Washington, D.C., June 12, 2026 — The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Washington, D.C., joins the people of Massachusetts, the broader American civil rights community, and countless admirers worldwide in mourning the passing of Honorable Benjamin Swan, Sr., a respected civil rights leader, former Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, educator, community advocate, and steadfast friend of Liberia and the Liberian people.

Hon. Swan passed away on May 25, 2026, at age 92. Funeral services celebrating his remarkable life and legacy will be held on June 13, 2026, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

On behalf of the Government and People of Liberia, the Ambassador of Liberia to the United States, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, extends his deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Swan family and all whose lives were touched by this extraordinary public servant.

“Honorable Benjamin Swan, Sr. belonged to that rare generation of leaders whose lives exemplified courage, conviction, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice,” stated Ambassador Conteh. “He was not only a towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement but also a cherished friend of Liberia whose advocacy and solidarity uplifted countless Liberians during some of the most challenging times in our nation’s history.”

A native of Mississippi who later made Springfield, Massachusetts, his home, Rep. Swan dedicated more than six decades to advancing civil rights, social justice, educational opportunities, racial equality, and human dignity. He marched alongside Civil Rights Movement leaders, championed school desegregation, fought for police reform, advocated for the poor and marginalized, and served as President of the Springfield Branch of the NAACP before representing the 11th Hampden District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Throughout his distinguished career, he became widely known as a moral voice for justice and equality and was regarded by many as the conscience of his community.

For Liberians in the United States, however, Benjamin Swan held an even more special place. During Liberia’s years of conflict and recovery, he stood firmly with Liberian immigrants and refugees, tirelessly advocating for humanitarian protections and legal safeguards that allowed thousands of Liberians to remain in the U.S. safely and with dignity. He was a strong and consistent supporter of legislative and administrative efforts that led to protections like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and later Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for eligible Liberians.

His support for Liberia extended beyond immigration advocacy. Over the years, he maintained close ties with Liberian community organizations, faith leaders, educators, public officials, and diaspora groups. He visited Liberia, promoted educational and developmental initiatives, and used his voice and influence to foster understanding between Liberia and the United States.

“Many Liberians remember Representative Swan not just as an ally, but as family,” Ambassador Conteh observed. “His unwavering dedication to justice transcended borders, race, nationality, and politics. He believed deeply in the dignity of every human being and consistently supported those whose voices were often unheard.”

Ambassador Conteh added that Rep. Swan’s life exemplified the highest ideals of public service. His leadership showed that true statesmanship is measured not by titles, but by lives transformed. Whether as a civil rights activist, educator, legislator, mentor, or humanitarian, Benjamin Swan committed himself to building a more just and compassionate society.

On behalf of Foreign Minister, Her Excellency Madame Sara Beysow Nyanti, President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the Government and people of Liberia, and the Liberian Mission in Washington, D.C., recognizes with deep gratitude his enduring friendship toward Liberia and the Liberian diaspora. His legacy will live on in the many families whose lives he touched, in the communities he strengthened, and in the enduring values of justice, equality, and service he championed throughout his remarkable life.

As Liberia joins the Swan family and the American people in mourning this great loss, Ambassador Conteh offers prayers for God’s comfort and peace for all who grieve.

• “On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Liberia, and in my own name, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We celebrate a life magnificently lived in service to humanity, justice, and freedom. May the soul of Honorable Benjamin Swan, Sr. rest in perfect peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him,” the Ambassador said.