Detroit Park To Be Named For Aretha Franklin

An outdoor concert venue along Detroit’s waterfront will be renamed in honor of Aretha Franklin, Motor City Mayor Mike Duggan announced at the Queen of Soul’s funeral Friday.

Mourners at Greater Grace Temple gave Duggan a standing ovation as he announced plans to send a proposal to his city council on Tuesday to rename Chene Park to Aretha Franklin Park.

“Our beautiful waterfront jewel will be Aretha Franklin Park,” Duggan bellowed to roaring applause. “And when performers from generations to come, from around the world, come here, they will be reminded that they are performing at the home of the Queen of Soul.”

The news prompted Pastor Charles Ellis to rush up to the mic and joke, “And the mayor just got reelected.”

On Thursday night, Chene Park, located just outside downtown along the Detroit River, hosted an Aretha tribute concert featuring artists from around the area. Some 6,000 tickets were given away for free.

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