Memorial Unveiled In The Heights For 'Fierce' Disability Advocate

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — The MTA unveiled on Wednesday a memorial plaque at the 175th Street A subway station honoring the life and legacy of the late Edith Prentiss, a fierce disability rights advocate and a longtime Washington Heights resident.

Prentiss passed away unexpectedly in March 2021 at the age of 69.

Prentiss used a wheelchair for the last 25 years of her life, becoming a leading voice in the fight to ensure equality and accessibility throughout the New York City subway system.

The plaque next to the elevator entrance at the West 175th Street subway station reads:

"The MTA dedicated this elevator in memory of Edit Prentiss. Edith's unwavering commitment to transit accessibility inspired us all to build a better system, in Washington Heights and across New York State. The MTA honors her legacy through our on-going work toward systemwide accessibility."

Prentiss was a founding member of the MTA's Advisory Committee for Transit Accessibility, the president of both the 504 Democratic Club and the Disabled in Action of Metropolitan New York City, and a longtime member of Upper Manhattan's Community Board 12.

“Edith Prentiss was a fierce advocate who left her mark on New York City in so many ways,” said Victor Calise, MTA Board Member and Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities.

The West 175th Street A stop was Prentiss' home station.

Several local politicians, MTA officials and family members took part in the unveiling ceremony on Wednesday.

“Today’s fight for enhanced transit accessibility is built on the advocacy and past fights of people like Edith,” said Quemuel Arroyo, MTA Chief Accessibility Officer. “Edith was at the vanguard of the fight for accessibility, a mentor, and most importantly, a beloved friend. This memorial will serve as a daily reminder to the thousands of riders who use this station every day – Edith’s home station – that we all have the power to be a voice for change.”

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, who is the local representative for the 175th Street station, added, “There are only a handful of advocates who were as dedicated and as committed to their mission as Edith Prentiss. Ms. Prentiss was a fearless advocate for the close to 1 million New Yorkers living with a disability."

Longtime friend, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer called Prentiss "brilliant."

"Edith was brilliant, took no prisoners, and dispensed with the niceties, but her heart was so generous," Brewer said. "She pushed for accessibility on public transportation, and in police stations, restaurants, and public parks, transforming the city."