The city of Benton Harbor will dedicate and officially rename Broadway Park this weekend.
They’re renaming it June Woods Memorial Park to honor June Woods, who escaped slavery during the Civil War and became a small business owner in Benton Harbor. He was responsible for planting trees in Benton Harbor and throughout southwest Michigan.
Woods is now buried at Crystal Springs Cemetery with no tombstone, and Neighbors Organizing Against Racism is working with an anonymous donor to place a tombstone there.
On hand for the dedication this Sunday will be representatives of Neighbors Organizing Against Racism, Whirlpool Corporation, and the city.
The event is part of a community fun day taking place at the park with a basketball tournament, food and refreshments, face painting for the kids, and a dunk tank. It starts at 3 p.m. and everyone’s invited.
