BRONXDALE HOUSES RENAMED FOR 'HER HONOR'
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After concluding her speech, United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor danced with students from the choir at her alma mater, Cardinal Spellman High School. |
"It is difficult to describe the emotions that I feel today," U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor told more than 300 friends, relatives and residents, as she choked back tears. "I lived in these Houses during the most formative years of my life. I think of the hours of laughter I enjoyed as a child, the happy sounds of the Bronxdale playgrounds ringing in my ears."
On June 4, 2010, the development that Justice Sotomayor grew up in was renamed the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Houses and Community Center, the first time that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) has named a development for a former, living resident. NYCHA, responding to a petition of residents, area volunteers and elected officials, agreed to rename the former Bronxdale Houses in her honor.
"It's good to be home," said Justice Sotomayor. "You have no idea the gift you have given me today. Thank you."
She recalled one of her fondest memories, when in 1968 she spotted Robert F. Kennedy from her second floor window. "I had never before looked down on red hair that bright!" said Justice Sotomayor, adding that it was through this chance encounter that her interest in public service was awakened.
But undeniably, Justice Sotomayor said, her "most enduring memories of these projects involve my neighbors." She was able to share this love of her community at a special reception before the ceremony held for residents of the newly named Justice Sonia Sotomayor Houses. She thanked all those who participated in petitioning for the name change, and hugged, kissed and took pictures with neighbors from yesteryear and residents from today.
Resident Association President Regina Howell told her fellow neighbors that, "Today marks a new beginning. It represents a new day of inspiration for the families of this community, and especially for our most precious residents -- our children."
Renee Heard is one of those neighbors who got the chance to meet the woman who she hopes will inspire her daughter Alana Abdeen to pursue her dream of a career in law. "[The ceremony] was beautiful," she said. "It was a wonderful experience for me and my daughters to see someone come out of the projects and see what she was able to accomplish. I hope that the name change can bring a change into our community."
Alana, Ms. Heard's 12 year-old daughter, won an essay contest last summer and was chosen to accompany NYCHA Board Member Margarita López to attend Justice Sotomayor's confirmation ceremony, but did not have the chance to meet her until the re-naming event. "She's a good role model for our community," said Alana. "She grew up in our projects and it's good for kids to see that although you grew up in the projects you can still become anything, if you put your mind to it."
"It truly takes a village to raise a child," said NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea in his remarks during the ceremony. "Unfortunately, we cannot give every child the strong family and courageous mother that so blessed Justice Sotomayor's life. But together we can support all parents and help build the secure communities that will be a safe haven, a first step and a fair start from which our young can and will build the world of tomorrow that is their dream."
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, a staunch supporter of public housing and its residents, was on hand to unveil the new signage for the Bronx development. "[Justice Sotomayor's] achievements are an inspiration to millions of New Yorkers, especially our NYCHA residents young and old, who can look to her story to get a glimpse of the possibilities that await anyone who has the courage and determination to follow a dream," said Mayor Bloomberg during his introduction of the day's honoree.
The Sotomayor family was beaming with pride and tried hard to fight back tears of joy and nostalgia, especially the Justice's mother Celina, but she was not successful. "This is a wonderful day. My two children are wonderful and that's all a mother can ask for," she said.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is of Puerto Rican descent, moved into public housing when she was three years old. She attended Cardinal Spellman High School, received her bachelor's degree from Princeton University and her law degree from Yale Law School. After a 30-year career as an attorney and federal judge, Justice Sotomayor was confirmed in 2009 as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
After the formal ceremony at the Sotomayor Houses came to an end, Justice Sotomayor spontaneously joined the Youth Choir from her alma mater Cardinal Spellman High School and together they swayed joyously through a gospel-fused song, "Be Thankful." The Justice then shared her impressions of the day in an exclusive interview with the Journal.
"They're smaller, the buildings, than I remember them. When I was a kid they were skyscrapers, seven floors seemed to touch the sky and today they are not skyscrapers but they're still home," said Justice Sotomayor. "We speak of life accomplishments and obviously becoming a Justice of the Supreme Court is one of the greatest life achievements that one could have. But leaving a place bearing your name I hope will create memories for some kid who will grow up and think 'who is that person' and learn something about me and I hope walk away a little inspired. If that happens then I've had the greatest success anyone can have in life."