New York City officially designated a section of Brooklyn as “Little Panama Way” on Thursday, cementing a lasting tribute to the New York Panamanian heritage that has shaped Crown Heights for generations. President José Raúl Mulino and First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino attended the unveiling ceremony along Franklin Avenue, where new street signs now bear Panama’s name.
The designation follows the approval of bill No. A8904 in the New York State Assembly. A companion measure, Project S9429, is advancing through the State Senate to establish a formal Panamanian Cultural District spanning 22 blocks in the area.
New York Panamanian Heritage Anchored in Crown Heights
Community estimates place the Panamanian population in New York at around 50,000 people. For decades, families from Panama have settled in Crown Heights, opened restaurants and small businesses, and maintained cultural traditions that now define a distinct neighborhood identity.
Mulino acknowledged that legacy during the ceremony, pointing to the generations who built lives in Brooklyn while preserving their connection to Panama. He also credited local officials and community organizations for advancing the naming initiative through the legislative process.
Cultural District Plans Expand Beyond Street Signs
The street designation is one part of a broader vision. The proposed 22-block cultural district would create a concentrated hub for Panamanian-owned businesses, restaurants, and cultural programming in Brooklyn. If the Senate bill passes, the area would receive formal recognition as the Panamanian Cultural District.
During his remarks, Mulino encouraged Panamanian residents to visit their homeland with their families and to explore investment opportunities there. The invitation reflected a dual message of honoring roots abroad while strengthening ties back to Panama.
Varios tramos de la Avenida Franklin, en Crown Heights de Brooklyn – Nueva York, fueron designados oficialmente como: “Little Panamá Way”. #Noticiasradioreforma Nota:➡️https://t.co/uD3xqQ97ke pic.twitter.com/7Md8vMZdI1
— Radio Reforma ¡Se Oye¡ (@reformaseoye) September 24, 2026
Official Recognition and Next Steps
The unveiling event drew attention from both Panamanian and New York officials. The street signs along Franklin Avenue now serve as a visible marker of the community’s presence, while the pending Senate legislation could provide a more permanent institutional framework.
The push for formal recognition highlights the growing political and cultural visibility of Panamanian Americans in New York City. Community leaders have long sought acknowledgment of the neighborhood’s character, and the dual legislative efforts represent years of organizing and advocacy.
Ultimately, the Little Panama Way designation marks a milestone for a diaspora that has contributed to Brooklyn’s economy and culture while maintaining strong connections to Panama. The proposed cultural district, if finalized, would build on that foundation with dedicated spaces for business and cultural exchange.