Champaign City Council member Davion Williams, who was under fire last week for posting a swastika on his personal Facebook account, issued a public apology to the community this morning.
Williams faced criticism after he defended his use of the swastika Friday morning, according to WCIA.
Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen and fellow city council members publicly condemned his actions Friday afternoon in a press release.
Williams, who represents District 1 of Champaign, claimed that his initial intent was to discuss the swastika’s pre-20th-century origins.
“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 said in the letter.
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Williams outlined his intent to learn from Jewish historians and leaders in the future and seek input from community members on how he can better represent them.
“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,” Williams said. “I want to ensure that my future actions fully align with the values of the community I serve.”
