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Bishop Talbert W. Swan II has long stood as a prominent figure in Springfield. It is with a heavy heart but steadfast conviction that I write about his recent decision to grant Mayor Domenic J. Sarno a place of recognition at an NAACP engagement.

I write not as an adversary to the bishop, but as a brother who believes that leadership within the Black community must always be rooted in integrity, accountability and the unwavering pursuit of justice.

Swan is presiding bishop of the Spring of Hope Church, a leader of the national Church Of God In Christ and president of the Springfield chapter of the NAACP

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