Hundreds Celebrate Dedication of Michael S. Van Leesten Bridge in Providence
GoLocalProv News Team
Hundreds Celebrate Dedication of Michael S. Van Leesten Bridge in Providence
The bridge was named in honor of the business and civil rights leader who died in August of 2019.
A GoLocal editorial recommended the bridge be named in his honor.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTJust days after his death, GoLocal wrote, “A man, who just out of college was in the South and in danger fighting for freedom and civil rights in his early 20s. A man, who at 80 years old, was still working to build an enduring organization that trains workers and uplifts spirits. Van Leesten, like the bridge, was smooth — cool, like a New Orleans sax player. He was the mix of those juxtaposing features. A man who not only could work and live with every community, but far more importantly could bring diverse people together.”
On Sunday, while a host of elected officials spoke about Van Leesten’s contributions, including Governor Dan McKee and Providence City Councilor Mary Kay Harris, it was the remarks by his children Alexis, Jordan and Michael John who touched and inspired the crowd with their remembrances of their father.
The event was in many parts the creation of his daughter Jill, who masterfully and quietly orchestrated the event behind the scenes.
