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Detroit’s ‘Queen Mother’ JoAnn Watson memorialized with street sign

April 20, 2026

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield led a ceremony honoring the late Rev. JoAnn Watson with a secondary street sign near Central High School, recognizing Watson's profound influence on the city and Sheffield's own political career. Watson, who died in July 2023 at age 72, served on Detroit City Council for a decade and was a pioneering activist who held numerous leadership positions, including as the first woman director of the Detroit NAACP and host of the influential "Wake Up Detroit!

Who is affected

  • Mayor Mary Sheffield, whose political career was shaped by Watson's decision to step aside in 2013
  • Rev. JoAnn Watson (deceased), being honored with the street sign
  • Detroit residents, particularly those Watson advocated for regarding water affordability and human rights
  • Detroit City Council President James Tate, who served alongside Watson starting in 2010
  • Rev. Wendell Anthony, Watson's childhood neighbor and longtime friend
  • Four other honorees granted secondary street signs: Imam Abdulla El-Amin, Viola Liuzzo, Greg Mudge, and Lamont "KEM" Owens

What action is being taken

  • A secondary street sign in Watson's name is being unveiled on the grounds of Central High School near Tuxedo and Linwood
  • A two-hour ceremony is being held featuring speeches, an African drum and dance performance, and an ashé libation ceremony

Why it matters

  • Watson's recognition reflects her decades-long impact on Detroit through multiple channels of public service and activism. Her work on water affordability, human rights advocacy, and reparations efforts shaped city policies and inspired future leaders like Mayor Sheffield. As the first woman director of the Detroit NAACP and a decade-long City Council member, Watson broke barriers and championed marginalized Detroiters. Her decision to step aside in 2013 directly enabled Sheffield to become the youngest council member in Detroit history and eventually the city's first woman mayor, demonstrating her commitment to fostering the next generation of leadership.

What's next

  • A ceremony to formalize the sign for Lamont "KEM" Owens is expected next month. Imam Abdulla El-Amin's unveiling ceremony has not yet been scheduled.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com