MAYOR GIULIANI HONORS THE MEMORY OF A BROOKLYN ACTIVIST
Renames Siegel Street between Manhattan and Graham Avenues as "Aurea M. Blanco Way"
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Council Member Victor Robles, other Brooklyn elected officials and community members in a tribute to the memory of Aurea M. Blanco, a Puerto Rican pioneer who made significant contributions to the community and devoted her life to the service of others.
In acknowledgment of her legacy, Siegel Street between Manhattan and Graham Avenues, in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, was renamed the "Aurea M. Blanco Way."
"I am honored to dedicate this street in memory of Aurea Blanco, a pioneer and a leader of this community who will always be remembered for her good deeds," Mayor Giuliani said. "To those who knew and loved her, Aurea Blanco was an essential part of Williamsburg.
"Not unlike so many people who have come to this country and made it the great City we enjoy today, Aurea Blanco worked very hard to make the American dream a reality for herself and her children. A few years after World War II, Aurea arrived in New York City with the optimism and courage of an indomitable spirit.
"On behalf of the entire City, I'd like to thank La Federaci¢n Nacional de Pioneros Puertorrique¤os, the seniors of Borinquen Plaza and everyone who worked so hard to organize this dedication ceremony."
Aurea Blanco was the beloved mother of a daughter and three sons, among them Victor L. Robles, distinguished member and Majority Whip of the City Council who serves the 34th District. Her other children who were present during the street renaming ceremony were Antonio Esteban, a U.S. Postal worker in Puerto Rico, Ernesto Blanco, a correction officer for the City of New York and daughter Dolores Celena Blanco. Grandchildren and other members of the family also participated in the ceremony.
Council Member Robles, speaking on behalf of the family said, "I thank Mayor Giuliani for his tribute to my mother's legacy. She was indeed an exceptional woman. Her compassion and devotion to her family knew no boundaries. Today is a memorable day, as her children and grandchildren gather at the Aurea M. Blanco Way to honor her memory."
Aurea Monta¤ez Blanco was born on August 24, 1920 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and migrated to New York City in 1945. She dedicated her life to her family and to the people in her neighborhood. In what is known today as Borinquen Plaza Houses, she served as the treasurer of the Tenants Association and fought for many of the programs that Williamsburg seniors now enjoy. At P.S. 250 and Intermediate School 49, she dedicated much of her time ensuring that the children in her community received a quality education. At the Borinquen Plaza Senior Citizens Center, she worked in the kitchen, helped with fundraising and made sure that the elderly had a constructive social life. Among other affiliations, she was a member of Community Board 1 and an officer of the Borinquen Plaza Tenants Association.
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