Local Activist Leaves Lasting Legacy After Prolonged Illness, Deborah Masters, Sculptor and Environmental Advocate for Brooklyn, Passes Away at 74.
Deborah Masters, a renowned sculptor and pioneering environmental advocate for North Brooklyn, has passed away after a prolonged illness. Born Dionysia Kokkinos, she was 74 when her life came to an end on December 6th.
Masters played a pivotal role in spearheading the early environmental advocacy movement that led to numerous environmental protections New Yorkers enjoy today. Her unwavering dedication and perseverance in addressing issues like pollution, gentrification, and housing affordability made her a formidable force for change.
A true community leader, Masters was known for rallying support from residents and building coalitions with local officials to push back against discriminatory policies and practices. Her influence extended beyond Brooklyn's borders as she worked tirelessly to protect the interests of low-income communities and communities of color who were disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices.
Masters' work in the community earned her recognition and respect from city leaders, including former City Council member Ken Fisher, who described her as "at the forefront of a movement to force the recognition of poor communities." Her efforts helped pave the way for landmark legislation like the Loft Law, which provided much-needed protections for artists living in converted warehouses.
Throughout her career, Masters' art continued to reflect her passion and commitment to social justice. Two of her large-scale pieces have become permanent fixtures in New York City: a 350-foot series of painted relief sculptures depicting everyday scenes from around Brooklyn at JFK Terminal Four, and the 1,260-square foot "Coney Island Reliefs" along the Ocean Parkway viaduct.
Masters' legacy extends beyond her own work. Her husband Geoff Wilcox has turned their studio in Chatham, New York into a gallery showcasing her art career and hosting exhibitions featuring the work of her friends. A testament to her enduring impact, April 30th is now officially recognized as "Deborah Masters Day" in Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz's declaration.
As she leaves behind a lasting legacy of activism, art, and community building, Deborah Masters' spirit continues to inspire future generations of leaders and artists to follow in her footsteps.
Deborah Masters, a renowned sculptor and pioneering environmental advocate for North Brooklyn, has passed away after a prolonged illness. Born Dionysia Kokkinos, she was 74 when her life came to an end on December 6th.
Masters played a pivotal role in spearheading the early environmental advocacy movement that led to numerous environmental protections New Yorkers enjoy today. Her unwavering dedication and perseverance in addressing issues like pollution, gentrification, and housing affordability made her a formidable force for change.
A true community leader, Masters was known for rallying support from residents and building coalitions with local officials to push back against discriminatory policies and practices. Her influence extended beyond Brooklyn's borders as she worked tirelessly to protect the interests of low-income communities and communities of color who were disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices.
Masters' work in the community earned her recognition and respect from city leaders, including former City Council member Ken Fisher, who described her as "at the forefront of a movement to force the recognition of poor communities." Her efforts helped pave the way for landmark legislation like the Loft Law, which provided much-needed protections for artists living in converted warehouses.
Throughout her career, Masters' art continued to reflect her passion and commitment to social justice. Two of her large-scale pieces have become permanent fixtures in New York City: a 350-foot series of painted relief sculptures depicting everyday scenes from around Brooklyn at JFK Terminal Four, and the 1,260-square foot "Coney Island Reliefs" along the Ocean Parkway viaduct.
Masters' legacy extends beyond her own work. Her husband Geoff Wilcox has turned their studio in Chatham, New York into a gallery showcasing her art career and hosting exhibitions featuring the work of her friends. A testament to her enduring impact, April 30th is now officially recognized as "Deborah Masters Day" in Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz's declaration.
As she leaves behind a lasting legacy of activism, art, and community building, Deborah Masters' spirit continues to inspire future generations of leaders and artists to follow in her footsteps.
sad news about Deborah Masters 
She was truly an icon for the environmental movement and a shining example of how one person can make a huge difference in their community. I mean, she was only 74 but had lived an incredible life and left behind a legacy that will keep on inspiring people for years to come 
Her art and activism will always be remembered as a symbol of what it means to stand up for what's right and fight for the causes you believe in 
It's amazing how her work paved the way for landmark legislation like the Loft Law, and I'm so grateful that her husband is keeping her legacy alive by turning their studio into a gallery showcasing her art career 
she's left behind so much more than just sculptures and a legacy... she's changed the game for Brooklynites, especially low-income communities. gonna keep celebrating her life every april 30th 
, she left an indelible mark on the community 
... i remember when she first started pushing for environmental protections back in the day 
... it was a lonely fight at times, but deborah never gave up 
... april 30th is now an official holiday in brooklyn, thats amazing 
... we need more people like deborah masters, who are willing to take a stand for what they believe in 
... but also super inspiring! 74 is old for someone who was still fighting the good fight 
... it's like she's still with us, spreading love and justice 
she was like super old 74 but still fighting for the environment and stuff my grandma would be so proud 
I wonder how did she get started with that? was it like a childhood experience or something? I also love that her art is still out there in NYC, I wanna see those sculptures 
u gotta feel bad 4 deborah masters 
she was like a true legend in brooklyn 
i remember hearing about her loft law wins back in the day 
i'm def gonna check out that gallery in chatham nyc 
& see some of her art i heard her sculptures r like, WHOA