A renowned community organizer in western Massachusetts has died.
Michaelann Bewsee, a longtime anti-poverty activist who co-founded the Springfield-based organization Arise for Social Justice, has died. She was 71.
Bewsee advocated for the homeless, against wars, and for environmental policies to combat climate change. She led a campaign that brought ward representation to the Springfield City Council and School Committee.
City Councilor Jesse Lederman said her organizing led to transformational change.
"I think it would be impossible to list all of the changes that her organizing was a part of," said Lederman.
Bewsee helped found Arise in 1985 during a state budget battle over welfare benefits. She retired as director of the organization last year.
