NYC City Council Speaker Says No To "Mumia Street"

After a couple of weeks of silence we finally have word from the NYC City Council with regards to the naming of a street after Jamal. I think this statement pretty much makes it clear that there will be no "Mumia Street" in Harlem. Thanks to everyone who signed the petition and worked so hard to get the word out. The letter from the speaker of the NYC City Council follows:


"Thank you for your e-mail concerning your opposition to an alleged proposal to rename a street in Harlem after Mumia Abu Jamal. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on an issue that is so important to you personally.

As you may know, requests for commemorative street renamings such as the one you described must be formally submitted to the Council by the Council Member in whose district the street is located.

I had members of my staff look into the matter, and was informed that the Council has not received any such request for Mumia Abu Jamal.

Furthermore, commemorative street renamings are generally awarded only posthumously. To the best of my knowledge, Mumia Abu Jamal is still alive, and is therefore not eligible to have a street renamed after him.

Thank you again for taking the time to write to me with your concerns.

If I can assist you further in any way, please do not hesitate to e-mail me directly by visiting the Council’s website at www.nyccouncil.info and following the link to contact the Speaker at the bottom of the page."

Sincerely,Christine C. Quinn
SpeakerNew York City Council