RUN DMC JMJ WAY

On Sunday, August 30, 2009, New York City Council Deputy Majority Leader Member Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) and the Southeast Queens community will host a ceremony to rename the corner of 205th Street and Hollis Avenue to “RUN DMC JMJ WAY”. The ceremony will take place at 2pm Run D.M.C. was an influential Hip-Hop group whose members were born and/or grew up in Hollis, Queens. Founded by Joseph “DJ Run” Simmons, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and the late Jason “Jam Master J” Mizell, Run D.M.C. is considered to be one of the most important and influential artists in rap music history. Seven ground-breaking albums and countless hit singles resulted in the group paving the way for rap music to become the multi-billion dollar industry it is today. Additionally, Run D.M.C is given credit for immortalizing Hollis, Queens as one of the birth places of Hip-Hop.Run D.M.C. was inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 4,2009 in honor of their historic and successful twenty-five year career.“Given their historic accomplishments, RunD.M.C. are a tremendous source of pride for the Hollis community I represent,” stated Council Member Comrie. “Their dedication and hard work has inspired countless others and they have given back generously to this community. Most recently, Mr. McDaniels donated numerous memorabilia for the establishment of the Hollis Hip Hop Museum, which is located in the Hollis Famous Burger restaurant, owned by music executive Orville Hall, on 203rd Street and Hollis Avenue.“I have chosen the 205th Street location because it is in proximity to the museum and also is the site of a famous mural of the group’s late member, Mr. Mizell. It is my sincere hope that this street renaming, combined with the museum, will help to economically revitalize this particular neighborhood as a potential tourism attraction.”Members of the Hall of Fame group and Mr. Mizell’s family will be present to witness the unveiling and receive personal street signs from Council Member Comrie.WBLS radio personality Dr. Bob Lee and Power 105 radio personality Ed Lover will be present to emcee the ceremony