By Bill Parry
A street in Astoria was co-named last week to honor a newspaper that three days later turned 101. The National Herald has served the neighborhood’s Greek community since 1915 and is considered to be one of the oldest continually published dailies in the country.
“It’s a very exciting day for New York City’s Greek- and Cypriot-American community, as we officially rename 30th Street between 37th and 38th avenues National Herald Way,” City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) said. “For over a century, The National Herald has been a beacon of the progressive press, not only connecting Greek- and Cypriot-Americans to news from their home countries, but also assisting needy families here in New York City. The National Herald helps make Astoria one of the best neighborhoods in our city.”
The street sign becomes the first in the city to be spelled in the Greek alphabet, added Van Bramer, who sponsored the street co-naming. The newspaper also established the Ethnikos Kyrix Foundation, which operates a charitable fund to assist needy families in the community and supports educational and cultural endeavors spearheading civic projects like the Athens Square cultural space.
“Since its founding over 100 years ago, the newspaper has been a dedicated Greek language media outlet and one of the oldest continually published dailies in the United States,” City Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) said. “The National Herald Foundation has provided charitable services for families in need and has promoted childhood education. Its in-depth coverage of both domestic issues, as well as foreign-policy and Greece-related news, is a vital resource for our community.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
