DETROIT – A street on Detroit’s west side was named after business titan Don Barden.
Barden worked his way up to build one of the nation’s largest black-owned businesses. His legacy can be seen all over the city.
Barden was a major figure in the business world for decades. On Thursday, the city renamed a street at the corner of Lyndon Street and Schaefer Highway in his honor. The tribute had standing room only inside the Comcast Service Center where Barden Cablevision used to operate.
“I’m just really glad we are honoring him today,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said.
Barden is known as a self-starter who built a cable system and worked in casinos, real estate and entertainment before he died from cancer.
“Mr. Barden has done so much for our community,” said Montez Miller, who initiated the sign dedication. “He’s given so much to the people who have worked for him like myself.”
Miller said that’s why he decided to get the ball rolling for a street sign in his name.
“It’s phenomenal,” Miller said. “I’ve been crying all day because he is so fitting, so deserving, and I’m at a loss for words right now.”
“We think of the street sign as a testament to my dad’s hard work and achievements, as well,” Don Barden Jr. said.
“We want the young kids to know there was a person of color who made this happen, and if you have goals, you can do anything you put your mind to,” said John Barden, Don Barden’s brother.