MAYOR GIULIANI SIGNS COUNCIL BILL NO. 1063-A, DESIGNATING THE STREET "REOLA BELFIELD WAY" IN HONOR OF BRONX COMMUNITY LEADER
REMARKS BY MAYOR RUDOLPH W. GIULIANI AT PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL LAWS
The next bill before me is Introductory Number 1063-A, sponsored by Council Members Foster, Cruz, O'Donovan and Perez. This legislation would add, through the posting of an additional sign, the name "Reola Belfield Way" on East 163rd Street between Trinity Avenue and Rev. James A. Polite Avenue, in the Bronx.
Reola Belfield was born in Severn, North Carolina on August 1, 1931. In 1985 she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the College of New Rochelle where she graduated with honors. Six years later, in June of 1991, she received a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Lehman College. She obtained these accomplishments while actively employed and raising a family of seven. Ms. Belfield's entire life was characterized by perseverance, accomplishment and commitment to her family and community.
Her affiliation with the Thessalonia Baptist Church played a vital role in her life. She served the Church in numerous capacities and was selected "Woman of the Year" by the church in 1997. Reola Belfield participated in many other community affiliations. She served as the Financial Secretary for the Women's Auxiliary of the United Mission Baptist Association, performed as a soloist with the Manhattan Opera Singers and the Bronx Concert Choir, served as a member of Bronx Community Board No. 3, and as a facilitator for Share, a self-help organization for women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer. She received many awards for her community work and academic achievement.
Reola Belfield died on June 18, 1997 at the age of sixty-five. She is mourned by a community that cherished her, and is survived by her seven children, ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
In recognition of the many years of devoted service that Reola Belfield gave to her Bronx Community, it is fitting that East 163rd Street between Trinity Avenue and Rev. James A. Polite Avenue be called "Reola Belfield Way."
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign this bill.
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