By Evan Ward
San Francisco is grieving the loss of Rev. Arnold Townsend, a revered figure in the city’s Black community and a passionate advocate for racial justice. Rev. Townsend passed away earlier this week, leaving behind a profound legacy of activism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to social equity.
A press conference was held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, at Providence Baptist Church to honor his memory and outline a five-point plan aimed at continuing his work. The event gathered notable speakers, including Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown of the San Francisco NAACP, Rev. Rodney Leggett of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, and Dr. Leroy E. Adams, Jr. of Providence Baptist Church.
For over 50 years, Rev. Townsend stood at the forefront of San Francisco’s struggle for justice. His activism began during his time in the Black Student Union at San Francisco State University, where he dedicated himself to the fight against systemic racism. Notably, he opposed the city’s Redevelopment Agency, whose policies led to the destruction of the Black Fillmore District, once known as the “Harlem of the West.”
Rev. Townsend’s legacy includes his roles as pastor of Without Walls Ministries, vice president of the San Francisco NAACP, and as a long-serving board member of the African American Art and Culture Complex. He also chaired the city’s Redistricting Task Force, helping to create equitable boundaries that ensured the Black community’s voice in local governance.
At Thursday’s press conference, speakers unveiled a priority plan to carry forward Townsend’s mission, emphasizing voter registration, fair media representation, preservation of Black cultural programs, and support for the San Francisco Unified School District’s Black students.
Rev. Townsend’s passing marks the end of an era, but his spirit will undoubtedly live on through those committed to advancing the causes he held dear.
