On Friday, November 15, a park located at the corner of Lemke and Rockland Places in New Rochelle, N.Y. was renamed forever as JAMES C. STOWE PARK. A highly accomplished individual who served in the U.S. Air Force and earned advanced degrees from both the New York Institute of Technology and New York University, James Stowe had a successful career as a managing director at a major chemical corporation. Once retired, James Stowe served the community of New Rochelle by volunteering for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment and then by being elected to the position of District 3 Councilman, a position he held for 7 years.

On the City Council, James Stowe was a forceful and fearless advocate for the people of the Third District and a powerful voice for social justice and equality. He played an especially critical role in promoting affordable housing development and in creating new opportunities for young people, and was also fully engaged in all of the major challenges and choices that shape New Rochelle.

James Stowe passed away suddenly in 2010, but his legacy lives on as was manifested by the recent successful campaign to rename the park in his honor. This movement was mounted by current District 3 Councilman David Peters, the historic homeowners associations of Rochelle Heights and Rochelle Park, and a host of other supporters.

The well attended outside ceremony at the James C. Stowe Park was followed by an indoor reception that included remarks from Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert; Councilman Peters; Parks and Recreation Commissioner Vince Parise; James Stowe’s brother, Edward Stowe Sr.; Jacqueline Graham-Mills; and Sheila E. Small, Esq. James Stowe’s widow, Mrs. Roxie Stowe, joyfully shared anecdotes about the many times that her husband’s constituents would come to their home and present to him their issues and plans for change. “Jimmy used to say, ‘Y’all talk about it, come on let’s get it done!’”

The full ceremony can be viewed here.