PHOTOS & VIDEO: Resolution to Name Providence Pedestrian Bridge After Van Leesten Introduced

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Friday, February 07, 2020

Photos by Richard McCaffrey

Michael John Van Leesten and Roland Snead Photo: Richard McCaffrey

The Providence City Council took up the naming of the Providence Pedestrian Bridge after civil rights and business leader Michael Van Leesten on Thursday night.

Van Leesten, who was a star athlete, leader in the civil rights movement, and founder of the Opportunities Industrialization Center OIC of Rhode Island, passed away in August 2019.

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In an editorial following his passing, GoLocalProv first called for the bridge to be named for the "ultimate bridge-builder" -- Van Leesten.

The resolution was sent to committee for consideration. Mayor Jorge Elorza's spokesperson Emily Crowell told GoLocal that the Mayor supports the naming.