MAYOR GIULIANI SIGNS COUNCIL BILL NO. 1064, DESIGNATING THE STREET "REV. KENNETH L. FOLKES WAY" IN HONOR OF BROOKLYN CHURCH LEADER
REMARKS BY MAYOR RUDOLPH W. GIULIANI AT PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL LAWS
The first bill before me is Introductory Number 1064, sponsored by Council Members Foster, Cruz, Warden and five of their colleagues. This bill would add, through the posting of an additional sign, the name "Rev. Kenneth L. Folkes Way" on Prospect Avenue between Ritter Place and Boston Road, in the Bronx.
Reverend Kenneth L. Folkes was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on August 17, 1914. In 1945, he came to the United States where he graduated from Shelton College in 1950. In 1956, he founded the Mount Carmel Baptist Church and under his leadership the church grew in membership and became an important advocate for the surrounding communities. In 1975, Mr. Folkes received his Doctorate of Divinity from Virginia College.
Rev. Folkes did not limit his interests and concerns to the confines of pastoring. Along with his duties at Mount Carmel, he was a charter member and President of the Bronx Shepards Restoration Corporation, served as the Protestant Chaplain of Lincoln Hospital, and also served on the Board of Directors of the Bronx Boys Club, Community Board No. 3 and Community School Board No. 12.
Rev. Folkes received many awards and citations for his church and community activities. He was named "Minister of the Year," by the Bronx Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, "Man of the Year" by the Bronx Boys Club and received the "Brotherhood Award" from the Catholic Interracial Council of The Bronx.
Rev. Kenneth L. Folkes died on January 10, 1990. He is survived by his daughter Mrs. Olga Scott, and his three sons, Mr. Oswald Folkes, Mr. Pierre Folkes, and Mr. Kenneth Folkes, Jr.
In consideration for the many years of service and leadership that Rev. Folkes provided to his Bronx community, it is appropriate that Prospect Avenue, between Ritter Place and Boston Road, be designated "Rev. Kenneth L. Folkes Way"
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign this bill.
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