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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign city councilman who posted a swastika on social media last week has apologized.
The City of Champaign released a statement from Davion Williams Tuesday morning, in which he wrote a “sincere and heartfelt” apology. He said it was never his intention to cause harm, but he acknowledged the pain he caused and said he takes full responsibility for the impact of his words.
“As a public servant, my goal has always been to foster education, understanding, and unity within our diverse community,” Williams said in part. “My intent in sharing the historical origins of the swastika was to shed light on its pre-20th-century meanings, not to diminish or ignore its horrific use by the Nazi regime. However, I now fully recognize that regardless of historical context, this symbol is overwhelmingly linked to the atrocities of the Holocaust and the unimaginable suffering endured by millions.”
Williams added that in the future, he will prioritize community meetings and listening sessions so the people in his district can voice their concerns and will work with Jewish community leaders, historians and community members to better understand their concerns. After speaking with two pastors whose churches are in his district, Williams said they’ve agreed to host a community meeting at Sheriff Temple AOH on Feb. 13.
“My hope is that through my actions, I can begin to rebuild trust and reaffirm my commitment to the people of District One, City of Champaign and the nation. I want to ensure that my future actions fully align with the values of the community I serve,” Williams said. “Moving forward, my focus will be on addressing the real needs of my constituents—whether it be economic development, public safety, housing, or social justice. My commitment to you is that I will lead with empathy, humility, and a renewed dedication to unity.”