New York City’s Central Park is naming an entrance in honor of the Central Park Five, according to ABC7.
The entrance on the north side of the park at 110th Street between Malcolm X Boulevard and Fifth Avenue will be named “Gate of the Exonerated,” after the Black and Brown five teenagers falsely accused of raping a white woman jogging in Central Park.
They were convicted in 1989 and went to prison before being exonerated
in 2002. Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Kharey Wise are now also referred to as “The Exonerated Five.”Vice President for Planning at the Central Park Conservancy Lane Addonizio said a perimeter wall at the entrance will be inscribed with “Gate of the Exonerated” and will also feature a historical sign that will include information and a QR code linking to online resources about “The Exonerated Five.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams released a statement noting the importance of recognizing all people who’ve been wrongfully convicted.
“The Gate of the Exonerated symbolizes the resiliency of the Exonerated Five and all those who have been wrongfully convicted, and serves as a lasting reminder of the grave miscarriage of justice that took place more than three decades ago,” Adams said.
“Today marks a moment of truth and reconciliation for New York City, and it’s only fitting that the most iconic park in the world tell the world this important story,” he said. “I thank the Harlem community leaders and Community Board 10, whose advocacy made this naming, the first in Central Park’s history since 1862, a reality. The Central Park Conservancy has worked alongside the Harlem community for more than 40 years, and we are proud to have helped the Gate of the Exonerated come to life in a way that emphasizes how Central Park is meant to be a place for everyone.”
An unveiling ceremony will take place in Central Park on December 19.