A memorial service for Mel Ravitz is set for Sunday, May 2 at 11 a.m. at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron St. in Ypsilanti.
A champion for civil rights, consummate professional, and true public servant are the words that many use to describe Mel Ravitz. The former Detroit City Council president and mayoral candidate died April 11 in Ann Arbor at the age of 86.
A native of New York, Ravitz relocated to Detroit as a youngster. Ravitz earned a bachelor's degree in history from Wayne State University, a master's degree in sociology from the New School for Social Research and a doctorate from the University of Michigan.
After working in the radio industry as a announcer and news editor, Ravitz tried his hand at politics. He served several terms on the Detroit City Council from 1962-74 and 1982-97. Ravitz also was a member of the Detroit Planning Commission.
In addition, Ravitz was a sociology professor at Wayne State University from 1949-87, as well as a guest professor of political science at the University of Michigan. He also was a director of the Detroit-Wayne County Community Mental Health Board.
After retiring, he moved to Ann Arbor and continued to write opinion pieces for newspapers.