Urban League Of Springfield, Inc

The Urban League of Springfield acknowledges with profound sadness the passing of Henry M. Thomas III, former President & CEO of the Urban League of Springfield, whose visionary leadership and lifelong commitment to community empowerment left an extraordinary and lasting impact on Springfield and beyond.

When Mr. Thomas first became President & CEO of the Urban League of Springfield, one of his earliest and most significant accomplishments was reopening historic Camp Atwater in 1980 after a six-year hiatus. Through his vision, determination, and unwavering belief in the importance of youth development, Camp Atwater — the oldest African American overnight youth camp in the United States and now celebrating 105 years — was restored as a transformative space for Black and Brown youth. Today, thousands of young people and families continue to benefit from the experiences, leadership development, friendships, and lifelong memories created there. Camp Atwater, located in Worcester County and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, remains one of the most enduring parts of his legacy.

Mr. Thomas dedicated his life to uplifting others through mentorship, advocacy, and leadership. Through Urban League programs and his personal guidance, he impacted countless individuals, helping young people, families, and emerging leaders recognize their value, potential, and purpose. He possessed a remarkable ability to bring people together around the issues impacting our community and to lead with both strength and compassion.

His leadership extended beyond Springfield. Mr. Thomas also accepted a two-year assignment with the National Urban League in New York, serving as Vice President for Youth Development, where he focused on advocating for the programmatic infrastructure needed to strengthen youth development efforts within inner-city communities across the nation.

Henry M. Thomas III leaves behind a legacy rooted in service, empowerment, and opportunity. His impact continues to live on through the people he mentored, the institutions he strengthened, and the generations of youth whose lives were forever changed because of his vision and leadership.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, alumni, campers, families, and the entire Urban League of Springfield family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Devonia, children, Perren and Shadae, grandchildren, family, friends, colleagues, and all who loved and admired him.

May he rest in eternal peace and power. 🕊️

The Board of Directors and staff of the Urban League of Springfield join the community in mourning the passing of former State Representative Benjamin Swan.

Representative Swan dedicated his life to public service, advocacy, and the pursuit of equity and justice for our communities. His leadership, voice, and commitment to uplifting others left a lasting impact throughout Springfield and across the Commonwealth.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and service. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and changemakers.

May he rest in peace. 🕊️

Thank you everyone for supporting and celebrating 113 years with us! 💫

To everyone who joined us last night for the Elevating Together: A Celebration of Youth, Legacy & Leadership, thank you for making the evening truly unforgettable. Your presence helped us honor 113 years of expanding opportunity, strengthening community, and uplifting the mission of the Urban League of Springfield.

From our civic leaders and corporate partners to our community champions, awardees, performers, and volunteers—you are the heartbeat of this work. Your energy, stories, and support remind us why this legacy matters and why the next 113 years will be even brighter.
Together, we celebrated the past, empowered the present, and inspired the future.

Together, we keep expanding opportunity.
Together, we elevate.
Thank you for standing with us. 🤍

🌟Community Champion Sponsor Spotlight: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

We’re proud to recognize Basketball Hall of Fame as a valued partner of Elevating Together: A Celebration of Youth, Legacy & Leadership.

Their commitment to keeping the legacy of basketball alive in our community helps power programs that support youth, families, and seniors across Springfield. Thank you for helping the Urban League make 113 years of impact possible!

Join us in celebrating their leadership and support! Purchase your ticket or make a contribution to our goal today —> http://bit.ly/47PsbKC

📅 TONIGHT April 30, 2026 @ 5:30pm
📍Hope Center for the Arts | 150 Bridge St, Springfield, MA 01103

🌟Community Champion Sponsor Spotlight: Home City Development, Inc.

We’re proud to recognize Home City Development as a valued partner of Elevating Together: A Celebration of Youth, Legacy & Leadership.

Their commitment to expanding opportunity in our community helps power programs that support youth, families, and seniors across Springfield. Thank you for helping the Urban League make 113 years of impact possible!

Join us in celebrating their leadership and support! Purchase your ticket or make a contribution to our goal today —> http://bit.ly/47PsbKC

📅 April 30, 2026 @ 5:30pm
📍Hope Center for the Arts | 150 Bridge St, Springfield, MA 01103

🌟Leadership Partner Sponsor Spotlight: Westfield Bank

We’re proud to recognize Westfield Bank as a valued partner of Elevating Together: A Celebration of Youth, Legacy & Leadership.

Their commitment to locally-powered banking helps power programs that support youth, families, and seniors across Springfield. Thank you for helping the Urban League make 113 years of impact possible!

Join us in celebrating their leadership and support! Purchase your ticket or make a contribution to our goal today —> http://bit.ly/47PsbKC

📅 April 30, 2026 @ 5:30pm
📍Hope Center for the Arts | 150 Bridge St, Springfield, MA 01103

🌟Youth Advocate Sponsor Spotlight: Springfield College

We’re proud to recognize as a valued partner of Elevating Together: A Celebration of Youth, Legacy & Leadership.

Their commitment to expanding educational opportunity in our community helps power programs that support youth, families, and seniors across Springfield. Thank you for helping the Urban League make 113 years of impact possible!

Join us in celebrating their leadership and support! Purchase your ticket or make a contribution to our goal today —> http://bit.ly/47PsbKC

📅 April 30, 2026 @ 5:30pm
📍Hope Center for the Arts | 150 Bridge St, Springfield, MA 01103

🌟Community Champion Sponsor Spotlight: New England Public Media

We’re proud to recognize NEPM as a valued partner of Elevating Together: A Celebration of Youth, Legacy & Leadership.

Their commitment to expanding access to media in our community helps power programs that support youth, families, and seniors across Springfield. Thank you for helping the Urban League make 113 years of impact possible!

Join us in celebrating their leadership and support! Purchase your ticket or make a contribution to our goal today —> http://bit.ly/47PsbKC

📅 April 30, 2026 @ 5:30pm
📍Hope Center for the Arts | 150 Bridge St, Springfield, MA 01103

🌟Leadership Partner Sponsor Spotlight: Liberty Bank

We’re proud to recognize Liberty Bank as a valued partner of Elevating Together: A Celebration of Youth, Legacy & Leadership.

Their commitment to community-focused banking in our community helps power programs that support youth, families, and seniors across Springfield. Thank you for helping the Urban League make 113 years of impact possible!

Join us in celebrating their leadership and support! Purchase your ticket or make a contribution to our goal today —> http://bit.ly/47PsbKC

📅 April 30, 2026 @ 5:30pm
📍Hope Center for the Arts | 150 Bridge St, Springfield, MA 01103