Photos by Stacie Joy
On Saturday morning, friends and family of Donald Suggs Jr. came together for a street co-naming ceremony in his honor ... on the SW corner of Sixth Street and Avenue B — now also known as Donald Suggs Jr. Way.
Suggs, a longtime resident of Sixth Street between Avenue A and Avenue B, died in October 2012 of a heart attack. He was 51.
Gabriella Sonam, project coordinator for The Donald Suggs Jr. Street Naming Project and neighbor, speaks about Donald's impact on the neighborhood and NYC...
Guests included his son, Dr. Luis Ramirez...
... Donald’s two sisters and his niece hold the commemorative duplicate sign after program remarks and the street sign unveiling (from the left): Delali Suggs-Akaffu (niece), Dina Suggs and Dawn Suggs... 
Suggs also worked at Exit9 on Avenue A... owners Charles Branstool and Christy Davis were in attendance for the ceremony...
Nancy Jo Sales (right) and her daughter Zazie were close to Donald and embrace as they admire the street sign in his honor and think about their friend...
Here's more about him via the advisory for the street co-naming ceremony:
Donald lived his life as a tireless activist for justice, a courageous advocate for the lives of people in HIV-affected communities, a critical thinker, a consequential writer, an incisive editor for The Village Voice and an international media activist based in the East Village.
He was wise, kind, generous, funny, brilliant, creative, honorable, and out of the closet — back when it was risky to be out. Donald was our good neighbor on East 6th Street.
You can read more about his life and work in this EVG post.
Donald was the epitome of an East Village neighbor, friendly, funny and interested in connecting with people. I live on the block, and still miss him and our brief but positive interactions. I’m so thrilled that he and his work are being recognized.
ReplyDeleteThis is very moving. I only knew him from Exit 9, but he always lit up the room and made my day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful smile he had.
ReplyDeleteThat stretch of 7th st bet Ave. A & B should also be named Bob Arihood Way.
ReplyDeleteYes. Bob Arihood Way. Donald. Two amazing spirits. Gone way too soon.
ReplyDelete