THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING WILL SALUTE THE BOROUGH

DURING BRONX week 2011

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced that on Saturday, May 14, the Empire State Building will light up in the colors of the Bronx flag to honor the 40^th anniversary celebration of Bronx Week. The announcement was made during the official kick off of Bronx Week 2011, a celebration that from Thursday, May 12, through Sunday, May 22, will pay tribute to the continuing revitalization of the borough’s businesses, educational institutions, cultural sites and civic groups. 

 “On May 14, when New Yorkers look up they will see the unmistakable sign that Bronx Week is here. The Empire State Building will help us to invite Bronxites, New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world to join us in the Bronx for our annual celebration of what makes the Bronx a great place to live: our people, places, history and culture,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Bronx Week gets bigger and better every year and has something exciting for everyone. There is no better place to be from May 12 through May 22 than right here in The Bronx. I look forward to seeing you all here!”

During the kick off, Borough President Diaz also announced the names of the celebrities and notable Bronxites that will be included on the Bronx Walk of Fame 2011. This year’s inductees are: Chazz Palminteri, an actor who wrote and starred in “A Bronx Tale” and then turned it into an award-winning stage production; Irene Cara, a Grammy Award and Golden Globe winner best known for her performances of the hit songs “Flashdance…What a Feeling” and “Fame;” Joy Bryant, actress and former fashion model who currently stars in the NBC television series Parenthood; and Charles Latibeaudiere, Co-Executive Producer of the popular celebrity news show TMZ.

The kick-off event also featured a performance from the Bronx’ own Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra, as well as food from two of the most celebrated establishments in the borough, the Bronx Alehouse in Kingsbridge and the Havana Café in Throggs Neck. The event also featured samples from the Bronck’s Beer Company and the Bronx Food & Sustainability Coalition.

Borough President Diaz explained that this year,  Bronx Week has also been promoted outside the borough with colorful lamppost banners installed at strategic locations around the city, and that on May 22 neighbors from other boroughs will be able to ride the “El” vintage trains circa 1917 to get to the grand finale festival on Mosholu Parkway. This year’s concert will feature performances by hip-hop legends Big Daddy Kane and the Force MDs, as well as salsa stars Conjunto Imagen.

This year’s Bronx Week highlights include an urban farms tour, a centenarian celebration, a celebration of the Arthur Avenue Retail Market and a hip hop block party, as well as some of the more popular events from past years, such as the Bronx Trolley, which this year is dedicated to the 420^th birthday of Anne Hutchinson, the DiVa Spa, the Business Breakfast, the Health Fair and the annual Bronx Parade.  All the events are organized by the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and the Bronx Tourism Council.

Bronx Week 2011 is made possible thanks to the support of Montefiore Medical Center, the main sponsor of all the events. The other main sponsors are: the New York Yankees, Con Edison, Affinity Health Plan, United HealthCare Community Plan, Assurance Wireless, Kyocera, the Bronx CUNY Colleges, Health First, Emblem Health, The New York Hispanic Cosmetology & Beauty Chamber of Commerce, Citi, Verizon, BronxNet, Domino’s Pizza, News 12, the Bronx Design Group, and the New York Daily News.

“As the largest employer in the Bronx, Montefiore has a deep and abiding commitment to our community,” said Steven M. Safyer, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montefiore.  “That’s why we’re delighted to be a principal sponsor of Bronx Week again this year. We’re proud to join the celebration of what makes the Bronx a great place to live and work. Because Montefiore is so concerned with the health and wellness of all the people in the Bronx, we are particularly pleased that a number of Bronx Week activities, such as the Health Fair and the Urban Farms Tour, are geared toward promoting a healthier environment for our residents.”

“The New York Yankees are proud supporters of Bronx Week and are honored to partner with the Office of the Bronx Borough President to showcase the rich resources of our great borough,” said Brian E. Smith, Senior Vice President, Corporate/Community Relations, New York Yankees.