President Street  Station and Franklin Avenue  Station Renamed to Honor Medgar Evers College and the Civil Rights Icon for Whom it is Named

Stations Now Known as Franklin Avenue-Medgar Evers College and President Street-Medgar Evers College

See File Photos of New Station Signage Being Installed

See Press Conference Video

MTA New York City Transit Interim President Sarah Feinberg joined elected officials and the Provost of Medgar Evers College today in Brooklyn for a tour and celebration of the two newly renamed subway stations – Franklin Avenue-Medgar Evers College and President Street-Medgar Evers College – that now include the school's name. The stations were renamed pursuant to an act of the legislature and signed by the Governor late last year and will serve as a continual reminder of the essential role that the institution plays in Brooklyn's civic and educational life. The school was founded 50 years ago to honor Medgar Evers, the civil rights icon tragically assassinated by white supremacists in Mississippi nearly 60 years ago.

Legislation to rename the stations was sponsored by Assemblymember Diana Richardson and State Senator Zellnor Myrie, both of Brooklyn. The project was funded by a $250,000 legislative grant made available by Assemblymember Richardson. No additional costs for the project were borne by the MTA or New York City Transit. The Authority worked closely with elected officials throughout the process and spent several months updating train, map and station signage to include the new station names. Specifically, that work included updates to:

• 2,490 electronic strip maps that appear on train cars
• Onboard announcements for 1,245 train cars
• 3,174 in-car subway maps
• Signage throughout stations that covers pillars, exits, entrances

"This is such an exciting day for us," said New York City Transit Interim President Sarah Feinberg. "In renaming these stations, we're not just affixing letters to a sign; we're honoring a school and a man that have done so much to move this city and this country forward."

"When we formally recognize men like Medgar Evers and institutions like Medgar Evers College, we are reminding all New Yorkers that what matters most is the legacy you leave behind," said Karim Camara, Executive Director and Deputy Commissioner for the Governor’s Office of Faith Based Community Development Services. "When it comes to courage and visionary leadership, few legacies match that of Medgar Evers and the school that bears his name. For 50 years, MEC has endeavored to live up to the monumental legacy of its namesake and they have done so with great skill. Putting the name of such an important school and man on the subway map is validation of that work and I'm proud to be a part of this historic day."

"The family of Medgar Evers is gratified and honored for this recognition of my late husband. It is our hope that the renaming of these stations will inspire and enable people of all ages for generations to come to understand and remember his contributions and sacrifices," said Myrlie Evers, widow of Medgar Evers, on behalf of the Evers family." Further, each time commuters enter and depart these stations, we hope that they will be reminded of the significance of the resilience and strength of those who endured enslavement, but nevertheless have fought against racism and injustice to create a world that would provide opportunities for institutions like Medgar Evers College to thrive."

"Today's subway renaming marks a historical moment for the Medgar Evers College community as well as the rest of New York City," said Speaker of the New York State Assembly Carl E. Heastie. "Medgar Evers College was named in honor of a civil rights leader and hero who made contributions to expanding opportunities for people of color. To see his name cemented into the culture and heart of this great city reminds us all about his legacy as well as the importance of great public education. Without the hard work and unwavering efforts of Brooklyn community leaders like my colleague, Assemblywoman Diana Richardson, we would not be here today. She never ceased in her work to make this a reality, and for that I would like to recognize and thank her.”

"As an alumnus of Medgar Evers College and a lifelong resident of the Crown Heights community this moment fills my heart with so much pride and joy," said Assemblymember Diana Richardson. "Medgar Evers College, like all of the other CUNY campuses around the city, has impacted our community so much so that it has become a local cultural institution. That recognition is especially meaningful as it is happening during this critical period of change in our nation's history. I am excited to see the community come out to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of the college."

"Never has the history and legacy of Medgar Evers felt more alive than during this movement for justice and never has there been a better time to honor his legacy," said Senator Zellnor Myrie." As we literally put one of our most cherished institutions on the map, we honor Medgar Evers' life of service to black people and to our country and recommit to continuing his work today. He was an inspirational leader and role model and honoring his memory at this moment in our city’s and nation’s history is the right thing to do. I’m pleased the MTA is recognizing his life of service and the College’s importance to the Brooklyn community in this way, and encourage everyone to learn more about this civil rights icon and the College that bears his name."

"Today is a special day for the entire Medgar Evers College community," said Medgar Evers College President Rudy Crew. "Having our name on these stations serves as a tangible representation of the role that this institution plays in the academic and cultural fabric of this community and will serve as a great source of pride to our students, faculty, and alumni throughout New York City and beyond. I want to commend the MTA and the elected officials who worked hard to get this done. We've known for a long time just how vital Medgar Evers College is to the neighborhood and borough, and 50 years after the founding of this special place, we can definitely say we are on the map."

About Medgar Evers College

Named in honor of the late NAACP leader who was assassinated due to his courageous work fighting for civil rights, Medgar Evers College has been a Brooklyn staple since its founding nearly 50 years ago. Recognized as a historically black college, the school is a part of the CUNY system. The school is deeply rooted in Brooklyn. It was the first CUNY school to incorporate representatives of the local community actively in the decision-making process that determined its first president and board. That deep connection with the community remains a hallmark of the school today.