News  Springfield Cultural Appreciation Week 2023 event will feature posthumous tributes to US Marshal John Gibbons, Assistant Clerk Magistrate Abbie Davies, remarks by three local mayors, and more

Springfield, MA — This year's Springfield Cultural Appreciation Week (CAW) celebration will feature a posthumous tribute to US Marshal John Gibbons and Hampden Juvenile Assistant Clerk Magistrate Abbie Davies, who is believed to be the first woman and first  African-American woman to hold the position in Hampden County. The celebration will take place Friday, October 20th, beginning at 11 am, at the Roderick Ireland Courthouse, 50 State Street, Springfield.

Mr. Gibbons, a well-known and revered man in law enforcement circles in the Hampden County community, was the very first keynote speaker at the CAW celebration seven years ago.  He passed away in May. The tribute to Ms. Davies will include a presentation of a proclamation by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno who will honor her legacy with a street naming.  The street naming, which will take place at Buckingham Street, is scheduled for another date, according to the Springfield Mayor's Office. Ms. Davies died in June 2021 in Darien, Georgia where she moved after her retirement.

"We are looking forward to this event and the opportunity to honor two important community heroes, Mr. Gibbons and Ms. Davies, who gave so much to the city and region," said Chief Maldonado-Brown.

Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia and Westfield Mayor Michael A. McCabe are also scheduled to speak at the event about diversity and inclusion in their cities.

The day's celebration will also feature  agency vendors who provide services for adults and juveniles and those who are homeless. Free breakfast, provided by Palazzo Restaurant, will be served at 10 am. ROCA will also be on hand to provide free hot dogs and hamburgers on the court plaza. All of the events are free and open to the public.