Announced the induction of prominent Bronxites, including the first-ever ‘Healthcare Hero’ to the 2024 Bronx Walk of Fame
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Also, Announced ‘Key to the Borough’ recipient.
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Bronx, NY – On Monday, May 6th at 5:00 PM, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined the Bronx Tourism Council, the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Montefiore Einstein, JP Morgan Chase & Co, Cricket Wireless, and the former Whitestone Multiplex Cinemas, to officially kick off the start of Bronx Week 2024 at the newly opened Chase Community Center Branch located at 128 East Fordham Road. There, Borough President Gibson announced the 2024 Bronx Walk of Fame honorees: acclaimed actress Andrea Navedo, who starred in Superfast! the parody of The Fast and the Furious film series (2015), and as Xiomara “Xo” Villaneuva in the CW comedy-drama series, Jane the Virgin; Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson, a multi-platinum-selling music producer; Ozzie Virgil, Sr., the nation’s first MLB player from the Dominican Republic; and winner of this year’s People’s Choice Award, Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer of the Urban Health Plan (UHP).
In addition, receiving the ‘Key to the Borough’ was the recently retired play-by-play announcer of the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball, John Sterling, who began in 1989 and on April 15th this year, retired. From 1989 to 2019, Sterling called over 5,000 consecutive games.
Now in its 53rd year, Bronx Week is the annual celebration of everything that makes The Bronx a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Bronx Week culminates with the weekend of May 18th with The Bronx Ball, the Bronx Week Parade, and a highly anticipated Bronx Week Concert on Mosholu Parkway.
“We just officially launched Bronx Week 2024! 13 days of celebrating everything that makes our borough a great place to live, work, and visit,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Congratulations to our Key to the Borough recipient, John Sterling, and our 2024 Bronx Walk of Fame Inductees! A special thank you to the Bronx Tourism Council, the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Montefiore Einstein, JPMorgan Chase, and all our other incredible sponsors for their support of this year’s events.”
“Our honorees are not only significant figures in their industries but pillars of The Bronx community,” said President of the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Rob Walsh. “Their continued involvement with this borough and the influence they have had on those who followed in their footsteps is extraordinary, which is why their names are being added to The Bronx Walk of Fame. Our hometown hero, Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, is the perfect choice for our People’s Choice Award because she has had that same effect in the healthcare field.”
“Montefiore Einstein joins Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, and The Bronx Tourism Council, in celebrating all that is vibrant and unique about The Bronx,” said Senior Associate Vice President of Community Relations at Montefiore Einstein, Melissa Cebollero. “As a premier academic health system, providing quality, personalized, and accountable care to approximately three million people— we are immensely proud to call The Bronx our home. We stand in gratitude to all Bronxites who are part of our pioneering institution. Congratulations on launching what is set to be a successful Bronx Week 2024!”
“The Bronx is known for its vibrant culture, unmatched diversity, and resilient communities — and JPMorgan Chase is once again proud to partner with Borough President Gibson and the Bronx Economic Development Corporation to celebrate everything this borough stands for,” said Yesenia Quinones, VP and Community Manager at Chase’s new Community Center Branch on East Fordham Road. “I am proud to work every day with the BXEDC and partners across The Bronx to empower our communities and small business owners. With Bronx Week kicking off today, we look forward to continuing to build a brighter future for everyone across The Bronx.”
“Receiving the first People’s Choice Award in Healthcare during Bronx Week is truly an honor,” said President and CEO of Urban Health Plan, Paloma Izquiero-Henanadez. “Providing health care to the Bronx is a family legacy that I’m proud to continue. I was taught to do the best for the community and to make a difference in people’s lives and that is what we do at Urban Health Plan every day. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
In addition to Montefiore Einstein and JPMorgan Chase & Co, other sponsors include Cricket Wireless, Bronx Community Foundation, BronxCare Health System, Con Edison, ProHealth Connect/Sentry, AT&T, Amazon, Verizon, Metroplus Health, Pepsi Cola Bottling Co of New York, and Atlantis Fresh Market. Our media sponsors are 1010 WINS, ABC7, Bronxnet Television, News 12 The Bronx, PIX11, and Schneps Media.
BIOGRAPHIES OF BRONX WALK OF FAME HONOREES:
Andrea Navedo
Andrea Navedo is an actress, speaker, and published author who was born and raised in The Bronx. You may recognize her from the Golden Globe-nominated TV show “Jane the Virgin,” in which she starred as Xiomara, Jane’s mother. She has an extensive acting resume which includes playing opposite Will Smith in the Netflix film “Bright”, Luis Guzman’s girlfriend in HBO’s “How to Make it in America” and the role of Valerie in ABC’s “A Million Little Things”.
