Highlighting women from across Queens - from Long Island City to Jamaica - whose contributions reshaped their neighborhoods. These educators, activists, and public servants broke barriers to create systems of change. Their names mark more than physical places; they represent legacies of collective action. We invite you to explore these stories and consider how we choose which contributions to celebrate in our public spaces.

Ethel Cuff Black (1890 – 1977) was an American educator and one of the founders of Delta Sigma Theta sorority at Howard University. On the eve of Woodrow Wilson's first inauguration in March 1913, she and the Delta Sigma Theta sisters marched, with thousands of others, in the National Woman Suffrage Procession in Washington, D.C. In 1930, she became the first Black teacher at P.S. #108 in Richmond Hill, Queens, and taught in Queens until her retirement in 1957.

Addisleigh Park, a landmarked community in St. Albans, Queens, is celebrated for its rich history as a home to Black musicians, athletes, civic leaders, and families who helped shape the cultural and civic life of New York City. The surrounding neighborhoods of Addisleigh Park, St. Albans, and South Jamaica honor this legacy through co-named streets and community landmarks that recognize individuals whose lives exemplified creativity, leadership, and service. From world-renowned artists to beloved educators, faith leaders, and local advocates, these honorees reflect the diversity, resilience, and spirit of the community. Their names remind us that neighborhood streets carry stories of achievement and care, passed down through generations. More stories and entries can be explored on Queens Public Library’s Name Explorer interactive map.