Detroit’s City Council voted to install five new honorary street signs honoring longtime community figures, a move that will place their names at prominent intersections across the city. The decision, reported by Bridge Detroit, follows a public hearing, extensive comment period and three rounds of voting.
Returning nominees Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg, Andrew L. Starks Sr. and Ernest Harden Jr. received strong support at the hearing. About twenty of the nearly 70 in‑person and call‑in commenters championed Steinberg, a Black radio pioneer whose 48‑hour broadcast during the 1967 rebellion is credited by some with helping to calm the city. “If it wasn’t for the Queen, I swear to God, I don’t know where I’d be,” said Rico Jackson, a 56‑year‑old resident, adding that Steinberg taught him to “love God for myself.” Steinberg’s sign will be installed at the intersection of Monica Street and Grand River Avenue in District 7.
Starks, a centenarian and one of the first Black pilots licensed at Detroit City Airport, was praised for buying vacant properties during the 1970s “white flight” and selling them below market to foster homeownership. Neighbor Rose Jones recalled watching Starks work for decades, describing him as “a gentle giant and quiet mover.” His sign will appear at St. Patrick and Gunston avenues in District 4.
Actor Ernest Harden Jr., 73, known for Emmy‑winning work on the medical drama “The Pitt” and appearances on classic shows such as The Jeffersons, also received a sign. Harden’s contributions to arts programming and mentorship in Detroit were noted in official committee documents. His sign will be placed at St. Aubin and Cody streets in District 3.
First‑time nominees include education advocate Tyrone Winfrey Sr. and award‑winning Detroit News reporter Luther “Bad Man” Keith. Winfrey’s work with youth, families, Detroit Public Schools, the University of Michigan and Greater Grace Temple was highlighted by Edwina King, an associate director for legislative affairs, who called the sign “a symbol of gratitude, a testament of service.” His sign will be at Pickford and Indiana avenues in District 3. Keith, praised posthumously by former police commissioner William Davis as an “outstanding Detroiter,” will be honored at Livernois Avenue and Eight Mile.
The council also recognized the late Dr. Janese Champman, former leader of the Detroit Historic Advisory Board, for her role in shaping the secondary street‑sign program. Council President James Tate honored her memory during the meeting.
While the honors were welcomed, several council members raised concerns about the nomination process. Council Member Latisha Johnson proposed pausing secondary street signs for 2027 to consider reforms that could reduce the bottleneck of applicants. Council President Pro Tempore Coleman A. Young II questioned the ordinance’s five‑year carry‑over limit for nominees. Johnson assured residents that a review of the process is already underway.
What’s next: The council will continue to evaluate proposals to amend the secondary street‑sign selection ordinance, with any changes expected to be discussed in upcoming sessions before the 2027 pause, if approved.
Sources: bridgedetroit.com
