DURING her working years, Elenora Petra Bernard was regarded as a luminary within Brooklyn, New York’s socio-political circles.

Perhaps drawing from her own experiences in the borough when she migrated from TT to the US at 16, Bernard advocated fearlessly for minority groups, particularly within the construction sector, where many of them had found work.

In fact, at one time, she was reputed to be one of the first small, black female contractors in New York.

In so doing, Bernard was not only respected by those for whom she advocated but also among politicians, other top public officials, social activists and community leaders.

Today, more than a year after Bernard, 78, was found murdered in her New York apartment, a street has been named in her honour as an enduring testament to her contribution and legacy.

The ceremony, which was held on August 5, was hosted by New York City Council member Farah Louis in collaboration with the Bernard and Edwards families.

It was held at the corner of Church Avenue and East 45th Street, Flatbush, Brooklyn, following a service at the God Battalion Church, Linden Boulevard.

Among the attendees were prominent political figures, including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and New York State Attorney General Leticia James, both of whom delivered remarks.

Former independent senator Dr Lennox Bernard, her brother, told Sunday Newsday his late sister was always drawn to politics and advocacy.

“My sister was a political animal from an early age,” he said.

Even after she had migrated, he recalled, “she had to be briefed about TT’s politics.

“She read the writings of Eric Williams (TT’s first Prime Minister), CLR James and kept abreast of the political development in what she called the homeland.”

In the US, he said, his sister thrived.

[caption id="attachment_1036805" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A New York a street has been named in Elenora Bernard's as an enduring testament to her contribution and legacy. -[/caption]

The mother of two seemed pre-occupied with promoting inclusivity and empowerment within the black communities but placed special emphasis on female business contractors.

Her mission, he believes, was to offer a lifeline to those who felt they were rejected by society.

For the most part she fulfilled that mission and the people whose lives she touched responded in kind, he said.

But he believes it was her love and trust in people that led to her death.

“She offered help to the weary but in the end it was abused.”

Bernard was attacked at her East 45th Street home on July 23, 2022 and died at hospital. Her attacker had called an ambulance. A former male worker has been charged with second degree murder by asphyxiation and is in prison.

New York Mayor Eric Adams, Attorney General Letitia Adams and politicians Kevin Parker, Nick Perry and Jamali Williams attended her memorial service.

Her brother, who retired as head of the University of the West Indies – Open Campus, said he was devastated by his sister’s tragic death.

“She did not deser