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City Council OKs street signs for civil rights, religious, business, entertainment figures

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 7:29 GMT by Detroit Free Press
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Detroit City Council Names Five Streets After Local Legends, Cementing Community Heritage

On Thursday, the Detroit City Council approved a landmark decision to name five new street segments after five distinguished residents who have left an indelible mark on the city’s history. The vote, which passed 10‑2, reflects Detroit’s ongoing effort to celebrate the diverse figures who have shaped the Motor City’s cultural, civic, and economic landscape. The new street names—Grace Jones Way, Michael “Bubba” Smith Boulevard, Dr. Lillian M. Williams Avenue, Samir Patel Drive, and Rosa A. Lopez Trail—will be added to the city’s master plan over the next year, with signage installation slated for 2026.

Who Are the Honorees?

The council’s resolution highlighted how each individual not only achieved personal success but also forged pathways for community advancement. City officials stressed that naming streets after these figures would serve as daily reminders of Detroit’s resilience and the power of local leadership.

The Naming Process

Detroit’s street‑naming procedure is a collaborative effort involving the City Clerk’s Office, the Planning & Development Department, and community advisory committees. According to a council memo, the process begins with a public nomination, followed by a rigorous review that considers historical significance, community impact, and potential conflicts with existing names. After a public comment period—lasting 30 days— the council votes on the proposal.

“We are committed to ensuring that the names we choose reflect Detroit’s rich tapestry of stories,” said Councilmember Elena Ramirez, one of the votes in favor. “These five individuals exemplify the civic pride and innovation that define our city.”

The council also referenced a precedent: in 2023, the city named a street after Dr. James P. B. Williams, the inventor of the first affordable air‑conditioning unit in Detroit. That decision set a model for community input, a standard that will guide the new five names.

Community Reception

The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from local residents and community leaders. A crowd gathered outside City Hall to celebrate the decision, with a banner reading, “Detroit remembers its heroes.” Rosa Lopez’s family, who were present, expressed gratitude for the city’s recognition of her decades of volunteer work.

“It’s an honor to see the city acknowledge the grassroots efforts that have kept our neighborhoods thriving,” Lopez said. “This is not just a street sign—it’s a statement that community action matters.”

The Detroit Food Bank’s board also issued a statement praising the council’s acknowledgement of Michael “Bubba” Smith, emphasizing the importance of food security in the city’s ongoing recovery from economic downturns. “Smith’s legacy lives on every time a family receives a meal,” the statement read.

Looking Ahead

The council’s decision aligns with Detroit’s broader initiative to revitalize urban spaces and promote inclusivity. Mayor Mark DeWitt announced that the city would launch a “Street Naming for the Future” program, inviting residents to propose candidates for future naming. The program will include a dedicated website, community workshops, and a transparent selection rubric.

In addition to naming streets, the city is planning a series of murals and plaques along the new segments to further educate residents about the honorees’ histories. A partnership with the Detroit Historical Society has already been set up to curate the content, ensuring accuracy and depth.

The decision also reflects Detroit’s ongoing shift from a legacy of industrial decline toward a narrative of cultural renaissance. By embedding the stories of local leaders into the city’s infrastructure, officials hope to inspire future generations.

Additional Resources

• City Clerk’s Office – Street Naming Guidelines: The city’s official guidelines detail the steps and criteria for naming streets.
• Detroit Food Bank – History & Impact Report: A comprehensive overview of the food bank’s contributions to Detroit’s food security.
• Detroit Historical Society – Biography of Grace Jones: An in‑depth profile of Jones’s civil‑rights activism.
• Tech Hub Detroit – Samir Patel Initiative: Case studies showcasing the incubator’s success stories.

The announcement of these five new street names marks a significant moment for Detroit, honoring those who have served the city while setting a precedent for future recognition. As the city continues to evolve, these roads will stand as testaments to the enduring impact of community-driven change.