New York City temporarily names street corner after Bill Cunningham

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Jul 11, 2016

The late Bill Cunningham has been honored by New York City, which named the corner of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue after him. The announcement comes just one week after the legendary fashion photographer’s passing and the launch of the Change.org petition to name the corner after him.

 
Mayor de Blasio formally unveiled the street sign on July 6, which is named Bill Cunningham Corner. The late photographer documented street fashion on the corner of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue for the New York Times for almost 40 years.  In 2009, New York City named Cunningham a New York Living Landmark.
 
The corner is named after Cunningham for a short period of time due to the Mayor’s power to temporarily rename a street. The city said in a release, “A permanent name change process for a street is handled through the legislative process following the introduction of a co-naming by a City Council Member, Council approval, and, ultimately, a mayoral signature. The Administration will continue to work with the Council, the community, and Cunningham's friends and colleagues on a permanent way to honor his legacy.”

Nick Nicholson, who launched the Change.org petition, said, “I started the petition out of my own desire that something be done to honor a man who meant so much to the city of New York. Within an hour, I realized that an outlet had been created for an international outpouring of love and support from thousands upon thousands who wanted exactly the same thing. Bill Cunningham gave New York his best for decades. Today, we’re so happy that New York gives Mr. Cunningham our very best with this well-deserved honor."
 
Bill Cunningham passed away at age 87 after being hospitalized for a stroke.