Nina Simone Honored With Her Own Street At Renaming In Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Hudson Valley hero was honored in a special way on Nina Simone Way this week.

On Wednesday, the city of Mount Vernon commemorated the "life, activism and impact" of former Mount Vernon resident Nina Simone by holding an official street naming and home tour for the legendary musician.

The official naming ceremony took place at the corner of Nuber Avenue and East 5th Street, with the newly dedicated "Nina Simone Way" commemorating the legacy and contributions of the world-renowned and influential singer, songwriter, pianist, playwright and civil rights activist.

Simone was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21, 1933 in Tyron, North Carolina. She died in Carry-le-Rouet, France on April 21, 2003. But, in between, she called Mount Vernon home for 13 years.

The house where Simone lived in with her second husband, Andrew Stroud, and daughter, Lisa, from 1961-1974, is still standing on Nuber Avenue in Mount Vernon.

"The Nina Simone Mount Vernon home in Vernon Heights was Ms. Simone's last endeared home in the United States of America," according to a statement from Mount Vernon historian Larry Spruill. "The African American cultural and intellectual luminaries who came to her wonderful home at Nuber and East 5th. Street were unequaled in all of Westchester. Her home must be given a new local status as a Mount Vernon cultural historical landmark."

According to a proclamation read by Westchester County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, June 21 will officially be known as Nina Simone Day in the county of Westchester, with her name shown in lights on the jumbotron outside the county center.

"We are standing at the crossroads of history as it was stated in this neighborhood, so many luminaries, so many artists, so many people of culture and class and dignity walked and lived in this neighborhood," Mayor Shawn Patterson-Howard said. "Mount Vernon has a rich tradition and history and we're glad to be celebrating and uplifting it today... [Simone] used her platform as an artist not to play a harp but to blow a trumpet for justice. To lift up injustice and inequities that were happening not only locally but across the seas. She was unapologetic in her stance but her music not only spoke to the pain and the passion and the pride, it also spoke to the hope, the joy, the love and the celebration of who we are as a Black people."

The mayor then unveiled a proclamation from the city of Mount Vernon.

Vice President Kamala Harris sent a letter that was read during the ceremony.

"I extend my warmest greeting and congratulations to the family, friends and loved ones of Dr. Nina Simone as you convene for the commemorative street naming in her honor," Harris's message read. "Nina was a trailblazer and a once-in-a-lifetime artist whose powerful music and courageous leadership in the civil rights movement made a profound impact on countless lives across our nation and around the world. This street naming beautifully represents how Nina used her voice to motivate, educate and inspire. Nina's passion for and dedication to justice will live on throughout history. I am certain that her life will continue to have a lasting impact on many young leaders and artists. May this street serve as a permanent reminder to us all to continue Nina's legacy by fighting for justice, freedom and peace."

Simone's brother, Sam Weymon, also spoke during the moving tribute.

"As a gifted singer, songwriter, and pianist, Nina Simone captivated audiences with her powerful and soul-stirring voice, infusing her music with raw emotion and profound depth," Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard wrote on social media after the ceremony. "She fearlessly used her platform to address the injustices of her time, becoming a prominent voice in the civil rights movement. Nina Simone's legacy as a musical pioneer and activist remains an everlasting testament to her indomitable spirit and profound impact on the music industry and society."

A video of the ceremony can be viewed here.