Rep. Ben Swan honored in museum lecture

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - State Representative Benjamin Swan's career and accomplishments were highlighted during a black History month celebration on Thursday.

The 78 year old Civil rights activist and state legislator was part of the audience that heard historian Annailise Fonza at the D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts in Springfield.

Swan, a Springfield Democrat, told 22News that his proudest work is on issues relating to some of his younger constituents.

“My interest is in young people; they need to make educational opportunities for young people,” Swan said.

During February, Black History Month, schools and various organizations here in Western Massachusetts are saluting noted African-Americans past and present.