Hempstead Town Plaza Named For Civil And Voting Rights Leader

HEMPSTEAD, NY —Dorothy L. Goosby was a private citizen in 1988, who filed a lawsuit against Hempstead Town, arguing that the at-large system of town elections was unfair to minority residents. It took ten years to win the case in federal court, and Goosby was ultimately elected as the first Councilwoman in the newly-drawn 1st district that encompassed Hempstead, Lakeview, Roosevelt and portions of Baldwin, Freeport, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, Uniondale and West Hempstead.

This weekend, the Town honored her trailblazing efforts by renaming Hempstead Town Hall Plaza after the Councilwoman, who has served seven terms and is running for her eighth this fall.

Town officials and politicians including Senator Chuck Schumer attended the ceremony on Saturday, where a bronze plaque was unveiled.

“I am humbled to receive this honor on behalf of the residents of the Town of Hempstead and all of those people who have fought for civil rights throughout history,” Goosby said in her remarks.

“The councilmanic districts that we utilize would not exist without Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby’s historic battle,” Dennis Dunne, Hempstead Councilman from the 6th district, explained.

“Her legacy will continue to inspire residents for many years to come as they visit Senior Councilwoman Dorothy L. Goosby Plaza.”