What:

A Dedication Ceremony designating the USPS Fox Creek Station in Detroit, MI as the “Aretha Franklin Post Office Building.”

When:

Monday, October 4, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.

Where:

Fox Creek Station
12711 E. Jefferson Ave
Detroit, Michigan 48215

What:

On January 5, 2021, legislation introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, Michigan’s 14th District, was signed into law by the President to rename the Post Office building located at 12711 E. Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI as the “Aretha Franklin Post Office Building.”

Who:

Senator Debbie Stabenow, State of Michigan
Senator Gary Peters, State of Michigan
Brenda Lawrence, U.S. Representative, 14th Congressional District of MI
Richard Moreton, USPS Dedicating Official, District Manager, Michigan 1 District
Family and Friends of Aretha Franklin

Background:

Aretha Louise Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” 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.

Franklin was regarded as a child prodigy, singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan where her father was a minister.

In 1960, with her father's blessing, Franklin traveled to New York, where she signed with Columbia Records, who 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. 

On August 16, 2018, Franklin passed away surrounded by family and friends in her Detroit home.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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