Usanewsonline.com desk: (May 9, 2023) - On Monday, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined Bronx Tourism Council, Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Montefiore Hospital, Essen Health Care, and other community partners to kick-off Bronx Week 2023 at the new Bronx Children's Museum. The event's highlight was the announcement of the 2023 Bronx Walk of Fame inductees.

“Bronx Week is our marquee event of the year meant to celebrate everything that makes the Bronx a beautiful place to live, work and raise a family,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Following today's kick-off, we have an amazing lineup of events, including our Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, Health Day and Skating Party, Centenarian celebration, Induction Ceremony, Bronx Ball, Bronx Parade, Concert, and so much more. I want to thank all of our inductees to the Bronx Walk of Fame including our inaugural People's Choice award honoree, Luis Torres, for their commitment to empowering and uplifting our communities. They truly represent the best of our borough and they will soon have their names emblazoned on street signs along the historic Grand Concourse. I also want to thank the Bronx Tourism Council, the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Montefiore Einstein, Essen Health Care, the Bronx Children's Museum, and all our other sponsors for supporting this year`s Bronx Week. We promise to make Bronx Week 2023 the best one yet!"

“We are proud of all our 2023 Walk of Fame inductees because they represent Bronx excellence all day, every day,” said Sulma Arzu-Brown, Executive Director of Bronx Tourism Council. “They are powerfully sprinkled and impacting society in the field of education, journalism, marketing and entertainment. It’s an honor to commemorate their legacy in the Bronx Walk of Fame for our community and their families.”

"I am so proud of all our Walk of Fame inductees because they represent the best talent across industries that the world has to offer. This borough breeds world-class musicians, journalists, educators, businesspeople, and others and it's an honor that we can recognize these amazing accomplishments in a visual and appealing way," said Robert Walsh, President of the Bronx Economic Development Corporation. "The Bronx Walk of Fame has been showcasing the achievements of Bronxites since 1997 and we plan on adding to it for years into the future so both residents and visitors can see what the Bronx brings to the world."

“Since 1912, Montefiore has called the Bronx its home. This Borough and its people have continued to shape our health system as part of our fearless local workforce, via contributions to scientific discoveries and, most importantly, as our beloved patients,” said Senior Vice-President of Community Affairs Marcos Crespo. “We salute Bronx Borough President Gibson as she celebrates Bronx Week 2023. Montefiore Einstein stands proud as an annual supporter of all that the Bronx is and can be!”

“Bronx Children’s Museum has been in the community educating children and families about the natural science, arts and culture of the Bronx for over a decade,” said Executive Director of the Bronx Children’s Museum, Denise Rosario Adusei. “With the recent opening of our permanent home, we are excited to offer a new destination where children and families from all over can visit, play and learn about the Bronx in a whole new way. It’s like Bronx Week here, but all the time.

Since 1997, the Bronx Walk of Fame has allowed Bronx natives to be celebrated for their work and contributions to their respective industries. There will be an unveiling ceremony of the street signs honoring them at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 at 161st Street and Grand Concourse. All the inductees will be in attendance and there will be photo, video, and interview opportunities available. They will also be honored at the Bronx Ball happening that evening.

This year's inductees include:

●   Sunny Hostin, Three-time Emmy Award-winning legal journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and co-host of ABC’s “The View”

● Juliet Papa, Award-winning reporter for 1010 WINS, author, media consultant, and event host

●    God-Is Rivera, Vice-President of Inclusive Marketing at Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution

●     SWV, Three-time Platinum R&B recording artist.

Additionally, Luis Torres, principal of Community School 55, also known as the Benjamin Franklin School, and winner of the "People's Choice Award in Education" will be added to the Bronx Walk of Fame. This new category allows the public to select their favorite Bronx educator for inclusion.

“The Bronx is more than just a place to me. It’s a part of my identity. This vibrant and diverse community has taught me the value of resilience, strength, and determination, and has instilled in me an unwavering sense of pride for where I come from,” said Bronx Walk of Fame inductee Sunny Hostin. “The Bronx has given me the tools to overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”

“It is an honor to be part of this Bronx celebration. Growing up here taught me lessons of the street, and the heart, and they're lessons that have helped me through work, and life,” said Bronx Walk of Fame inductee Juliet Papa.

"What I love about the Bronx is that it is in every way the breeding ground of some of the most influential cultural phenomenons on the planet and the birthplace and foundation of some of the most innovative, creative, impactful, and powerful people in the world,” said Bronx Walk of Fame inductee God-Is Rivera. “All of it and all of us are uniquely shaped by every sound, every block, every language, every style, and all the flavor that comes from being from the Bronx. Even when people try to count us out, our impact on the world is simply undeniable.”

“The Bronx is where legends are made. It’s the borough of dreamers and where hip hop originated. It’s a unique experience. We carry the X in our hearts everywhere we go with pride,” said Bronx Walk of Fame inductees SWV.

“I have dedicated my life to improving the lives of the people of the Bronx. I could work anywhere in the world but there is no place like the Boogie Down. I was born in the Bronx and I will die here, ensuring our children have an equitable education,” said Bronx Walk of Fame inductee Principal Luis Torres. “Being recognized by the Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and my induction into the Walk of Fame as the first school principal to be voted in by the people means the world to me. I want all young men and women to know that no matter where you are born, that does not determine your success in life. Everyone can be successful when they focus on making the lives of others better.”