Navedo graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx before going on to SUNY Old Westbury College where she graduated with a BA in Theatre Arts. Because of the success of “Jane the Virgin”, she was invited to give the commencement speech to the class of 2019. There she shared some of her lessons learned growing up in the Bronx. Inspired by the rave response that she received from the students at Clinton she decided to continue sharing the messages from her speech in a book she penned “Our Otherness is Our Strength: Wisdom from the Boogie Down Bronx,” which was released in July 2023. Additionally, she further shared those messages in a TEDx talk that she delivered in April 2024 at the University of the Pacific.
Navedo is involved in various charities including A Place Called Home, which helps children in Los Angeles stay in school, go to college, and take ownership of their lives. She is also involved in the Fresh Air Fund which sends NYC kids to summer camp. Inspired by the great experience she had as a Fresh Air camper herself, she continues to support the organization and give back in many ways, one of them being as the Host of their 2023 Spring fundraising gala.
Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson
Dr. Antwan Thompson, Ph.D. — better known to his fans as Amadeus — is a multi-platinum music producer, music director, musician, and CEO of Platinum Boy Music. He has worked with more than 100 major recording artists, including Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Trey Songz, Chris Brown, and 50 Cent. He is also the author of the book, “The Story of Amadeus: And The Beat Goes On.”
Amadeus grew up on East 169th St. Washington Avenue and discovered his musical talents while he was in the fourth grade at Saint Augustine School of the Arts. He specifically loved hip-hop and playing the drums. He grew up in a strict, religious household of his parents Ruth and Silas Thompson, which he now feels truly paid off for him and his career. He went to Cardinal Hayes, a Catholic High School, and he credits the school with shaping his love of music, along with playing drums in church. He was in a church band at the young age of 13 at The Cathedral of Greater Faith under the leadership of the late Bishop and Pastor Michel White.
Ozzie Virgil Sr.
Ozzie Virgil Sr. was the first Dominican baseball player to play in the Major League. He was born in the Dominican Republic in 1932 but left in 1947 and spent the rest of his childhood in The Bronx. He went to DeWitt Clinton High School and ironically, did not earn a spot on the school’s baseball team. Despite his new home base being in The Bronx, he was not a Yankees fan — his love for the Brooklyn Dodgers began after he saw them play against the Yankees in the 1947 World Series.
After high school, Virgil served in the Marines where he played baseball. Virgil was scouted to play for the New York Giants baseball team. He went on to play for the Detroit Tigers, the Baltimore Orioles, the Kansas City Athletics, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the San Francisco Giants. Throughout his career, he played almost every position but was most well-known as a third baseman.
In 1969, after 13 years of playing in the Major Leagues, Virgil retired and became a coach for the San Francisco Giants, the Montreal Expos, the San Diego Padres, and the Seattle Mariners as well as an honorary coach for one game with the New York Mets. He had five children, including Ozzie Virgil Jr., who had an 11-year career in the Major Leagues.
People’s Choice Profile:
Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez
Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Health Plan (UHP), a network of community health centers located in the South Bronx, Central Harlem, and Northwestern Queens. Born and raised in The Bronx, Ms. Izquierdo-Hernandez is a champion of accessible, quality healthcare.
Through her leadership and vision, Ms. Izquierdo-Hernandez has built Urban Health Plan from a one-site local community health center into an award-winning, first-class healthcare organization as well as one of the largest community health centers in New York State. She also shepherded the expansion of Urban Health Plan to become a network of federally qualified community health centers that includes twelve sites in the Bronx, Central Harlem, and Queens; twelve school-based health programs; two mental health facilities; two part-time facilities for at-risk populations; women, infants, and children (WIC) programs throughout the network; and multiple grant-funded programs. Today, Urban Health Plan serves a volume of close to 400,000 patient visits annually. Ms. Izquierdo-Hernandez has been recognized nationally for the continuous quality improvement work she spearheads at UHP.
Ms. Izquierdo-Hernandez sits on numerous health boards, including the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Charter School for Health and Sciences — named for her father, who was also a medical professional. Further, she is well respected by her staff for the contagious passion that she has for her organization and its nearly one thousand employees, including 150 providers, most of whom she knows by name. She sets the example that at UHP, people come first. She is a role model for her employees and a true example of consistent and outstanding leadership.
OFFICIAL BRONX WEEK CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Thursday, May 9th
Labor Breakfast
Location: F&J Pine
1913 Bronxdale Avenue
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Our Annual Bronx Week Labor Breakfast, which is invite-only, celebrates the social and economic achievements of union workers throughout New York City. Labor unions continue to raise the standard of living for all its workers. This event allows us to honor our brothers and sisters in Labor.
Friday, May 10th
Bankers Breakfast
Location: Villa Barone Manor
737 Throggs Neck Expressway
Time: 9:00 a.m.
