Detroit selects five new honorary street signs. Here’s who made the list

November 11, 2026

Detroit's City Council selected five distinguished residents to receive honorary street signs after public hearings and multiple voting rounds. The honorees include radio pioneer Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg, community leader Andrew L. Starks Sr.

Who is affected

The five honorees: Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg, Andrew L. Starks Sr., Ernest Harden Jr., Tyrone Winfrey Sr., and Luther "Bad Man" Keith
Detroit residents in Districts 3, 4, and 7 where the signs will be installed
Approximately 70 community members who attended or called into the public hearing and council session
Current rollover applicants (15 others from the original 20 nominees who were not selected)
Future potential nominees and applicants
Detroit City Council members, particularly Latisha Johnson and Coleman A. Young II
The legacy of Dr. Janese Chapman (former Secondary Street Sign manager who died earlier in 2024)

What action is being taken

Detroit City Council is currently considering a pause on accepting new applications for 2027
The council is reviewing possible amendments to the secondary street sign selection process
Council members are examining options to reduce the bottleneck of applicants

Why it matters

This program recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Detroit's history and communities, preserving their legacies through permanent street markers. The honorees represent diverse areas of impact—from Steinberg's crucial role during the 1967 rebellion to Starks' promotion of homeownership and generational wealth during white flight, and Keith's journalism and Winfrey's educational advocacy. The selection process has become contentious due to the large number of deserving nominees competing for limited annual spots, prompting necessary reforms to ensure the program remains fair and sustainable while continuing to honor Detroit's heroes.

What's next

Council will consider whether to pause new secondary street sign applications for 2027
The subcommittee will review potential amendments to the selection process
Council will evaluate the current rollover applicants during the pause period
Street signs will be installed at the designated intersections for the five selected honorees

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com