June 6, 1992 Crown Street between Nostrand and Franklin Avenues is officially renamed Medgar Evers Lane.

The idea to rename Crown Street was the brainchild of a faculty member at the college which is located on the corner of Bedford Avenue and Crown Street/Medgar Evers Lane. The law to rename the street was introduced to the New York City Council by Councilwoman Mary Pinkett, approved by the Council June 20, 1991 by a unanimous vote and approved by Mayor David N. Dinkins on July 8, 1991 as Local Law 45.

On hand to witness the dedication of the new street was Mrs. Myrlie Evers, wife of the slain activist, Medgar Wiley Evers, Evers’ daughter Mrs. Rena Evers Everett and grandson, Daniel Medgar Evers Everett. Myrlie Evers, who had earlier in the day delivered the Commencement Address to the College’s 258 graduates, called the dedication for the new street “a source of pride for the entire Evers Family,” while Dr. Edison O. Jackson, president of Medgar Evers College hailed it as “a proud day in the history of the College.

Other special guests on hand to witness the historical event, which took place immediately following the college’s 21 Commencement Ceremony, included: Dr. Betty Shabazz (wife of slain human rights activist Malcolm X) who is also employed at Medgar Evers College; Mr John Flateau, chief-of-staff for Mayor Dinkins; City Council Member Una Clarke; Senator Marty Markowitz; Honorable Edward Griffith, 40th A.D.; Honorable James Connolly, District Leader, 42 A.D.; with the Honorable Councilwoman Mary Pinkett presiding.

Students, staff, faculty and alumni of Medgar Evers College cheered as the Department of Transportation Director of Community Affairs, Gerald Placide, unveiled the new street sign and presented a replica to Mrs. Evers and President Jackson.

“Street Renamed in Honor of Slain Civil Rights Activist.” Big Red News: July 17, 1992