The big day is coming! On May 11th at noon, the official street naming for Jack Kirby Way will take place at the intersection of Delancey and Essex Streets. This is just a few block from where Jack Kirby grew up on Essex Street, and also happens to be a very busy and prominent corner. The entire block of Essex Street between Delancey and Rivington will henceforth be known as Jack Kirby Way! A website has been set up with more information.
Roy Schwartz, the historian who helped make this street naming possible, announced it on his social media.
IN 4 MONDAYS–join us for the JACK KIRBY WAY street naming!
May 11, 12pm, corner of Essex & Delancey Sts, NYC.
More information at https://t.co/ozoWavhmHw.
Plase help us spread the word and share this post!@jackkirbycomics @Kirby4Heroes @KirbyKrackleArt @JackKirbyMuseum #kirby pic.twitter.com/jx8ZrBq04h
— Roy Schwartz (@RealRoySchwartz) April 13, 2026
As we’ve previously reported, this has been a decades-long quest to get The King’s birthplace recognized as a historical landmark. It took Schwartz’s connections – he is on the board of the American Jewish Historical Society – and political savvy to make it happen. And we are all extremely grateful!
The actual event is sure to be a gala for the local comics community and Kirby’s family. And you know The Beat team will be there to celebrate in style!
The street sign is sure to become a pilgrimage spot for comics lovers visiting Manhattan. As a bonus, our favorite sandwich shop is next door and maybe if The Beat like you she’ll tell you where it is – no TikTok lines at this place!
Jack Kirby was born in 1917 on the Lower East Side and lived in Brooklyn and Long Island as he married and raised a family. He relocated to Southern California in 1969, but he never lost his New York accent. In his career partnering with Joe Simon and Stan Lee and solo he is credited with creating or co-creating Captain America, The Newsboy Legion, the X-men, Thor, the Hulk, Black Panther, Darkseid, Doctor Doom, the Eternals, Destroyer Duck, and dozens more. He was an indefatigable visionary whose creativity stands at the very core of American comics. And now his legacy will be a part of New York City in perpetuity.
Like this:
Loading…
