A proposed resolution to rename Hart Plaza as Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza was introduced by Councilwoman Mary Waters on Tuesday. This move follows the recent trend of renaming landmarks in Detroit, reflecting the city’s evolving cultural and historical landscape.
In a similar vein, 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,” and Cobo Hall, the original site of Dr. King’s speech, was renamed to Huntington Place.
The proposed resolution to rename Hart Plaza serves to further underscore Dr. King’s historic ties to Detroit, acknowledging his monumental Freedom Walk and speech sixty years ago. In addition, the resolution proposes the declaration of 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 60th anniversary of his seminal “I Have A Dream” speech. A version of this speech was first delivered by Dr. King on June 23, 1963, at what was then known as Cobo Hall before leading the significant 1963 Freedom Walk march down Woodward Avenue. The event served as a precursor to the recitation of the speech in Washington D.C. a few months later.
The council is expected to vote on the proposed change after Labor Day, following their August recess. The resolution is scheduled to be discussed by the Neighborhood and Community Services Standing Committee Thursday July 27 at 1pm.
In retrospect, like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Senator Phillip Hart, known as a “conscience of the Senate,” stands out as a significant champion of civil rights. So much so, his name graces Detroit’s central gathering spot, Hart Plaza, a testament to his immense contributions to the city and its heart.
Serving from 1959 until his death in 1976, Hart was renowned for his integrity and dedication to civil rights and antitrust laws. He was instrumental in pushing for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His tireless work for social justice earned him the respect of his peers and the moniker, “the civil rights senator.”
In Tuesday’s council session, Sam Riddle, the political director of the Michigan Chapter of the National Action Network, expressed opposition to the proposed name change.
“I personally knew Phil Hart. I personally do feel Hart was a good man. Without Sen. Hart, there would have been no Voting Rights Act of 1965. There is no American city better than Detroit to have and maintain Hart Plaza as a name,” Riddle said. “No compromise on that.”
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield countered that this resolution is not currently up for voting, rather, it is simply a referral. “It will be referred for further discussion and action will be taken after the council members return from their recess (during the month of August),” said Sheffield.
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