Urban League Of Springfield, Inc

08/09/2026

Youth Leadership Summit 2026!
- 1,072 Miles
- 7 Youth Leaders
- 5 Days - Logged out & Locked In
“Building Power (IRL) In Real Life”
Urban League of Springfield, Inc., with support from the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, provided youth leaders with an opportunity to participate in a week of hands-on activities and real-life connections. Building their skills in teamwork, networking, public speaking, research, self-care, and organizing. Getting them READY for the future.

07/28/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our friend, Ed Cohen.

For many years, Ed generously shared his extraordinary talent with the Urban League of Springfield and Camp Atwater, capturing moments that told our story better than words ever could. Through his camera lens, he preserved the joy of our campers, the pride of our scholars, the strength of our community, and the spirit of generations who have been touched by our work.

Ed wasn’t just taking photographs—he was preserving our history. Many of the images we cherish today exist because he was there, quietly documenting the people, places, and moments that matter most.

We are deeply grateful for his kindness, his generosity, and the legacy he leaves behind through the thousands of memories he helped preserve.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

Thank you, Ed, for helping us see the beauty in our community and ensuring that its story will continue to be told for generations to come.

You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Rest in peace.

— Urban League of Springfield & Camp Atwater 🖤

07/05/2026

Calling all young leaders! 🌟

The Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, MassCALL3, and the Springfield Safe Neighborhood Initiative are excited to bring back the 2nd Annual Youth Leadership Development Program!

💵 Participants who attend every day will receive a stipend at the end of the program!

⏳ Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis—don’t wait to register!

Invest in your future. Build your leadership. Make a difference. 💙

06/27/2026

The Urban League of Springfield, Inc. Summer Tennis Program kicks off TODAY at 10:30 AM at Blunt Park! 🎾

Whether you're picking up a racket for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, this FREE program is a great opportunity to learn:
- Introduction to tennis
- Tennis fundamentals
- Skill development

Come out, have fun, stay active, and enjoy the game with friends and family. We can't wait to see everyone on the courts!
📍 Blunt Park
🕥 Today at 10:30 AM

For more information, contact Andrew Cade at [email protected].

06/09/2026

There’s Still Time to Join the Camp Atwater Family This Summer! ☀️

Summer at Camp Atwater is a place where young people build confidence, friendships, leadership skills, and memories that last a lifetime — and we would love for your camper to be part of it.

📅 Boys Session Registration Deadline: June 21
📅 Girls Session Registration Deadline: July 5

We know that for many families, the cost of camp can be challenging. If your family needs support, please reach out to the Urban League of Springfield to learn more about available campership opportunities:

📧 [email protected]
📞 413-739-7211

And to our amazing community — there is still time to help a child get to camp this summer. Your donation can open the door to life-changing experiences, new friendships, mentorship, and joyful summer memories for a young person who otherwise may not have the opportunity.
Thank you for helping us continue the Camp Atwater legacy and making camp possible for more families.
Givebutter link: https://givebutter.com/CA2026
Camp atwater brochure - https://online.fliphtml5.com/npypv/daem/
Registration post: https://www.facebook.com/CA1921/posts/pfbid02PoYiNqnmaRWuMex4pJ5spTNNc1NVCh47GFoPF9arwYgo9pC9Xpxed4mxXx6n5KDCl

06/05/2026

06/02/2026

Let’s honor and celebrate the life of Henry M. Thomas III as family, friends, and community members gather for his Homegoing Service on Monday June 8, 2026.

Henry’s legacy of service, leadership, love, and dedication to our community will continue to inspire generations to come. While we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for a life that made a lasting impact on so many.

Please keep the Thomas family and all who loved him in your thoughts and prayers during this time of remembrance and reflection.

🕊️ Homegoing Service
St. John’s Congregational Church
Monday, June 8 | Public Viewing at 9:00AM & Service at 11:00AM


ForeverRemembered 🕊️🖤

05/26/2026

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. 🕊️

05/26/2026

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. 🕊️

04/30/2026

🌟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