Photo: Julie Cohen
The southwest corner of West 83rd Street and Central Park West has been co-named Cecile Richards Way, honoring the former Planned Parenthood president. Friends, supporters and local officials gathered on Sunday to celebrate the new name.
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Richards led the Planned Parenthood Federation of America from 2006 to 2018. The daughter of the late Texas Gov. Ann Richards, she also served as deputy chief of staff to Nancy Pelosi, founded the voter-mobilization coalition America Votes, and co-founded the women’s political group Supermajority in 2019. President Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2024, two months before she died of brain cancer at 67.Among Sunday’s speakers was writer Lauren Peterson, who co-wrote Richards’ 2018 memoir, Make Trouble. Peterson quoted Gloria Steinem advocating for Cecile Richards Way: “Cecile was a champion for the world and particularly for New Yorkers. Nothing would make me prouder than walking down Cecile Richards Way. She paved the way for so many, and I hope New York will pave the way for her. Signed, Gloria Steinem.”
City Councilmember Gale Brewer also spoke at the celebration.
Community Board 7 approved the co-naming in May, and speakers at that meeting noted that more than 300 people had sent letters supporting it.
“It was inspiring and heartwarming to be at the unveiling of ‘Cecile Richards Way’ on 83rd Street and Central Park West, right where Cecile lived,” said Julie Cohen, who was in attendance. “So many extraordinary organizers, friends, and family gathered to honor this legendary woman and the incredible legacy she leaves behind. I brought my 5- and 7-year-old children, and I sincerely hope they grow up to live life the Cecile Richards Way: to be fierce, curious, and loving, and above all, to be upstanders who stand up for others and fight for what is right.”
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The new name joins a long list of honorary street names around the neighborhood, including Elie Wiesel Way, one block north at the southwest corner of West 84th Street and Central Park West. Last year, the northeast corner of West 84th Street and Amsterdam Avenue was co-named Linda Carter Cooper Way.Have a news tip? Send it to us here!
