Rosa Parks left a legacy of change in the United States and the rest of the world.  She died in late October 2005 here in Detroit.

The civil rights icon spent almost 30 years living in Detroit after making history in 1955.

While riding a Montgomery, Alabama bus in December of that year, Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man.  She was arrested and became a symbol for the Civil Rights movement.

For the next 50 years, Parks showed the strength of her convictions.

Her passing on October 24, 2005 was international news.  WDET news director Jerome Vaughn filed this report that night for NPR.

Parks’ funeral service was held a few weeks later.  It was one of the most elaborate in Detroit’s history.  Guests invited to speak at the event at Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple included former President Bill Clinton, the Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

WDET news director Jerome Vaughn was one of the hundreds of journalists from around the world covering the event. Here’s his report from early November 2005.

The entire funeral service was broadcast live on C-SPAN and other media outlets.  The event lasted for six hours.  Parks is buried in Detroit’s Woodlawn Cemetery.

Detroit voters will have an opportunity to see the two candidates for mayor debate each other tonight.  City Council president Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch will take part in the televised event at the WXYZ-TV studios in Southfield. 

Michigan Chronicle Executive Editor Jeremy Allen says many Detroiters have already made up their minds about who they’re voting for. “It’s pretty clear that people are either for Mary Sheffield or for Solomon Kinloch.  And there are – there’s really no in-between.  And so, what I’m seeing from the community is folks who are invested in this race are fully invested on one side or the other, and there’s no in-between.”

Tonight’s debate will be broadcast on WXYZ-TV 7 at 7 p.m. and streamed online. Citizen Detroit will hold a debate watch party beginning at 6 p.m. at UFO Bar – that’s 2110 Trumbull in Detroit.   

Additional headlines from Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Free Press endorsements

The Detroit Free Press announced Tuesday that’s it’s endorsing City Council President Mary Sheffield to become Detroit’s next mayor.  The Free Press says she’s more qualified to hold the city’s top job. 

The paper says more than a third of Detroiters now live in poverty – making Detroit the poorest city in the country.  The Detroit News and Michigan Chronicle have also endorsed Sheffield for mayor. 

Fire engines 

The Detroit Fire Department is adding new vehicles to its fleet.  The department is getting 10 new fire engines and 13 new ambulances.  There are also six new supervisory vehicles. 

The city’s total investment is $10.7 million.  Detroit officials showed off the new vehicles at a news conference Tuesday at Eastern Market. 

Rosa Parks mural 

The Detroit Department of Transportation is showing off some new artwork.  A mural of civil rights activist Rosa Parks is being unveiled today at the Rosa Parks Transit Center. 

City officials say the mural is part of efforts to make improvements at the center.  Parks became a symbol of the struggle for civil rights when she was arrested in December 1955 after refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a White man in Montgomery, Alabama. 

Parks moved to Detroit in 1957 and later worked for Congressman John Conyers.  Parks died in October 2005. 

Gordie Howe opening delayed 

The opening of the Gordie Howe bridge between Detroit and Windsor has been delayed. 

The previous timeline was for the international crossing to open sometime this fall.  But bridge officials say there are several items that need to be checked and double-checked before the structure is ready for traffic. 

About 98% of work on the bridge has been completed.  The “Gordie” is now expected to open sometime early next year. 

Gas prices fall

Gas prices are falling in Metro Detroit. 

The average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded is now $2.87.  That’s down 13 cents from a week ago, and 30 cents cheaper than last month at this time. 

Industry analysts say lower prices are a result of reduced consumer demand and the annual switch to a winter blend of gasoline, which is cheaper to produce. 

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