Long Live The Dog: Yonkers Moves To Rename School Street Corner For DMX
Yonkers is officially moving forward with honoring DMX by renaming a street corner in his hometown as “Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons Way.” A public hearing on the proposal was held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The Yonkers City Council formally passed the resolution that was sucussfully spearheaded by Yonkers Councilwoman Tasha Diaz, who has represented District 3—which includes School and Brook Streets—since January 2020.
“DMX was a rapper, actor, humanitarian to the community, and a legend!, I spearheaded the resolution, answering calls from the local community and the Simmons family, because DMX gave hope to many. He is proof of what happens when you continue to push forward no matter where you come from, or what you’ve been through.” Councilwoman Diaz shared with Black Westchester. “The Bible tells us ‘Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone,’ DMX is an inspiration to many, he proved your trials and tribulations do not have to be the end of your story!”
DMX’s connection to School Street (Building 80) is legendary in Yonkers. In songs such as “School Street” (the second track on DMX’s fourth album, The Great Depression, released in 2001) and “Look Thru My Eyes” (the fifth track on DMX’s legendary 1998 debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot), he referenced the neighborhood that helped shape both his life and career. A large mural honoring him already stands on School Street near the housing complex, known as ‘The Home Of The Brave,’ where he once lived.
“I’m so glad my colleague, Councilwoman Diaz, introduced the street-renaming legislation on behalf of DMX and his estate, and I’m even happier to have supported it. School Street and Brook Street will now be Earl DMX Simmons Way. Earl was an icon in this city and around the world, but beyond his legendary impact, he was one of the most authentic people you could ever meet. He touched countless lives through his music, his faith, and his unwavering honesty. This honor is well deserved, and he deserves so much more. Long live the legacy of DMX,” Majority Whip Councilwoman Deana Norman (District 1) shared with Black Westchester.
The effort is the culmination of years of community advocacy. Shortly after DMX’s passing in April 2021, Yonkers officials discussed several ways to honor the rap icon, including a 35-by-22-foot mural, behind 55 School St., created in July 2021 by artist Floyd Simmons. The street renaming appears to be the city’s latest step in permanently recognizing one of YO’s most famous sons.
Born in Mount Vernon but bred in Yonkers from the age of five, the emcee known for hits like the gritty street manifesto “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” traveled the world, sold over 74 million records worldwide, starred in films, inspired a generation of artists, and proudly carried the name of Yonkers wherever he went. Yet no matter how far Earl “DMX” Simmons traveled, his heart never left School Street. He never forgot the city that shaped him, the struggles that molded him, or the people who embraced him long before the fame. From platinum albums and sold-out arenas to Hollywood screens and global stages, DMX remained one of Yonkers’ most authentic ambassadors.
Now, five years after his passing, Yonkers is ensuring that one of its favorite sons will never be forgotten. The Yonkers City Council has officially approved the honorary renaming of the corner of School Street and Brooke Street as “Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons Way,” a fitting tribute located in the neighborhood where X grew up. For the City of Yonkers, this is more than a street sign—it is a permanent reminder that a young man from the projects who overcame unimaginable obstacles went on to become a global icon while proudly representing his hometown every step of the way.
“This street renaming serves as a lasting tribute to a son of our city, a reminder of his generosity, his authenticity, and the pride he carried for his community every day. DMX was a proud Yonkers native whose impact reached far beyond music. He faced challenges throughout his life, but he never forgot where he came from and never stopped showing love for this city. Whether he was helping families through Thanksgiving turkey drives or stopping by the Nepperhan Community Center to connect with residents, DMX remained deeply committed to the people of Yonkers. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations who walk these streets and call Yonkers home.” Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano shared with Black Westchester.
As Yonkers prepares to officially unveil Earl “DMX” Simmons Way, the street sign will represent far more than a tribute to a legendary rapper. It stands as a symbol of what is possible when someone refuses to let their circumstances define their destiny. DMX’s story was never perfect, but it was real. He gave voice to pain, struggle, redemption, faith, and perseverance in a way that resonated with millions around the world. Through every triumph and every setback, he remained unapologetically himself—a quality that made him one of the most beloved and respected figures in Hip-Hop history.
The official street renaming will take place on Tuesday, June 12th, at 2:30 PM. The proposed honorary street renaming covers the corner of School Street and Brooke Street—a location with deep significance because it is near the School Street housing complex, where DMX spent part of his childhood.
For the City of Yonkers, this honor is a long-overdue recognition of a hometown hero who never stopped putting the city on his back. Long before social media made it fashionable to represent where you’re from, DMX proudly shouted out Yonkers on records, in interviews, and on stages across the globe. He turned a city often overlooked by outsiders into a name known around the world. While countless artists achieved success and moved on, X carried Yonkers with him everywhere he went.
Years from now, young people walking past the corner of School Street and Brooke Street may not have witnessed DMX dominate the charts, sell out arenas, or redefine Hip-Hop with his unmistakable bark and raw honesty. But they will see his name and hopefully learn his story. They will learn that a kid from Yonkers rose from adversity to become a cultural icon, proving that greatness can come from any neighborhood. And in that way, Earl “DMX” Simmons Way is more than a street designation—it is a permanent reminder that legends may leave us, but their impact continues to guide the communities that helped create them. As Yonkers honors one of its favorite sons, it also ensures that the legacy of DMX will forever have a home where it all began.
