Bill Renaming Subway Stations to Honor Medgar Evers College Signed into Law

BROOKLYN, NY -- Governor Cuomo signed a bill that directs the MTA to rename two subway stations in Central Brooklyn in recognition of Medgar Evers College and the civil rights leader after which the college is named. 

The legislation, sponsored by Senator Zellnor Y. Myrie in the Senate and Assembly Member Diana C. Richardson in the Assembly, orders the MTA to append the local college’s name to both the Franklin Avenue and President Street stops, making their new names “Franklin Avenue - Medgar Evers College” and “President Street - Medgar Evers College.” 

Senate Bill S3439A passed in both houses of the legislature on June 19th, 2019. Since then, Senator Myrie and Assembly Member Diana C. Richardson have advocated for the bill and discussed its implementation with the MTA.

Senator Zellnor Y. Myrie (D-20) said: “Renaming the Franklin and President subway stations to recognize Medgar Evers College will literally put one of our community’s most cherished institutions on the map. This community has asked for these renamings and today, we are proud to say that their representatives have heeded their call.” 

Assembly Member Diana C. Richardson said:  “I am thrilled for the name changes of the MTA’s Franklin and President Subway stops to recognize the great civil rights leader, Medgar Evers. As an alumnus of Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, I am honored to have authored legislation and proud to have worked with the Crown Heights community to make this happen. Medgar Evers College is a staple for our district and serves as a door of opportunity for our students. Its impact on our community is being celebrated and receiving the recognition that it deserves.”

The President of Medgar Evers College, Rudolph F. Crew, Ed.D, said: “We are so pleased that Governor Cuomo has signed this bill into law. As a neighborhood stalwart since 1970, Medgar Evers College is synonymous with Crown Heights, and by extension, we are inextricably linked to the subway stations that serve our community. The renaming of the subway stations reflects the profound contribution that Medgar Evers College has made to Central Brooklyn. It is emblematic of the critical role that we will continue to play as we celebrate our 50th year of serving students and changing the trajectory of their lives.”

Medgar Evers was a civil rights leader known for his contributions to ending desegregation and expanding voting rights. By serving primarily students of color, Medgar Evers College carries on the legacy of an inspirational advocate who gave his life fighting for the rights of African Americans. Renaming the subway stops surrounding the college will not only help with wayfinding for the thousands of current and prospective students headed to MEC, but will also serve as an honor to the Central Brooklyn community that cherishes it. 

Educational institutions throughout the five boroughs have been recognized in MTA renamings, including: Flatbush Avenue - Brooklyn College, Bedford Park Boulevard - Lehman College, 68th Street - Hunter College, 116th Street - Columbia University, and 8th Street - New York University. 

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