The following is an extended version of the story that appears in our latest print edition. 

The Bronx Tourism Council, along with The Office of the Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, kicked off Bronx Week 2025 during an opening ceremony at the Bronx Museum of the Arts on May 6, with the announcement of this year’s Bronx “Walk of Fame” inductees. This year, the People’s Choice Award went to journalist, DJ, and longtime BronxNet TV host, Gary Axelbank.

 

The People’s Choice Award is an award that recognizes an outstanding Bronxite in a specific field which, this year, was the field of media and the arts. Previous years focused on such areas as health and education. “When we made it into office in early 2022, we really wanted to expand the tradition of Bronx Week by putting a spotlight on local businesses, local heroes, which is why we started the People’s Choice Award,” said Gibson, in part.

 

The borough president, herself, was recently honored by Kingsbridge Heights Community Center at a separate event in Manhattan (more to follow). Addressing those gathered amid cheers and applause from attendees and colleagues alike, Axelbank, the beloved TV host of over 30 years of various shows including “BronxTalk” and “The Bronx Buzz,” said, “This is the greatest award of my life! There will be nothing more appropriate than this award.”

Before he spoke, a brief video was screened in which the Van Cortlandt Village resident was surprised live in studio by the borough president with news of the honor as he was getting ready for the countdown to one of almost 1500 shows. Back at the ceremony, getting a plug in for his network, he added, “We’re livestreaming by the way because we want everyone to know that that’s what BronxNet does, and that’s what we do.”

 

Axelbank said he was both humbled and proud of the honor. “For someone who has dedicated his career to presenting TV programs to the people of the Bronx for three decades, this is the most wonderful honor I could possibly be given,” he said. “What makes it even more special is being the People’s Choice, because it’s the people of The Bronx who inspire me every day.”

 

Choking up with emotion at times, the seasoned pro, who has interviewed countless guests over the decades and chaired dozens of political debates, has also graciously nurtured and encouraged the next cohort of Bronx media professionals in their respective careers, including some at the Norwood News, always with a ready smile and with a good dose of humor!

Axelbank talked about how he never really knows at the end of a show if its content has resonated with audiences or not, explaining that even though he’s potentially talking to 1.4 million Bronxites, he’s looking straight into a black hole in the camera and can’t gauge people’s reaction. He said receiving the People’s Choice award felt like it was applause from those people. “The people inside that little black circle are my people,” he said.

 

He ensured to thank his “beautiful wife, Suzanne,” who was present for the occasion and joked that she “knew everything about all of you!” He also paid tribute to his work colleagues, before recounting a story of how on one very recent rainy day, a woman with a child in a stroller was carrying groceries out of the Dollar Store near Broadway when the bag broke and they scattered all over the street.

 

He said as he began to help her pick them up, other people quickly arrived on the scene, offering a new plastic bag, and putting their arms around her to ask if she was ok. “I gotta tell you, these are my people!” Axelbank said, his voice breaking. “These are the people I care about!”

He said the woman asked, “Where are all you people from? You showed up out of nowhere!” Axelbank said he replied, “They’re from The Bronx! That’s who we are; we care for each other. We take care of each other, and that’s why this is so important to me.” He later added, “The recognition includes a street sign with my name on it on the Grand Concourse, something I can barely fathom.”

 

BronxNet later released a statement, saying, “We’re thrilled to share that Gary Axelbank, a pillar of Bronx media and a beloved member of the BronxNet family, has been named the winner of the 2025 People’s Choice Award and will be inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame!”

 

It continued, “This prestigious honor was announced by Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, and the Bronx Tourism Council in recognition of Gary’s remarkable dedication to our borough.”

 

Former NBA Player Kemba Walker, WWE superstar Damian Priest, singer Judy Torres, and artist Devon Rodriguez joined Axelbank as the newest honorees on the Bronx Walk of Fame, which now totals over 125 inductees.

“Growing up in the Bronx shaped everything I am today,” said Rodriguez. “It taught me resilience, strength, and the power of hard work. This is where I learned to draw, drawing portraits on the 6 train, inspired by the people and energy around me. The Bronx didn’t just raise me; it gave me my vision.”

 

Meanwhile, Walker said, “From the blacktops of the Bronx, to the bright lights of the NBA, my journey is a testament to the power of talent, perseverance, and never forgetting where you come from. I hope my story continues to inspire the next generation to rise.”

For his part, Priest said, “To say I am honored and grateful is an understatement. I truly feel privileged to be recognized by a borough, city, and state that I love. Thank you, New York.” Finally, Torres said, “To be from the Bronx means I’ve been equipped with all I need to succeed: grit, courage, resilience & the determination to see success!”

 

In addition, “The Key to the Borough” was awarded to DJ and producer Derrick “D-Nice” Jones. Past recipients of the Key to the Borough include John Sterling and MC Sha-Rock. “From growing up in the Bronx to receiving the Key to the Borough, this moment is truly full circle,” Jones said.

He continued, “The Bronx shaped me, grounded me, and gave me the strength to dream beyond what I could see. To be honored by the place that raised me is something I hold with deep pride and gratitude. This key represents every lesson, every memory, and every part of my journey that started right here.”

 

Two Tourism Awards were also given out, one to the New York Yankees and one to the Bronx Music Hall which, as reported, held the Grand Opening last year of its recently renovated venue. They were presented by BXEDC (Bronx Economic Development Corporation) President Rob Walsh. Of the Bronx Music Hall, Walsh said, “This organization celebrates the Bronx’s rich history, and it has become a vital force in revitalizing the South Bronx in culture, in education, and community pride.”

This year, the Bronx Tourism Council Team also debuted the “Bronx Walk of Fame” app, which allows users to walk the Bronx Walk of Fame virtually. The app also notifies you if you are physically near a Bronx Walk of Fame sign. It can be found on the App Store or on Google Play.

 

According to Gibson, Bronx Week 2025 is the longest in history spanning 13 days, while this year’s slogan is “Strive and Thrive in ’25.” In recognition of Older Americans Month, among several other Bronx Week 2025 events, including a Veterans’ Appreciation Luncheon, the Annual BX Factor Pitch Competition, a Health Day, a Silent Disco, a Bankers’ Breakfast, a Labor Breakfast, and much more, Gibson hosted a heartfelt celebration on May 15 at the Villa Barone Manor in Throggsneck, honoring the “incredible lives and legacies of the Bronx’s centenarians.”

The event paid tribute to those described as Bronx “trailblazers and pioneers” who have reached the remarkable milestone of 95 years or older and who have “paved the way for future generations through their resilience, leadership, and contributions to the borough’s rich history.”

 

As part of the celebration, Gibson renewed her call for all levels of government to increase funding and support for programs serving older adults. She said this advocacy comes in light of a recent report from the Center for an Urban Future, which reveals that more older New Yorkers are living in poverty than ever before, many without retirement savings, and some even returning to the workforce to make ends meet.