The City Council approved a petition to name Propsect Street after Archbishop-elect Leonard Naylor.
Photo credit: Focus Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — Labeled a “remarkable leader” whose legacy and community service to Springfield spans 38 years, Bishop Leonard Naylor will be honored by the city with his own street in the coming days.
The City Council unanimously approved a petition to rename Prospect Street “Archbishop Leonard Way” as a way of recognizing the archbishop-elect’s decades of work across the city.
“Archbishop-elect Leonard Naylor has dedicated his life to impactful urban ministry, providing spiritual guidance, food bank distribution, afterschool programs for youth and transitional residential programs for men and women over several decades,” said Elder Willie Naylor. “His tireless efforts have not only uplifted individuals and families, but also transformed communities, inspiring a generation of leaders across the city.”
Aside from his ministry work at Holy Redeemer Cathedral, Leonard Naylor has been a “staunch advocate” for public health education, “instrumental” in reducing gang violence, Willie Naylor said, and “has positively enhanced the cultural and economic landscape in Western Mass.,” Willie Naylor said.
“Archbishop-elect Leonard Naylor leads with equity, inclusion, diversity, and has fostered economic development throughout our neighborhoods,” Willie Naylor said. “Renaming Prospect Street in his honor would serve as a lasting tribute to his unwavering commitment to community empowerment and social progress.”
The council was effusive in their praise for Leonard Naylor and the entire Holy Redeemer family. Ward 5 City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce said that Leonard Naylor is a “man of integrity” whose work is never done in vain.
“You have raised some great, not only of your own, but also some strong community members,” Click-Bruce said. “You turned some lives around and I’m indebted to you and your family.”
In his comments to the council, Leonard Naylor thanked God, his family and the City Council before stating that he plans to continue his work in Springfield.
“We do so much work here,” Leonard Naylor said. “And we’re going to continue to do the work and… try and make Springfield a better place.”
As of press time, no date was set for the street naming ceremony.
