“Bill Duke Way”: A Hollywood Legend Honored in Poughkeepsie

Good afternoon, Poughkeepsie.

In today’s Poughkeepsie Weekly:

• Bill Duke Way 🎥 

• Maifest 🍻 

• Pride in the Sky 🏳️‍🌈 

Let’s get to it.

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THE DIGEST

Film legend Bill Duke comes home to Poughkeepsie as Fallkill Ave is officially designated “Bill Duke Way” in honor of his accomplishments. Born in the Town of Poughkeepsie, Duke's remarkable journey from local roots to Hollywood icon is now etched into the streets of his hometown.

Bill Duke’s journey from Poughkeepsie to the heights of Hollywood is one of resilience, talent, and quiet triumph over injustice. As a child growing up in a working-class Black family in the Town of Poughkeepsie, Duke faced racism from an early age, he recalls being taunted and beaten on his first day at Violet Avenue Elementary School simply for being Black. Those painful early experiences shaped his perspective and later his work. But even amid hardship, Duke found champions. One of the most pivotal was Dr. James Hall, then-president of Dutchess Community College, who stepped in to help Duke stay in school when financial struggles nearly forced him to drop out. That support helped set him on a path from DCC to Boston University, NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and the American Film Institute.

Bill Duke gained recognition for his powerful screen presence in iconic films like Predator, Commando, and Menace II Society, often portraying intense and authoritative characters. Beyond acting, Duke made a significant mark as a director, known for compelling films such as Deep Cover, A Rage in Harlem, and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. He has also explored social themes through documentaries like Dark Girls and Light Girls, which examine colorism within the Black community. Duke is also a dedicated educator and advocate. He founded the Duke Media Foundation to equip young people with media and financial literacy skills and has served on national boards, including an appointment to the National Endowment for the Humanities. His work has earned him critical acclaim and lifetime achievement honors, cementing his legacy as a pioneer for African Americans in Hollywood.

As Fallkill Avenue is designated “Bill Duke Way,” his hometown honors not just a career, but a life that continues to inspire.

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Saturday

3:00 - 5:00 PM: Cookies, Conversation, & Diaper Donation at Greenvale Park.

7:30 PM: ACW Heavyweight Championship at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center.

Sunday

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Eastdale Farmers Market.

10:00 - 11:00 AM: Reiki Workshop with Donna Wacker.

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Enchanted Gardens: Fairies, Gnomes, & more at Locust Grove.

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Fourfolds Market at Stanley Still Park.

12:00 - 5:00 PM: Germania of Poughkeepsie Maifest.

3:00 PM: Let’s Sing Taylor at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center.

5:30 - 7:30 PM: Family Free Night at Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum.

CIVIL NEWS ⚖️ 

• City of Poughkeepsie Common Council Meeting - May 20th

• Town of Poughkeepsie Town Board Meeting - May 21st

School Board and Budget Vote - May 20th!

WEATHER 

Saturday

61 🌡️ 79 | ☁️

Sunday

54 🌡️ 66 | ☁️ 

Monday

50 🌡️ 57 | ☀️

SAVE THE DATE