The North Williamsburg latino community and elected officials today mourned the death of longtime community activist Luis Garden Acosta, founder of the community based organization El Puente.
Acosta, 73, died yesterday of natural causes, according to a El Puente spokesperson.
City Councilman Antonio Reynoso (D-Williamsburg-Bushwick), Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) all mourned the passing of the iconic community figure.
“New York City lost a hero and I lost a mentor with the passing of Luis Garden Acosta. Acosta was a staunch advocate of youth empowerment. We owe him debt for revitalizing our neighborhood & paving the way for young leaders such as myself. He will be missed dearly, but his legacy will live on,” said Reynoso.
Acosta founded El Puente in 1982, calling together church leaders, artists, educators, health providers, and other community activists to stop the epidemic wave of violence in the Southside community of Williamsburg.
“Brooklyn is a safer place to raise healthy children and families because of community organizers like Luis Garden Acosta. Nearly 40 years ago, at a time when street violence plagued Williamsburg, his founding of El Puente had an immeasurable impact on the Southside, while also serving as a national exemplar for youth engagement and community development,” said Adams.
El Puente is a nationally celebrated community/youth development organization. Since its inception, El Puente has inspired and nurtured leadership to end community violence while organizing for democratic action, healing and all human rights.
In over three decades, El Puente has accomplished numerous headline initiatives while pioneering a national model for youth development within the context of overall community development.
“New York lost a tireless advocate for his Williamsburg community, proud son of Puerto Rico, warrior for social & environmental justice, the founder of El Puente, Luis Garden Acosta. All who knew Luis were moved by his love and passion for justice,” said Schumer
Funeral arrangements were pending at post time.
