Detroit Post Office Renamed After Aretha Franklin

DETROIT, MI — The late great Queen of Soul is getting some newfound R-E-S-P-E-C-T. The USPS Fox Creek Station at 12711 E. Jefferson Ave. in Detroit is now the Aretha Franklin Post Office Building.

The honor comes after Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Michigan’s 14th District introduced legislation last year in the House of Representatives to rename the post office in memory of her dear friend, the legendary soul singer. President Donald Trump ultimately signed it into law Jan. 5, 2021, shortly before leaving office.

Lawrence, a former postal worker herself, along with Franklin's family and other elected officials visited the former Fox Creek post office Monday to celebrate the building's new name.

"This building will always stand as a reminder that we all deserve a little RESPECT," Rep. Lawrence said.

"Aretha Franklin was not just the Queen of Soul — she was a Detroit icon whose legacy of music and activism will forever symbolize Detroit’s strength and resilience," Sen. Gary Peters said, who also attended the dedication.

Franklin was the fourth of five children born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Baptist preacher Reverend Charles La Vaughan “C. L.” Franklin and Barbara Siggers Franklin, a gospel singer.

When she was 2 years old, her family moved to Detroit, where her father became minister at New Bethel Baptist Church. It was in that church where Franklin began singing gospel, capturing the hearts and ears of those who listened to her powerful vocals.

In 1960, with her father's blessing, Franklin traveled to New York, where she signed with Columbia Records, and released the album "Aretha."

In 1966, Franklin signed with Atlantic Records, where she found acclaim and commercial success.

While earning success for her musical talents, Franklin also became a symbol of Black empowerment during the civil rights movement.

"We will never forget the Queen of Soul and everything she did for the city of Detroit!" State Sen. Debbie Stabenow said via Twitter following Monday's renaming of the post office.

On Aug. 16, 2018, Franklin passed away surrounded by family and friends in her Detroit home. She was 76 years old.