Barbara Hillary Day

By Juvie Anne Alfeche, RISE Public Programs Coordinator

On Thursday, June 12, community members, students, and local leaders gathered at RISE Educational Garden and Native Plant Nursery to celebrate the life and legacy of Barbara Hillary.

Who was Barbara Hillary? A longtime resident of Arverne, Hillary made history as the first African American woman to reach both the North Pole and the South Pole. Beyond her adventurous spirit, she was a devoted community activist and tireless advocate for improving life across the Rockaway peninsula.

As a tribute to her achievements, RISE commissioned artist/petroglyphist Kevin Sudeith to create a sculpture rock in Hillary’s likeness, now featured in the garden next to Coastal Conservation Center. The sculpture depicts her standing on skis, with the milestone dates of her polar expeditions engraved on them. There is also a polar bear, a penguin, and some spirals.

To ensure her legacy continues to inspire future generations, RISE successfully petitioned to designate June 12, the anniversary of her birth, as Barbara Hillary Day. The celebration featured special guests, including New York City Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, who unveiled an official citation recognizing Hillary’s contributions to her community. In a moving announcement, the council member also shared plans to name a local street in Hillary’s honor, ensuring her name will be a permanent part of the Rockaways.

Second-and third-grade students from P.S. 106Q Lighthouse Elementary School joined the ceremony and had a chance to tour the recently established nursery. The celebration included a joyful “plant dance” with Brooks-Powers and a hands-on flower planting activity, allowing each student to take home a piece of the garden in honor of Hillary’s legacy of care and growth.

RISE wants to thank the councilwoman, Joseph Edwards from U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks’ office, the educators and students from P.S. 106Q, and the community members who came together to honor Hillary. Her spirit of resilience, courage, and community service continues to bloom in the Rockaways.