Town of Huntington Councilwoman Theresa Mari and Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo hosted a special Street Dedication in memory of Bishop Stephanie B. Riddle-Green. Family, friends, congregants and officials gathered at 10:00 Friday morning, August 1, 2025 on Delamere Street next to her beloved Joshua Baptist Cathedral church at 376 Broadway Greenlawn, Huntington, NY.
The Town’s invitation stated “As the first female Pastor of Joshua Baptist Cathedral and the first African-American woman consecrated as Bishop in the New York region, Bishop Riddle-Green broke barriers and uplifted countless lives through her faith, leadership, and service. Let us come together to celebrate a true pioneer in our community.”
Councilwoman Theresa Mari introduced those in attendance and shared a beautiful statement honoring the legacy of Bishop Stephanie B. Riddle-Green who began her preaching ministry at just 19 years old “guided by a deep unwavering faith.” Bishop Riddle-Green led Joshua Baptist Cathedral church for nearly 25 years, “Not only transforming leadership here in Huntington, but inspiring clergy across the country.” “Today we do more than unveil a street sign. We cement her legacy. We honor a woman whose courage and compassion healed hearts and whose spirit will forever guide this community.”
Councilman Dave Bennardo spoke from the heart. “Having known Bishop Green the way I did was kind of unique, because working through the schools I saw her at our worst times when we were struggling and needed to be closer to God. I saw her when we celebrated. I saw her when we buried children and I saw her bring Christ into our lives at those moments as the tears seemed impossible to stop. I saw her when we brought new life into our community, bringing Christ into our life as we rejoiced with her. My biggest memory is the woman was a force of nature. She was a force of energy, of compassion, of love, of spirituality and of equality.” He said “We were blessed to have her walk this earth with us.”
Danye Riddle, the Bishop’s daughter, thanked the Town and everyone who came out to honor her mother. “Anywhere she was, you knew she was there just by the energy, the sound of her voice or even in church – the praise that she had for the Lord. If she was here, this would have been a whole big to-do and she would have been so excited. I know she’s happy.”
Bishop Stephanie B. Riddle-Green’s family and young granddaughter gathered around the street sign on the corner of Delamere Street and Broadway Greenlawn. After a short countdown they pulled the cord to unveil the new white sign “Bishop Stephanie B. Riddle-Green Way” mounted at the top.
Danye shared “One thing my Mom liked to do was to laugh, dance and to have fun. So at any moment laugh, dance and have fun and you’ll be honoring her legacy.”
Photography by Diane Schaber, Videography by June Margolin.