The Bronx continues to grow and transform because of the continued investment of Bronx stakeholders, financial institutions, and businesses. The Business Initiative Corporation of New York continues to propel small business equity into the Bronx and statewide. The Bankers Breakfast is a ticketed event that will honor those who have made in making The Bronx a place for businesses to thrive. Tickets can be purchased at bicofny.org.
Friday, May 10th
Silent Disco
Location: Loreto Playground
1111 Van Nest Avenue
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Get ready for an unforgettable dance party! Join us at the Loreto Playground for a silent disco celebrating Bronx Week. With wireless headphones, you can jam out to music of your choosing and create your dance party. Bring your loved ones for a night of family-friendly fun. Best of all, it’s completely free! Let’s dance the night away and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Saturday, May 11th
Health Day
Location: Northeast YMCA
1250 East 229th Street
Time: Noon – 4:00 p.m.
Empowering Women is Empowering Health! In The Bronx, there are factors influencing the significant racial disparities and a lack of awareness of women’s health issues. The Bronx Week Health Day 2024 will be a Community Baby Shower hosted by the NYPD to celebrate and empower women in the gymnasium. There will be more exciting Health Day events happening in the courtyard and parking lot, as well. Join us in bringing the community together to make women’s health a priority with an array of health screenings, workshops, and lots of giveaways.
Monday, May 13th
Veterans Appreciation
Location: Eastwood Manor
3371 Eastchester Road
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson & the Veterans Advisory Council are hosting an event to pay tribute to our borough’s veterans. All past and current service members are invited to attend this special salute for your service to our country.
Thursday, May 16th
BX Factor & What’s Up in The Bronx
Location: Yankee Stadium
1 East 161st Street
Time: 10:00 a.m. – Noon
The BX Factor is a competition hosted by the Bronx Economic Development Corporation. Five local Bronx business owners will be invited to Yankee Stadium, where they will present their ideas for how they can improve their business to a panel of judges. The winner will be awarded a $10,000 cash prize to put toward their idea. This event is sponsored by Santander Bank and the New York Yankees.
Thursday, May 16th
Centenarian Event
Location: Villa Barone Manor
737 Throggs Neck Expressway
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Office of the Bronx Borough President will host a special Centenarian Luncheon during Bronx Week. This event also acknowledges the hard work and dedication of local Nursing Homes and Older Adult centers that provide care for our beloved seniors. This event includes centenarians and one guest; additional guests may pay a cover fee to attend. Call Larcenia Walton at 718-590-6248 to inquire further. RSVP is required. The event will take place at the beautiful Villa Barone Manor. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor and celebrate our cherished centenarians!
Saturday, May 18th
Induction Ceremony Bronx Walk of Fame
Location: Veteran’s Memorial Rotunda
851 Grand Concourse
Time: 9:30 a.m.-1l:00 a.m.
The Walk of Fame inductees — which includes the People’s Choice award winner, who is a healthcare worker in the Bronx — will be recognized for their achievements during this invite-only ceremony.
Saturday, May 18th
The Bronx Ball
Location: Former Whitestone Multiplex Cinema
2505 Bruckner Boulevard
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The Bronx Ball, which will be held at the Whitestone Cinema this year, is an annual event that honors the inductees of the Bronx Walk of Fame. The Ball will also include food, dancing, music, and art. This is a black-tie event. Tickets can be found at ilovethebronx.com.
Sunday, May 19th
Bronx Week Parade
Location: Mosholu Parkway
Mosholu Parkway and Hull Avenue
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Bronx Pride is on display as celebrities, marching bands, community organizations, schools, sports teams, and civic groups march along the Mosholu Parkway, highlighting the best of the borough as this great community tradition continues. Participants include Bronx Community businesses, political leaders, schools, and institutions. Join the procession as Bronx Week ends.
Sunday, May 19th
Bronx Week Food and Arts Festival
Location: Mosholu Parkway
Between Van Cortlandt Avenue East and Bainbridge Avenue
Time: Noon
The Bronx Week Food & Arts Festival, on the last day of Bronx Week, will feature artists and artisans selling their creations. Come to the festival to buy something new for you or a loved one, get something to eat, hear some live music, and have a great time along Mosholu Parkway with thousands of others celebrating the Bronx.
Sunday, May 19th
Bronx Week Concert
Location: Mosholu Parkway
Between Van Cortland Avenue East and Bainbridge Avenue
Time: Noon
Join us for one of the last Bronx Week events. Our Concert on Mosholu Parkway will feature two-time Latin Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, Luis Figueroa, singer, songwriter, television and radio personality, Lil’ Mo, Free-style sensation, Lisette Melendez, International Women in Reggae, Tano, and DJ Ralphie Mercado.