Springfield Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Annual Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall

Springfield came together on Friday morning for its heartfelt annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall, a tradition that continues to celebrate Dr. King’s enduring legacy of equality, justice, and service.

 

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Mayoral Aide Shroyria “Shay” Kraus joined Bishop Talbert Swan, president of the Greater Springfield NAACP, along with city and state leaders for the uplifting event. Emceed by Shay Kraus, the program featured:

 

• An invocation by NAACP Officer Leslie Smith
• A moving performance of the Black National Anthem by Springfield’s own “Songstress,” Vanessa Ford
• Greetings from Mayor Sarno, State Rep. Bud L. Williams, City Council President Tracye Whitfield, and MLK Family Services President Shannon Rudder
• A youth presentation by Micah Swan
• An inspiring MLK Address by Bishop Talbert Swan
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The ceremony also included the presentation of the MLK Award to Ayanna Crawford, a longtime NAACP member and newly elected Springfield School Committee member. Known across the community as a passionate advocate and educator—especially on the history and principles of Kwanzaa—Ayanna dedicated her honor to her mother, Carolyn Roberson, who instilled in her the value of community service. Mother Carolyn Roberson, the NAACP Treasurer, closed the program with a benediction.

 

Following the indoor program in Room 220, attendees gathered on the front steps of City Hall to proudly raise the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. flag.

 

Also in attendance were Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi, City Councilor Maria Perez, State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, Health & Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, Health and Racial Equity Coordinator Shenell Ford, Regional Director Jesse Lederman (U.S. Senator Ed Markey), and a representative from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office.

 

Mayor Sarno shared: “Shay Kraus and I were honored to join Representative Bud Williams, Bishop Talbert Swan, Superintendent Akers, Council President Whitfield, Shannon Rudder, and so many others as we celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy. Especially now, when some are trying to rewrite history, it’s vital that we keep his message alive. Springfield proudly comes together each year for this ceremony, and we’ll continue the celebration this Saturday at the MLK Scholarship Breakfast with Wesley United Methodist Church and on Monday at the MassMutual Center. Special thanks to Shay Kraus for her outstanding work emceeing and coordinating this meaningful event.”

 

The 413 continues to honor Dr. King’s dream—together.

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