UMass Amherst AfroAm

UMass Amherst AfroAm Established in 1970, we are one of the most comprehensive Africana Studies departments in the world The W.E.B.

Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies is one of the largest such departments in the country, comprehensively offering a BA major/minor, MA, and PhD degrees for all students who wish in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of black people in the Americas and the worldwide African Diaspora.

05/27/2026

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. 🕊️

05/27/2026

Today, our community mourns the passing of Henry Thomas III — a transformational leader whose decades of service helped shape Springfield for the better.

Through his leadership at the Urban League of Springfield, his advocacy for educational opportunity, and his lifelong commitment to expanding access and creating pathways to success for young people and families, Henry leaves behind a legacy that will continue to impact generations to come.

His work strengthened our city, uplifted our community, and reminded all of us what leadership rooted in service can accomplish.

My thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership and friendship.

May he rest in peace.

Freedom - Heritage - Community
05/26/2026

Freedom - Heritage - Community

05/25/2026

The Swan family announces with profound sorrow the passing of our beloved patriarch, civil rights activist, retired Massachusetts State Representative, former President of the Greater Springfield NAACP, Honorary Paramount Chief of Bo & Kwila, Nimba County, Liberia, and lifelong freedom fighter, Benjamin Swan, who transitioned peacefully this morning at the age of 92.

Born on September 18, 1933, Benjamin Swan lived a life devoted to justice, public service, and the healing of humanity. A steadfast advocate for civil rights and human dignity, he marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement and spent decades fighting for equality, economic justice, voting rights, peace, and the uplift of marginalized communities.

Representative Swan believed that government exists to protect those at the dawn of life, our children, those in the shadows of life, the disabled and vulnerable, and those in the autumn of life, our elders. He believed leadership was not about power, but about service. He saw suffering and tried to heal it. He saw wrong and tried to right it. He saw war and tried to stop it. His life was rooted in compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to making the world more just, humane, and equitable for all people.

As a legislator, community leader, and former president of the Greater Springfield NAACP, he dedicated his voice and his influence to confronting injustice wherever he encountered it, leaving behind a legacy that shaped generations throughout Springfield, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and beyond.

At this time, the Swan family respectfully asks for privacy as we grieve this tremendous loss and begin preparing arrangements to celebrate his remarkable life and enduring legacy. Information regarding memorial services and final arrangements will be forthcoming.

In honor of Benjamin Swan’s lifelong values and convictions, the family asks that, in lieu of merely offering thoughts and prayers, people commit themselves to helping heal our world by standing for justice, serving the vulnerable, confronting hatred, and working toward peace and human dignity for all.

We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and compassion extended to our family during this difficult time.

The legacy of Benjamin Swan will continue to live on in every life he touched, every barrier he helped break, and every struggle for justice he helped advance.

The Swan Family

Talbert Swan Hal Swan Virginia Rice Ben Twopointoh

05/21/2026

Juneteenth is a reminder of the deep connections across the African diaspora — and how those connections come to life right here in our community.

At Positively Africana By Aimee, we are proud to be part of Northampton’s cultural landscape, creating spaces where culture, leadership, and Black joy are celebrated and shared. This work is deeply personal and founder-led, rooted in both lived experience and a commitment to uplifting women entrepreneurs through our 25% impact model.

Join us in Northampton for our Juneteenth Youth Leadership & Black Joy event — a powerful gathering centered on community, culture, and connection.

Reserve your spot and learn more here:
https://positivelyafricana.com/northampton-juneteenth-youth-leadership-black-joy/

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05/21/2026

Celebrate the opening of the Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History🎉

On Saturday, June 20th, join us for the opening celebration of the Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History at the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, a landmark addition to Newport’s cultural landscape. We invite you to an evening of cocktails and conversation, highlighted by a keynote address from internationally renowned author and advocate Heather McGhee.

Set against the historic backdrop of the Great Friends Meeting House, general admission is $175 per person, VIP tickets at $500 + include a tour of the Center at 17 Broadway at 5 PM. All proceeds will support the Newport Historical Society and the Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the celebration visit NewportBlackHistory.org/events

🎉The Opening Celebration
📅Saturday, June 20th | 6pm to 8pm
📍Great Friends Meeting House | 21 Farewell Street, Newport
🔗NewportBlackHistory.org

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