A section of Edson Avenue in the Bronx was co-named “Marvin E. Mayfield, Jr. Way” on Saturday, April 19, 2025, during a ceremony held outside Woods Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church to honor the late Marvin E. Mayfield, Jr.—a veteran, father, husband, and longtime advocate for justice.
The event, which took place at the corner of Edson Avenue and the New England Thruway, featured musical selections, spiritual reflections, remarks from elected officials, a community blessing, and the unveiling of the new street sign.
Rev. Edith R. Mayfield, Associate Minister at Mother Walls A.M.E. Zion Church, served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Musical guests included The ChoZen Generation Band.
Speakers and participants included Evangelist Patricia Ralph, community neighbor; DeAnna Hoskins, President and CEO of JustLeadershipUSA; David Condliffe, Executive Director of the Center for Community Alternatives; Council Member Kevin C. Riley; Speaker Carl E. Heastie; State Senator Jamaal E. Bailey; Beatriz Coronel, Chair of Bronx Community Board 12; and Rev. Andrew W. Teagle, Jr., Pastor of Mother Walls A.M.E. Zion Church.
Marvin E. Mayfield, Jr. was born in Brooklyn in 1961 and used his life experiences—including incarceration, military service, and artistic talent—to advance a vision for justice. A graduate of NYU’s Prison Education Program and Columbia University’s Justice-in-Education Initiative, Mayfield led campaigns for bail and discovery reform, Clean Slate legislation, parole justice, and sentencing reform. From 2020 to 2023, he served as Director of Organizing at the Center for Community Alternatives and was a key architect of the Communities Not Cages campaign.
In addition to his advocacy, Mayfield was an active leader at Woods Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
The ceremony concluded with a balloon release and reflections from family, elected officials, and community members.
