‘Earl Moodie’s Way’ unveiled in Wakefield to honor reggae icon and community champion

A Bronx corner now bears the name of one of the borough’s most cherished cultural figures.

On Saturday, May 24, Council Member Kevin C. Riley, in partnership with the Moodie family, hosted a street co-naming ceremony and Celebration of Life in honor of Earl Moodie, Sr., an internationally acclaimed reggae artist, entrepreneur, and lifelong community advocate. The corner of White Plains Road and East 225th Street in Wakefield, where Earl once operated a store, was officially unveiled as “Earl Moodie’s Way,” drawing a lively crowd of family, friends, local leaders, and fans.

Moodie, a proud Bronx resident, was known for more than his music. He was a mentor to countless aspiring artists, a business owner whose shop became a cultural landmark, and a tireless voice for unity and progress throughout the Northeast Bronx and the Caribbean diaspora.

“Earl Moodie’s name will now live forever on these streets—where his passion for music, people, and progress came to life,” said Riley during the unveiling. “This street co-naming is more than symbolic. It’s a celebration of a man who used rhythm, voice, and vision to bring people together, and who never stopped fighting for the spirit of our community.”

Following the unveiling, the community came together for a vibrant block party filled with music, dancing, and heartfelt tributes. The event featured live performances and appearances from Moodie Records, Irie Jam Radio, DJ Madout, Air Drizzy Kicks, Concord Sound, Broadway Sound, and Ashanti Nightstorm—highlighting the rich legacy of reggae music and the communal spirit Moodie championed.

In addition to the music, civic and social service organizations including Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York and the Mosholu Preservation Corporation were on hand to share local resources and strengthen the network of community support that Moodie spent decades building.

“Moodie’s Records, the business our father founded, was originally located right here at this very corner,” said a member of the Moodie family. “For over 30 years, it was more than just a store—it was a community hub, a cultural landmark, and a space where people came to connect through music and love. Having ‘Earl Moodie’s Way’ at this exact intersection is a powerful tribute to his life’s work, and we are incredibly grateful to Council Member Riley and the entire community for making this moment possible.”

The event not only honored Moodie’s artistic legacy, Riley said, but also reinforced the borough’s commitment to recognizing and preserving Black and Caribbean cultural heritage in the Bronx.