• Unveiling of the secondary street designation “Viola Liuzzo Boulevard” in honor of civil rights activist Viola Liuzzo.

DETROIT, MI — Council Member Angela Whitfield Calloway, Mayor Mary Sheffield, Pembroke Academy Principal Salwa Kinsey, and community members unveiled the secondary street designation of Viola Liuzzo Boulevard on her birthday, honoring her advocacy in the Civil Rights Movement and her lasting impact on the nation’s political landscape.

Born on April 11, 1925, Liuzzo was a devoted advocate for racial and social justice. Raised in poverty in the Jim Crow South, she experienced firsthand the injustices of segregation—experiences that would shape her lifelong commitment to equality. As a young adult, she relocated to Michigan and made Detroit her home, where she became deeply engaged in community work and an active member of several civil rights organizations, including the Detroit chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech and the events of Bloody Sunday, Liuzzo traveled to Selma, Alabama in March 1965 to support the work of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. She participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches and, after the successful demonstration, continued volunteering by transporting fellow activists. Following the Voting Rights March on March 25, 1965, she was tragically murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan.

“Viola Liuzzo’s courage and sacrifice is something Detroiters are still deeply moved by, and this ceremonial street naming is just one gesture of our city’s gratitude,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield, who supported the resolution for the naming while Council President. “It also can help make sure that Viola’s name lives on so future generations can remember and respect what she meant to the Civil Rights Movement in our country and what she will mean to our city forever.”

Liuzzo was laid to rest on March 30, 1965, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Detroit. Her funeral drew national attention, with attendees including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., UAW President Walter Reuther, and Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa, among many others.

“Viola Liuzzo grew up witnessing the horrors of racism and injustice, but instead of accepting it or deciding it was someone else’s fight, she did something about it. Viola’s life serves as an inspiration and a reminder that the fight against racism, hate, and injustice is one we all must take on. I’m so proud to support this recognition of her legacy,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Today, that historic church is home to Pembroke Academy, making this tribute especially meaningful. The secondary street sign for Viola Liuzzo Boulevard was unveiled at the intersection of Pembroke and Mansfield, marking a moment of remembrance and recognition.

“Through the collective efforts of our Pembroke Academy students, families, and staff—in partnership with Councilwoman Angela Whitfield-Calloway and our beautiful city of Detroit—we are proud to honor the legacy of civil rights activist Viola Liuzzo. Her courage and perseverance remind our scholars that one person’s actions can truly help change the world,” said Principal Kinsey.

The honor was formally authorized through a resolution by the Detroit City Council, led by Principal Kinsey and Council Member Whitfield Calloway. “I am proud to help recognize her legacy through this historic street naming. With only ten secondary streets in Detroit currently bearing the names of women, this dedication serves as a meaningful step toward honoring the contributions of women to our city’s history,” said Council Member Whitfield Calloway.

“We are so proud that the Detroit City Council and Pembroke Academy would bestow such an honor to our mother,” said Anthony Liuzzo. “It’s especially significant during these trying times for our Republic.”