Community Corner
Washington Heights Street Co-Named in Honor of Dominican Entertainer
West 175th Street and Broadway will known be known as Freddy Beras-Goico Way in honor of the Dominican T.V. and radio star.
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — Local officials and community leaders assembled Friday morning on the corner of West 175th and Broadway to pay tribute to Dominican entertainment legend Freddy Beras-Goico.
During the gathering a street sign reading "Freddy Beras-Goico Way" was unveiled. It's no coincidence that the street that holds the United Palace — an Uptown cultural icon — will bear Beras-Goico's name because of his contributions to Dominican culture during a career that lasted three decades.
"Freddy Beras-Goico was a treasure to our uptown community and its only right that his name will sit right outside our own treasure for entertainment," said Congressman-Elect Adriano Espaillat.
Legislation to co-name of the street for Beras-Goico was sponsored by City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, who represents the Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill communities. Rodriguez noted that Beras-Goico wasn't just an entertainer but an advocate for justice and an activist as well.
When Beras-Goico was a child in the '50s his family fled the ruthless regime of Dominican Dictator Rafael Trujillo. Beras-Goico lived in Colombia for many years and eventually returned to his homeland in the 70s, where he became a distinguished entertainer, but also helped advocate for supporting the poor and spoke out against injustices committed by the regime of Dominican President Joaquín Balaguer.
'It is an honor to recognize this prolific figure in Dominican culture," Rodriguez said. "Freddy Beras-Goico knew how to make us laugh, cry and feel uplifted. But he also taught us how to fight back against injustice and stand up to corrupt and misguided power. While he is missed, we know that with this recognition, he will continue to live on in the hearts of so many who loved him."
Photo by Patch
