Aretha Franklin will be remembered as the “Queen of Soul,” but she also was royalty to the people and city of Detroit. Beyond her actual homegoing service on Friday, Aug. 31, which featured powerful and controversial moments, people in the city the music legend called home showed their love for her in myriad ways.
Here are some of the highlights from last week’s events in Detroit, which proved to be a celebration of Franklin’s life.
New Bethel Church was the home church for Aretha’s father, the Rev. C. L. Franklin. A public viewing was held for Aretha days before the homegoing service. A makeshift memorial was set up in front of New Bethel Church where fans paid their respects.
Thousands stood in line for hours to honor the legacy of Aretha Franklin at New Bethel Church.
Fans wore shirts, scarves, buttons and other items that featured the likeness of Aretha Franklin.
Women from the Nation of Islam and New Bethel Church held new editions of the Final Call, which honored Aretha Franklin on the cover.
Sintax, a graffiti artist from Detroit, painted this mural of Franklin on 7th Mile.
