Detroit’s City Council is set to meet on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to choose five honorary secondary street signs from a pool of twenty nominees. These blue signs, placed above or below a street’s official name, serve as a lasting tribute to Detroiters who have made a lasting impact on the city’s culture, journalism, education and public service.
New nominees join the roll‑over list
Three new candidates are in the running this year: Motown legend Melvin Franklin, award‑winning journalist Luther “Badman” Keith, and longtime education advocate Tyrone Winfrey, Sr. The remaining seventeen nominees have been carried over from previous years, a practice Detroit uniquely allows among major U.S. cities.
Nominee highlights
Melvin Franklin was a founding member of The Temptations, the Motown group that helped define the city’s musical legacy. Franklin’s granddaughter, Detroit resident Nakira Jordan, said the honorary sign would help preserve his legacy on Clairmount Avenue, where he grew up.
Luther Keith spent 35 years at The Detroit News, becoming the paper’s first Black sportswriter and later founding ARISE Detroit! to mentor young journalists and promote volunteerism. His daughter, attorney Erin Keith, suggested placing his sign at the intersection of Livernois Avenue and Eight Mile Road, near the historic Baker’s Keyboard Lounge where Keith performed.
Tyrone Winfrey, Sr. devoted his career to expanding higher‑education opportunities for Detroit youth. He served on the Detroit Board of Education, led the Education Achievement Authority, and worked as director of community affairs for the Detroit Public Schools Community District. His wife, City Clerk Janice Winfrey, praised his lifelong commitment to the city’s children.
Process and possible changes
The city initially received 22 applications, but one withdrew and another—Henry “Blaze” Marzette, a former police officer turned drug dealer—was removed by the planning and economic development committee. Council will consider whether to adopt a one‑year moratorium on new applications for 2027, a proposal put forward by District 4 Council Member Latisha Johnson. Johnson argues the growing backlog makes it difficult to manage the process and suggests a streamlined approach could improve fairness.
If the moratorium passes, no new applications would be accepted in 2027, though existing roll‑over nominations could still be considered. Johnson’s resolution has been referred back to the planning and economic development committee for further discussion at its Nov. 12 meeting.
Community response
Many family members and community leaders expressed pride in the nominations. Michigan state Rep. Morgan Foreman, Franklin’s granddaughter, noted that “Detroit gave the world a soundtrack,” and that honoring her grandfather at home reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage. Others highlighted the importance of recognizing everyday heroes who have shaped Detroit’s neighborhoods.
Historic Preservation Planner Janice Tillmon, who previously urged the council to limit applications and raise the annual cap, noted that Detroit’s current system—allowing roll‑overs and a low cap—makes the selection process highly competitive.
What’s next?
After the council’s vote on Nov. 10, the selected honorees will see their signs installed later this month. The city will also continue to evaluate the nomination process, balancing the desire to celebrate Detroit’s storied residents with the practical need for an efficient, transparent system.
Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.
