Detroit Honors Horace L. Sheffield Jr.: A Visionary for Civil Rights and Labor Justice

Detroit’s Grand River Avenue will soon bear another symbol of resilience and progress as the city gathers to honor Horace L. Sheffield Jr., a lifelong advocate for labor rights and social justice. On November 13, 2024, the Detroit Association of Black Organizations (DABO) hosts a significant dual event: the unveiling of a secondary street sign in Sheffield’s name and the groundbreaking of the Sheffield Center Complex. These milestones not only celebrate the legacy of a man who shaped Detroit’s history but also pave the way for the city’s continued growth. Sheffield was born in Vienna, Georgia, in 1916, but Detroit became his home when his family moved there two years later. He grew up in the city’s public schools before pursuing higher education at the Detroit Institute of Technology, Wayne State University, and the University of California at Los Angeles. His contributions to Detroit’s labor movement began early. At 18, he started working at Ford Motor Company’s Rouge Plant in Dearborn, Michigan. By 1941, he had become an integral part of the United Auto Workers (UAW), helping to organize workers and fight for fair treatment. That same year, he was instrumental in establishing the UAW Inter-Racial Committee, which addressed workplace...