RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCILMEMBERS, PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ AND HODGES:
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RESOLUTION OF THE YONKERS CITY COUNCIL MEMBER TASHA DIAZ TO HONOR THE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY’S REQUEST TO HONORARILY RENAME THE CORNER OF SCHOOL STREET AND BROOKE STREET “EARL ‘DMX’ SIMMONS WAY”
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WHEREAS, Born Earl Simmons on December 18, 1970, DMX was an iconic American rapper, songwriter, and actor. He rose to fame in the 1990s and was celebrated for his unique blend of brutally honest lyrics and his raw, emotional delivery. His explosive 1998 debut album "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot” catapulted DMX to super-stardom. He has sold millions of albums worldwide and is the first rap artist to have five consecutive albums debut at #1 on the Billboard 200. American Music Award and Billboard Music Award winner, and four-time Grammy nominee, DMX’s status as one of hip hop's most important and influential figures has long been solidified; and
WHEREAS, Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons had a complicated life, but his positive impact on Yonkers is real and still felt today. It goes beyond music-he influenced culture, identity, and even community spirit in the city.
He literally put Yonkers on the global map because he proudly repped Yonkers in his music, interviews, and image. For many people worldwide, Yonkers became known because of him. He helped establish Yonkers as a serious contributor to hip-hop culture, alongside NYC boroughs. DMX's music often explored themes of struggle, faith, and redemption, drawing from his own turbulent life experiences. His rough exterior belied a deep spirituality, evident in his recorded prayers and tracks like "Lord Give Me a Sign" and "Slippin'," where he bared his soul with poignant honesty; and
WHEREAS, Growing up in Yonkers public housing and dealing with poverty, abuse, and street life, DMX reflected those realities in his music. His lyrics were raw, emotional, and honest. Many people in Yonkers-and similar communities-felt seen and understood through his work. His openness about pain, faith, and redemption resonated deeply with fans. Beyond music, DMX made an indelible mark as an actor, starring in critically acclaimed films like "Belly" (1998) and the action packed blockbusters "Romeo Must Die" (2000), “Exit Wounds” (2001) and “Cradle 2 the Grave” (2003). His intense performances showcased his versatility and added yet another dimension to his artistic career; and
WHEREAS, Even after finding fame in movies, later in life, DMX remained involved with people in Yonkers and was known for helping individuals directly and connecting with everyday people. He was constantly present in the community rather than distancing himself from it. Instead of spending his time at Hollywood events, he chose to remain in Yonkers, constantly inspiring charitable acts, that even remains in his honor (like large food donations after his passing); and
WHEREAS, He became a symbol of resilience. His life story-from hardship in Yonkers to worldwide fame-became a symbol of perseverance. He showed that someone from difficult circumstances could reach global success. At the same time, his struggles made him a cautionary but human example, especially for young people; and
WHEREAS, In 2021, we lost our troubled messenger - the vessel for our collective suffering finally found his peace. Though he may have departed the physical plane, Earl Simmons lives on through his prayers, music, films and the enduring love of his fans across the globe. He was, is, and always will be a beloved and revered icon; the archangel of the street whose words will forever provide hope and solace in our darkest times. Even after his death, Yonkers has celebrated him as a hometown legend, through murals and memorials were created in neighborhoods where he lived. Large community gatherings and tributes drew thousands of residents. That kind of response shows he wasn’t just famous-he was personally meaningful to the city; and
WHEREAS, for this well lived life of service to and in the City of Yonkers, the City Council has received a completed and executed petition that was duly filed with the City Clerk to Honorarily re-name the area of THE CORNER OF SCHOOL STREET AND BROOKE STREET “EARL DMX SIMMONS WAY”; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City Council to honor the family's request to render a public and permanent reminder of EARL DMX SIMMON’S dedication and life of service; and
WHEREAS, the Yonkers City Council requires a public hearing to take place in order to grant this request
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Yonkers City Council hereby directs the City Clerk to set a properly notified and publicized public 
hearing for the 27 day of May 2026 at 6:30 pm on the matter, for consideration of the honorary street re-naming of THE CORNER OF SCHOOL STREET AND BROOKE STREET” with the appropriate signage to be installed at the intersection of STREET AND BROOKE STREET to be honorarily re-named, “EARL DMX SIMMONS WAY”.