Senate Resolution No. 2859

BY: Senator RIVERA

MOURNING the death of Carmen Vega-Rivera,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her
community

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body,
representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to
pay tribute to an influential woman of unrelenting dedication and
righteousness whose public service and countless accomplishments will
forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, Carmen Vega-Rivera, a true pillar in her community of the
Bronx, New York, died on December 15, 2019, at the age of 65; and

WHEREAS, A long-time tenant champion and 40-year Bronx resident,
Carmen Vega-Rivera's career in housing advocacy began after running out
of options in a battle against her own difficult landlord more than a
decade ago; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised on the Lower East Side, Carmen Vega-Rivera
made her way uptown while pursuing a career as an artist, art curator,
and educator in Harlem and the Bronx; and

WHEREAS, Carmen Vega-Rivera was the founder of Atabey Collaborative,
an organization which provides development assistance for non-profit
arts and education institutions; she also served as President of her
Tenant Association at 888 Grand Concourse, and as a member of the Board
of Directors for Hostos Community College Foundation; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Carmen Vega-Rivera spent nearly four decades supporting such
notable organizations as Say Yes to Education; the East Harlem Tutorial
Program; the Bronx Museum of the Arts; Community Action for Safe
Apartments, a project of New Settlement Apartments; and an abundance of
other institutions in the fight for justice and equality; and

WHEREAS, Carmen Vega-Rivera had a profound commitment to prevent
displacement by reforming housing court and fighting for Right To
Counsel; and

WHEREAS, Carmen Vega-Rivera was active with the Bronx Coalition for
a Community Vision (BxCCV), and most recently sat on the Jerome Avenue
Public Health Taskforce; and

WHEREAS, As a Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA) Tenant
Leader, Carmen Vega-Rivera played a crucial role in the struggle to
protect local businesses and make affordable housing a part of the
Jerome Avenue rezoning plan; she also stood on the front lines of the
campaign, defending those who have been marginalized; and

WHEREAS, Carmen Vega-Rivera's commitment to excellence and her
spirit of humanity carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; her spirit and persistence were
contagious, her passion endless, and her commitment to the Bronx was

deep; she will truly be missed by all those lucky enough to have known
her; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman is survived by her husband, two
children, five grandchildren, and a great-grandson; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Carmen Vega-Rivera leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Carmen Vega-Rivera, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Carmen Vega-Rivera.