Commemorating Dean Derrick E. Griffith

Dr. Derrick E. Griffith Way.

In this street co-naming, we honor the life of a dedicated educator whose service to our community touched the lives of countless students and young people. By lifting up Dr. Derrick Griffith's name in this way, our community expresses its appreciation for his memory and his legacy. Let us all aspire to serve each other in the way Dr. Griffith's life exemplifies. I hope that through this honor, we are able to provide some measure of comfort on behalf of our fellow New Yorkers to Dr. Griffith's family and friends.

Thanks to those who participated in making this honor possible, particularly NYC Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo, who said, “Dr. Derrick E. Griffith was an inspiring educator, trailblazer, mentor, colleague, and friend who will forever be known for his profound love of education and unwavering commitment to the advancement of our youth. The permanent installation of the Dr. Derrick E. Griffith Way sign adjacent to the Medgar Evers College campus is symbolic of his unique ability to uplift and empower youth of all ages to pursue higher education and realize their full potential. We must continue to tell his story in remembrance of his invaluable service to our community.”

Also sharing their thoughts on this occasion for reflection and honoring Dr. Griffith’s life were Public Advocate Letitia James and Medgar Evers College President, Dr. Rudy Crew.

"Derrick Griffith dedicated his life to improving the education and future of so many of our young people in Brooklyn," said Public Advocate Letitia James. "While we still mourn the tragedy of his passing, with the renaming of this street, we are ensuring that his legacy is eternalized for both this community, and the entire city. I know this street will serve as a reminder of Derrick's great contributions and inspire others to follow his lead."

"Derrick was a monumental figure at the college and was beloved by students, faculty and the administration. Having spent his entire adult life working to improve schools and living conditions for children in New York City, honoring his memory will serve to keep him memorialized in a community where he did so much good," said Dr. Rudy Crew, president of Medgar Evers College.