Friends, family, and community leaders came together on Nov. 15 to celebrate Mavis Myers, a beloved East New York trailblazer who marked her 100th birthday surrounded by generations of residents she has uplifted through decades of service.
The celebration, held at Phaze 2 Event Space in Canarsie, reflected the deep respect and admiration Myers has earned as a champion for her neighborhood.
New York State Assemblymember Nikki Lucas presented a proclamation recognizing Myers’ legacy of leadership, while representatives for state Senator Roxanne Persaud, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and City Council Member Chris Banks shared additional citations.
"Mrs. Myers represents the very best of our community," said Lucas. "Her fearless leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her neighbors have made East New York a better place for all who live here. As she reaches this incredible centennial milestone, we celebrate not just her years, but the countless lives she has touched."
Born Nov. 1, 1925, in Limón, Costa Rica, Myers is a founding member of the Georgia Avenue Block Association. She gained recognition for her fearless organizing during the crack epidemic of the late 1980s and 1990s, helping neighbors unite to take back their streets.
Her lasting impact is visible at Georgia and New Lots Avenues, where she helped transform a long-neglected lot into the Georgia Avenue Community Garden. Today, the flourishing garden continues to provide fresh produce and is supported by the New York City Parks Department.
For her daughter, Nelinda Myers, witnessing the outpouring of appreciation was especially meaningful.
The younger Myers said her mother always believed community is something people actively build together and that true change only happens when someone is willing to show up and do the work.
"My mother taught me that community isn't just where you live, it's what you build together," Nelinda Myers said.
Myers’ commitment stretched well beyond her block. As a bilingual poll worker, she ensured Spanish-speaking residents could participate in local elections.
She was active in the Democratic Club, working alongside community leaders such as DeCosta Headley, Ed Griffiths and Diane Gordon to strengthen civic engagement. She also championed senior advocacy as president of the Penn Wortman Older Adult Center, where she worked to keep older adults connected and engaged in community life.
Though illness has limited her recent participation, her impact endures. Myers' leadership continues to guide new generations of organizers, serving as a reminder of what one person, with courage, care and commitment, can build in East New York and beyond.
