Actor Bill Duke Presented With Street Dedication

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – Bill Duke recalls it with a nostalgic twinkle in his eyes.

“My mother and father never let me use any excuse not to succeed,” reflected the trailblazer actor, director and humanitarian Friday right outside of his 56 Fallkill Avenue, Town of Poughkeepsie childhood home.

Some of those harshest obstacles often came in the form of unbridled racism, including being called the “n” word. It was a namesake Duke found hard to digest, sometimes questioning his plight and seeking his parents’ advice on how to prevail.

“They told me it was nothing compared to some of the things I would experience in life,” reflected Duke. “They then went on to remind me that I must keep pushing on, and that really gave me the impetus to succeed.”

And persevere Duke did, taking the entertainment industry by storm, and in the process, helping carve the African-Americans’ voice, presence, and impact in Hollywood, paving the way-starting in the 1970’s- for others to have their too often elusive opportunities in the process. Dubbed the “Godfather of Black American Theatre” as well as recently being awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as Lifetime Achievement from the Director’s Guild of America, Duke added another accolade to his legendary status in the industry with Friday’s Street Dedication of his childhood Fallkill Avenue residence with the shiny new blue and white sign reading, “Bill Duke Way.”

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you; this is extra special taking place where I was raised,” said a visibly touched 82 years old, Duke, whose five decade breadth of groundbreaking movie roles includes roles in Predator, American Gigolo, and Get Rich or Die Trying; television appearances were on Black Lightening, Dallas and Fame; while directorial pieces resume is highlighted by A Rage in Harlem and The Killing Floor. “Never let anyone stop you from doing what you love,” offered Duke to the crowd in attendance outside of his nostalgic home, adding further motivating remarks: “Aspire to inspire before you expire.”

The Dedication, which included many of Duke’s family members as well as political dignitaries, was a long and intent journey incited and sponsored by Craig Smith and the Beyond the Dream Foundation, who honored the show business icon last year, as well as Town of Poughkeepsie officials. Attracting guests from Poughkeepsie and beyond, it was a unified platform, honoring a legend, with strong Dutchess County roots (Duke is also a Dutchess Community College graduate), and proud to be embraced by everyone present.

“This is a day to welcome Bill back to his hometown; it’s an extraordinary thing to welcome him back to Poughkeepsie,” said Town Supervisor, Rebecca Edwards. “This is also a day when the Town and City of Poughkeepsie can come together and share a link from the past and common path to the future.”

Also offering words of praise was Assemblyman, Jonathan Jacobson, who presented Duke with a Certificate of Commemoration from Albany on this momentous occasion. “Mr. Duke has been an inspiration to so many,” said Jacobson. “To come from humble roots and achieve so much is absolutely incredible.”

Those successes continue still for Duke in his role as founder and CEO of Duke Media Inc. His passion for movies, television and the stage is equally matched by his desire to mentor youth, a commitment he arduously pursues through the Duke Media Foundation, relaying the basics-along with art- of the filmmaking and media literacy as well as financial management skills. With all the changes evolving over his 50 plus year career in entertainment, Duke is quick to cite the one mainstay focus anyone aspiring to a career in the field should hold onto.

“Things have changed dramatically over the years, especially now with AI,” said Duke, who elaborated upon how much this sophisticated medium has altered the field. “Any young person needs to know though, it’s called ‘show business,’ so at the core it always has to be about the show, but all the while knowing it is a business.”