Arise for Social Justice celebrates 25 years

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Saturday night a community activist group celebrated more than twenty-five years of service to the city of Springfield.

Arise for Social Justice celebrated their 25th anniversary and reunion celebration at the Panache Ballroom in Springfield.

Founded in 1985, technically, it's Arise's 27th anniversary, but members didn't have time to plan a party two years ago, so they made up for it Saturday.

Edward Cage, a member of Arise for Social Justice, told 22News, “My mom, since the beginning, when it first started grassroots, earliest part, was a part of Arise.”

Michealann Bewsee, Director for Arise, said, “After twenty-five years it was time to take a break and celebrate and look at where we've been for the last twenty five years.”

The group that began small has since grown to more than 700 members.