A pedestrian bridge that connects Yonkers City Hall with the Cacase Justice Center on Nepperhan Avenue has been re-dedicated in honor of former City Council Member Joseph E. Burgess Jr. During the re-dedication ceremony, a permanent plaque on the bridge was unveiled to honor Burgess. The bridge was first dedicated as a memorial to Burgess in a ceremony on June 5, 1995, but there was no permanent plaque installed at that time.
In 1983, Burgess became the first African American to be elected to the Yonkers City Council. In 1992, he was appointed as the city”™s deputy human resources commissioner. His former colleagues have praised him for his work to help ensure that the voices of African Americans were heard and represented in the decision-making process and for his efforts to promote social justice, equality, and diversity in the city. Burgess died in April of 1995 at age 58.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano characterized Burgess as a man who “paved the way for future generations of African Americans in our city.” Spano said the re-dedication of the bridge “is an opportunity for us to collectively honor and celebrate his life and legacy, and to renew our commitment to the values of diversity, inclusion, and social justice.”
Former Yonkers City Council President Vincenza A. Restiano said,“Joseph E. Burgess was a gentleman, statesman and a voice of reason during the most tumultuous times in Yonkers history. It was an honor to serve with him on the council and most fitting that the city recognize his place in history.”
