Mayor Bill de Blasio and Fort Greene/Clinton Hill City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo yesterday co-named Clinton Avenue between Myrtle Avenue and Willoughby Avenue for an up-and-coming late state attorney, who was shot to death in the crossfire between rival gangs on J’Ouvert, the festive night before Brooklyn’s West Indian Day Labor Parade last year.
Carey Gabay was honored with the co-naming of Carey Gabay Way in the neighborhood where the former First Deputy Counsel for the Empire State Development Corporation lived with his wife. The co-naming also came on what would have been Gabay’s 44th birthday.
“My thoughts and prayers remain with the family of Carey Gabay,” said de Blasio. “He was raised in public housing, attended public schools and rose to the top after graduating summa cum laude from Harvard Law School. Gabay went on to serve the State where he promoted affordable housing and fought against job discrimination. It’s safe to say Gabay epitomized the American Dream – a dream his Jamaican parents were in pursuit of when they immigrated to America. Now, when people look up at Carey Gabay Way, they will be inspired by and reminded of the great public servant who put the needs of working-class New Yorkers ahead of his own.”
Gabay’s death also sparked renewed focus on the continued violence surrounding J’Ouvert, which has a history of shootings and stabbings including deaths. On the same night Gabay was shot there four other shootings including one other death.
In March, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams had a summit on curtailing the violence with Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, Gabay’s widow, Trenelle Gabay, where the announced goals were to bring more street lighting, better staffing and official permitting for the event.
And yesterday, while praising Gabay for his accomplishments in life, the elected officials also spoke about ending the cycle of violence
“From public housing to public service, Carey Gabay embodied the American spirit and was a pillar of his community. Carey Gabay Way is a testament of his incredible contributions to the City and State of New York. Today, on what would have been his 44th birthday, we remember Gabay not only as an upstanding citizen, but as a hero in his own right who inspired others to pursue the American Dream. In honor of his life and legacy, we remain steadfast in our commitment to end gun violence,” said Cumbo.
“Carey Gabay was a dedicated public servant who epitomized the spirit of what it means to be a New Yorker. Today, on what would have been his 44th birthday, we rename this street so that his contributions to our city and state will never be forgotten. The senseless violence that took Carey’s life is unforgivable, and my thoughts and prayers continue to be with his family and loved ones,” said Public Advocate Letitia James.
“Carey Gabay lives on in the hearts and minds of all Brooklynites, his legacy of public service and commitment to excellence is a shining beacon for every person striving to achieve more for their community. The work to honor his memory goes beyond the co-naming of a street; it continues as we pursue efforts to end senseless gun violence, uplift every immigrant, and ensure safe, affordable housing for each and every New Yorker,” said Adams.
