Representative Bud L Williams of the 11th Hampden District, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion, has joined School Committee Women, Barbara Gresham and LaTonia Monroe Naylor, the Stone Soul Festival, Inc., and the Old Hill Neighborhood Council in their petitioned efforts to rename the newly developed Homer Street School after Civil Rights Icon and former State Representative of the 11th Hampden District, The Honorable Benjamin Swan.
“I CAME INTO THE WORLD TO MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE. THAT IS MY MISSION.” The inscription on the icon was purchased and acquired by the Springfield Museum of Art. Commissioned in 2014 by Trinity United Methodist Church in collaboration with the Forest Park Middle School, this icon pays tribute to a man that has dedicated his life to serving his community and the cause of social justice.
“The Father of Civil Rights in Springfield, a member of the Prince Hall Masonry, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, and a trailblazer for criminal justice reform, Ben has been a mentor and role model to many. It was through his legislation that the creation of a youth development center here in Springfield which serves as a vehicle to reduce youth involvement in the criminal justice system came into fruition,” says Williams.
“Ben has faithfully served the people of Springfield for over 50 years. His commitment to youth education and development has always been among his greatest concerns and accomplishments. Renaming the Homer Street School after the Honorable Benjamin Swan would be Springfield’s way to say, “Thank you” for all that you have done for our community.”
