Yesterday, The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, in partnership with the office of Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo, hosted the official event celebrating the street co-naming of Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace Way, located at the intersection of St. James Place and Fulton Street in Brooklyn, where the late rapper was born and raised. The event commemorated the life and legacy of the legendary Notorious B.I.G., and his impact on music as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time. Hundreds of fans showed up to witness this historic moment, joining Biggie's closest family and friends in celebration.
Notorious B.I.G.'s mother Ms. Voletta Wallace, his children T'Yanna Wallace and Christopher Wallace Jr., Lil' Kim, Jadakiss, Lil' Cease, DJ Enuff, Damion "DRoc" Butler, Diggy Simmons, Lisa Evers, Ralph McDaniels, DJ Mister Cee, Mark Pitts, Wayne Barrow, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, NYC Council Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, NYC Council Member of the 36th District Robert E. Cornegy Jr., and NYC Council Member of the 41st District Alicka Ampry-Samuel were in attendance. The program began with Wayne Barrow, B.I.G.'s manager and Co-Chairman of The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, welcoming the crowd. Despite the heavy downpour of rain, fans showed up from across the country in support of the Notorious B.I.G. street naming. "We appreciate the overwhelming show of love and support. I know ya'll standing in the rain but that's just Biggie crying on us, happy that we're standing on this street recognizing him," said Wayne Barrow.Notorious B.I.G.'s mother, Ms. Voletta Wallace made final remarks, captivating the crowd with her emotion. She thanked all of the fans for their unwavering support and expressed appreciation for how loved her son was. She closed with a touching sentiment about always choosing love in life.
"This street is going to be a love street, people are going to come here and are going to know that a young man, my son was here," said Ms. Voletta Wallace.
The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation was founded in 1997 by Ms. Voletta Wallace; the mother of the late Christopher G.L. Wallace, a.k.a the NOTORIOUS B.I.G. Christopher G.L. Wallace was killed on March 9, 1997 in Los Angeles California. The expressed purpose of The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation is to serve as a vehicle for giving back to the community. As a non-profit organization, its primary target will be in the field of education. Where academics are concerned B.I.G. is an acronym for "Books Instead of Guns." Through love, admiration and dedication, the CWMF thrives towards its goals and through the support of its contributors the growth of educational success will be FOREVER B.I.G.
Photo: City Council members and Notorious B.I.G.'s closest family and friends proudly display the new sign at The Notorious B.I.G. Street Naming Event.
Photo credit: Mychal Watts/Getty Images
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