Urban League Of Springfield, Inc

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

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. 🕊️

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