(WWJ) In a story you heard first on WWJ Newsradio 950, the Detroit city council is expected to introduce a resolution today to rename the Spirit Plaza at Woodward and Jefferson as the Black Lives Matter plaza.
WWJ’s city beat reporter Vickie Thomas got reaction from protesters ... who were none too impressed. "It seems like a nice gesture, but also like a superficial gesture," one said, adding that a real gesture would be "a resolution to defund police."
Others at the protest, one of many that have swept Detroit, its suburbs and the country in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis, agreed. "It's definitely not enough, we're not here for them to rename stuff for Black Lives Matter, we're here for justice."
Per the city of Detroit's website, Spirit Plaza "has long been a natural meeting place for the Detroiters to celebrate victories and come together for the unity. Spirit Plaza is designed to serve as the "civic plaza" of Detroit, the first public space in the city designed for all citizens to get together, get involved, learn about local initiatives and enjoy civic, culinary and cultural attractions that highlight the many Detroit voices and a unique identity."
Detroit's Spirit Statue was dedicated in September 1958 by the sculptor Marshall Fredericks of Detroit.