Evansville commissioners remember longtime community leader Leonard Collins, agree to social-media tribute

Evansville City Commission members opened their Aug. 28 meeting by announcing the death of Commissioner Leonard Collins and sharing personal remembrances of his long service to the city and the Goose Town neighborhood.

Commissioners said Collins was an early and longtime member of the commission and an active community organizer, often attending neighborhood cleanups and outreach events. Speakers described him as persistent in outreach work, a regular presence at the Black Barbershop initiative and the Million Father March, and “the mayor of Goose Town,” a phrase used to describe his local advocacy.

Why it matters: Commissioners said Collins’ local organizing and volunteer work helped sustain neighborhood efforts and that preserving memories and community artifacts can help guide future outreach. Several members called for the commission to compile photos and videos from residents and partners to share publicly.

In discussion, Commissioner Randall proposed bringing a formal motion to authorize a tribute on the commission’s social channels. Other commissioners responded that a vote was not necessary and gave informal assent; the commission agreed to post a memorial collection of photos and video provided by commissioners and community members. Commissioners asked staff to collect materials and publish the tribute on the commission’s existing social accounts.

Several commissioners recounted specific memories of Collins’ engagement, including late-night calls to remind colleagues about events and a strong focus on outreach in Goose Town. Commissioner Donovan Phipps said Collins frequently informed and involved community members in events and described him as “a pillar of the community.” Commissioner Diana Clayton noted Collins’ role in outreach initiatives and that he regularly wore shirts and T-shirts for community events.

The commission did not set a date for a public ceremony during the meeting. Members asked staff to coordinate the online tribute and to circulate any proposed posts to commissioners prior to publication.

Closing note: Commissioners closed the remembrance portion by inviting community submissions and indicated they would proceed with the social-media tribute without a formal roll-call vote.