Roots.

A3 | August 2-8, 2023

Proposed Resolution Aims to Rename Detroit’s Hart Plaza After Martin Luther King Jr.

By Ebony JJ Curry

Senior Writer

A proposed resolution to rename Hart Plaza as Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza was introduced by Councilwoman Mary Waters. This move follows the recent trend of renaming landmarks in Detroit, reflecting the city’s evolving cultural and historical landscape.

Similarly, Detroit has seen significant name changes for other notable locations in recent years. Chene Park was renamed the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre in honor of the late “Queen of Soul,” Cobo Hall, the original site of Dr. King’s speech, was renamed Huntington Place.

The proposed resolution to rename Hart Plaza further underscores Dr. King’s historical ties to Detroit, acknowledging his monumental Freedom Walk and speech 60 years ago. In addition, the resolution proposes declaring the plaza as a zone free from violence.

“The values espoused by Dr. King are those of the City of Detroit — dedication to the advancement of all, welcoming to all, and working towards a future free from crime, violence, and poverty; and in the 60th anniversary of Dr. King’s pivotal speech, coinciding with the recent unveiling of a statute in the famous civil rights leader’s likeness, we have the opportunity to make a strong statement of our city’s values,” Waters said in her resolution.

Last month, a sculpture was installed in Hart Plaza to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., marking the