to aspiring environmental justice advocates across the country – a legacy which is celebrated today by the Cecil Corbin-Mark Fellowship for Environmental Justice Leadership program.
Cecil was 25 years-old when he joined WE ACT, becoming the first paid staff person hired by the Harlem-based volunteer group when it became a formal nonprofit organization. Over the following 26 years, Cecil grew to be one of the leading figures in the environmental justice movement – both well-known and highly respected. Listen to Peggy Shepard talk about Cecil and those early years on a recent episode of our Uptown Chats podcast.
He was also a life-long resident of Hamilton Heights in Harlem, New York, where his family has lived for six decades. That is why we have worked with New York City Council Member Shaun Abreu to have the street near his home named in his honor. And many thanks to Council Member Abreu, who has been instrumental in making this happen.
