Champaign council member apologizes for posting swastika on Facebook

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - A Champaign city council member who came under fire for posting a swastika symbol on his personal Facebook account is now apologizing to the community he serves.

The since deleted post by Council member Davion Williams, which WAND News is not sharing, was a red swastika with ties to religions such as Hindu and Buddhism. However, the swastika symbol has become a symbol of hate and antisemitism since its use by Nazis in the early 1900's.

In his Facebook post, Williams described the symbol as "ancient," and used for, "thousands of years across multiple cultures."

In a statement released Tuesday, Williams said:

"To the Community of Champaign-Urbana, City of Champaign, Residents of District One, Council, City Manager, and City Staff

I come before you with a sincere and heartfelt apology. My recent Facebook post regarding the historical context of the swastika has caused pain, particularly within the Jewish community, as well as among others who rightfully associate the symbol with one of the darkest periods in human history. It was never my intention to cause harm, and I take full responsibility for the impact of my words.

As a public servant, my goal has always been to foster education, understanding, and unity within our diverse community. 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.

As your elected council member, my duty is to represent, support, and uplift all residents of District One. That means ensuring my words and actions reflect the values, concerns, and sensitivities of our community. I deeply regret my post and the pain it has caused. I am taking immediate steps to ensure that my leadership is rooted in greater sensitivity, inclusivity, and a deeper understanding of the histories and lived experiences of all people in our community.

Listening & Learning: I will engage with Jewish leaders, historians, and community members to better understand their concerns and ensure my actions as a council member are informed by their perspectives.
Community Engagement: I will prioritize community meetings and listening sessions where residents of District One can voice their concerns, guiding my leadership to reflect the needs of those I serve.

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. 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.

I have spoken with two religious leaders from District One, Pastor James Wright of Sheriff Temple AOH and Pastor Terrance Thomas of Bethel AME Church, who have graciously agreed to host and help facilitate a community meeting focused on addressing the needs of District One on February 13, 2025, at 6 PM at Sheriff Temple AOH 601 E. Vine St. Champaign IL. 61821."

Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen and the following Council Members: Alicia Beck, Jamar Brown, Michael Foellmer, Matthew Gladney, Will Kyles, Vanna Pianfetti, and Kathy Shannon had previously released an official statement regarding Councilman Williams' post. They said:

"This blatant display and disregard for the values we uphold as a City is unacceptable. His posts and comments were reckless and we strongly condemn them. We refuse to allow his statements to reflect our City organization or our community.

We acknowledge the great pain that so many groups have faced based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, and other protected classes. We understand the fear that rips through a community when a local elected official makes residents feel unsafe with their rhetoric. We are determined to strongly lead and do what we do best for our community by speaking up for our residents who feel they have no voice amid the loud hateful speech and acts that surround us. We cannot be silent today!

We stand and loudly affirm our commitment to denounce hate at every turn and speak truth and acknowledge the pain of our diverse community members who still suffer due to hate and discrimination. We proudly uphold our City’s strong Human Rights Ordinance which protects the most vulnerable among us. We stand firm and say loudly to all those who call this wonderfully diverse community home, that the City of Champaign values all of our residents. We are a welcoming community, and hate has no home here!"

In December, Williams apologized at a council meeting for comments some thought were antisemitic. His comments came during public discussion about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas over the war in Gaza. Williams was responding to a member of the public calling on council to make a proclamation supporting Palestine.