VKemba Walker, born on May 8, 1990, is a dynamic NBA point guard known for his quickness, ball handling skills, and clutch performances. Hailing from The Bronx, New York, Walker played college basketball at the University of Connecticut, where he led the Huskies to an NCAA Championship in 2011. Selected by the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) as the 9th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Walker quickly established himself as one of the league’s top guards, earning multiple All-Star selections during his tenure with the Hornets. In 2019, he joined the Boston Celtics, bringing his scoring ability and leadership to the historic franchise. Walker’s relentless work ethic and passion for the game have made him a fan favorite and a respected competitor in the NBA.
Luis Martínez, known to the WWE Universe as Damian Priest, is a WWE Superstar and world-class performer and athlete. Moving to New York from Puerto Rico at a young age, Martínez’s father owned several martial arts schools throughout the Bronx community where he trained day in and day out to master his skills in combat sports. A lifelong fan of WWE, Martínez’s dream became a reality when he signed with the sports and entertainment powerhouse in 2018.
Never forgetting his Bronx roots, the 6′5″ WWE Superstar now captivates audiences around the world through his undeniable presence and strength. A former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, United States Champion, NXT North American Champion and multi-time Tag Team Champion, there is no stopping Martínez on his path to greatness. Making a name for himself, Martínez proudly served as an Ambassador for the 2022 NYC Puerto Rican Day Parade and was named an ESPY finalist in 2021 for Best WWE Moment.
Through acclaimed matches alongside GRAMMY award-winning recording artist Bad Bunny, iconic in-ring moments on WWE’s grandest stage at WrestleMania, show stopping performances in front of sold-out crowds across the globe and so much more, Martínez’s storybook legacy is just beginning.
Bronx-born and raised, Judy Torres, dubbed by her fans as the “Queen of Freestyle,” is still going strong and is as successful as ever! She now celebrates her 38th year as a recording artist and her 26th year as a radio personality on NY’s WKTU, where she can be heard every weekend. Judy is best known for her popular freestyle hit songs, No Reason to Cry, Come Into My Arms, Love You Will You Love Me, and the EDM hit remake, Faithfully. And in 2022, she released her first Spanish salsa single entitled Aléjate!
Acting is also a huge passion for Ms. Torres. Throughout the years, Judy has been seen in award-winning films such as Elliott Loves, Fists of Love and was also off-Broadway as Aunt Toni Ann in the longest running off-Broadway show, My Big Gay Italian Wedding. She even debuted on television on CBS’s highly rated show Blue Bloods, where she played Mimi Martinez!
In 2021, Judy successfully wrote and performed “No Reason to Cry - the One Woman Show by Judy Torres” at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater in Broadway’s Theater District. What was supposed to be a one weekend performance turned into a four-month run - every single show SOLD OUT!! In 2024, Judy played the lead as Carmen Rodriguez in the Theatrical Concert, I Like It Like That on November 2, 2024, at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. Last year Judy played Carmen Rodriguez in the sold-out performance of I Like It Like That, which is planning to go on tour this year. And, for the first time in 2024, Judy can now add “Producer” to her resume, producing the play, Freestyle, A Love Story, which will be debuting in the spring of 2025.
At the blossoming age of 56, Judy landed a modeling contract with Liz J Models, and this year another modeling contract with Seasoned Models.
What many don’t know is that Judy is also a TEDx Speaker, with her speech entitled, You Are NOT on Clearance, intended to remind others of their great self-worth! And with all this life experience, Judy decided it was time to pay it forward, has now been a Certified Master Life Coach for almost 7 years. She now coaches privately, conducts group empowering workshops and does motivational speaking in her spare time. Judy sees herself as, simply, a communicator, whose purpose is to inspire, encourage and empower others!
Devon Rodriguez is a New York-based artist, content creator, and storyteller who has redefined the intersection of art and human connection. Raised in Mott Haven, South Bronx, Devon developed a deep appreciation for the people and energy of his city, which continues to inspire his work today.
He first gained global recognition for his hyper-realistic subway portraits, capturing unsuspecting commuters in fleeting moments of everyday life. What began as a passion for sketching strangers on the NYC subway has since evolved into a worldwide movement—Devon now travels the globe, painting and drawing strangers while interviewing them, sharing their stories, and spreading joy and humanity through his art.
His ability to blend traditional artistry with digital storytelling has led to viral success, amassing over 61 million followers across all platforms and garnering billions of views. His impact has caught the attention of major cultural and political figures, leading to collaborations with Oprah Winfrey and Joe Biden.
Beyond his viral portraits, Devon’s limited-edition watercolor series—painted in iconic locations around the world—consistently sell out. His artwork resonates deeply with collectors, as each piece is more than just a painting—it’s a story, a moment in time, and a celebration of place and culture. His influence in the fine art world continues to grow, with one of his paintings auctioning at Phillips for $22,680.
From New York to Tokyo, Cartagena to Puerto Rico, Rome to Bangkok, Devon captures the essence of people and places, turning everyday moments into timeless works of art. His journey from sketching subway riders to painting strangers across continents is a testament to his creativity, resilience, and unwavering mission: to use art as a bridge for connection, storytelling, and human kindness.
Gary hosts BronxTalk, the borough’s flagship talk show on BronxNet cable television. Since its debut in October 1994, Gary’s hosted 1,500 weekly editions, including more than 100 political debates, and numerous programs on education, crime and policing, youth, parks, healthcare, arts and culture, community issues, and more.
He also hosts The Bronx Buzz on BronxNet, a weekly reporter’s roundtable that debuted in March 2016 and he teaches TV performance in BronxNet’s Education Department.
In February 2024 Gary debuted the monthly The Bronx Music Podcast – with Gary Axelbank, a unique study of the vast expanse of Bronx music that is conducted in front of a live audience.
He began his media career in 1976 as a radio DJ, working at stations in Maryland and Delaware. He was at WRNW in Briarcliff Manor, NY where he worked with and ultimately succeeded Howard Stern as program director, and he was a late-night DJ at WDHA in Dover, NJ.
Gary attended public schools in the Bronx and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Lehman College. He and his wife Suzanne are lifelong residents of Van Cortlandt Village in the Bronx and have two adult children, their daughter-in-law, and their granddaughter.
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Thank you to the New York State Department of State for supporting the new Bronx Walk of Fame app, signs, and website.
