Image of Attendees at the Evelina Antonetty Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On Thursday, October 8, 2020, the Evelina Antonetty Playground was officially declared open. 
 
Hostos Community College Interim President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, New York City Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo, Councilman Rafael Salamanca, Jr., Antonetty’s daughter Anita, and Hostos Foundation Board Member Elba Cabrera—sister of Evelina Antonetty—were among those in attendance at the ribbon-cutting and renaming ceremony held at the park.
 
“It was an honor to stand by Elba Cabrera and her family for the occasion. The naming of the Evelina Antonetty Playground next to Hostos is historic. People like Evelina, who fought so long and hard to empower disenfranchised people, is why Hostos is here. And this moment brings all of our love and purpose together,” said Dr. Cocco De Filippis.
 
Evelina López Antonetty (1922-1984) was a noted civil rights activist, union organizer, and the founder of United Bronx Parents. A well-known and highly influential figure in the South Bronx – and in NYC in general – she was a passionate fighter for social justice and educational reform.
 
Formerly Garrison Playground, the park is located on the Grand Concourse immediately south of the College and had been redesigned and rebuilt over the last year. Antonetty played a large role in the South Bronx’s life and culture, and naming the newly-renovated park in her honor is a tribute to her many achievements.