Esther “Star” Bishop, a school crossing guard in Bedford-Stuyvesant, has made dancing a part of her daily routine while ensuring the safety of children crossing the street. With music blasting through her headphones, Bishop can be seen shaking her hips and twirling to the beat as she controls traffic at the intersection of Saratoga Avenue and Bainbridge Street. She has been fulfilling her duties of safely escorting children for the past four years with her unique flair.
Sporting an NYPD uniform and navy glitter on her face, Bishop takes her role seriously while adding her own personal touch to it. She believes that she can serve and protect the community not only through her job but also through her love for dance. Despite her passion for dancing, Bishop makes sure that it never interferes with her responsibilities as a crossing guard. She ensures that the cars stop before she starts dancing and always puts the safety of the children first.
Having a love for dance since she was a child, Bishop sees it as a spiritual connection that she cannot contain. She views dancing as a part of her identity and a way to bring joy to those around her. While she may never get the opportunity to dance for her favorite artists like George Michael, Rihanna, or Lady Gaga, Bishop finds fulfillment in bringing happiness to the children she helps to cross the street. She views her job as a crossing guard as her true passion and remains committed to it.
For residents of Bedford-Stuyvesant like Lucero Sanchez, seeing Bishop dance on the street brings a sense of joy and excitement. Children look forward to crossing the street where Bishop is stationed because of her lively dance moves. Sanchez and others appreciate the unique touch that Bishop adds to her role as a crossing guard, making the mundane task of crossing the street more entertaining and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Bishop’s dedication to her job as a crossing guard and her love for dancing have earned her admiration from the community. Despite her love for dancing, she is clear that her true passion lies in ensuring the safety of the children she helps to cross the street. Bishop’s commitment to her job and her unique way of bringing happiness to those around her through dance make her a beloved figure in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
As she continues to dance her way through her shifts, Bishop remains focused on her duty to protect and serve the community. She has no plans to give up her job as a crossing guard, even if it means sacrificing the opportunity to dance for her favorite artists. Bishop’s infectious energy and commitment to her role make her a symbol of joy and positivity in the neighborhood, brightening the days of those around her with her unique blend of dance and duty.
