httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNMMN46uFCc
Motown legend Stevie Wonder unveils the new Stevie Wonder Ave.
Motown legend Stevie Wonder addressed a crowd of more than 400 Detroiters, many of whom waited hours to see him in 25-degree weather, by doing what he does best.
Wonder, 66, returned to Motown Wednesday afternoon for a ceremony that renamed Milwaukee Avenue – w Wonder grew up in Detroit after moving from Saginaw – to Stevie Wonder Avenue.
In her speech, Jones, who sponsored the street renaming resolution, said she hopes visitors will see Stevie Wonder Avenue and reflect on all the contributions Wonder has made, not just to Detroit, but the world.
“You embody everything that we’re capable of, and Stevie Wonder Avenue is a way of saying thank you to all you have given us, but it’s also our way of reminding our children … that this street was once home to a talented young man just like them whose music changed the world.”
Wonder was visibly moved by the Detroiters, family members, local leaders and fans – some waving his album records and wearing glasses in the shape of music notes -who braved the biting cold to attend the street unveiling.
Wonder’s cousin Sharon DuMas of Detroit chaired the Stevie Wonder Tribute Committee to name the street after Wonder and presented him with red roses.
While Stevie Wonder Avenue was her main goal, DuMas said t’s one more step: The committee wants to open a Stevie Wonder Youth Center for Music and Fine Arts in Detroit.