DETROIT – Detroit folk singer Sixto Rodriguez is getting an honorary doctoral degree from Wayne State University.
Rodriguez, who earned a bachelor's in philosophy from WSU in 1981, will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters degree for his musical genius and commitment to social justice.
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Rodriguez, the star of the Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man, has remained politically involved and connected to the Detroit community, living humbly in the city, running for Detroit City Council and working to improve conditions for the inner-city working class.
Rodriguez will be given the honor May 9 at Ford Field during WSU's spring commencement ceremonies.
In addition to Rodriguez, local businessman and community leader Walter E. Douglas will also be given an honorary degree -- a Doctor of Laws degree for his years of service to the city of Detroit and his many entrepreneurial achievements, as well as his devotion to philanthropy throughout the city and beyond.
Douglas is chairman of the board and majority stockholder of Avis Ford, a Southfield Michigan automobile dealership.
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