Community activist Stephenson Aman, who passed earlier this year.

During an October 26 meeting of the Memorialization Committee, the group tasked with the naming of public buildings, spaces, and streets voted unanimously to honor Stephenson Aman by naming one of the new streets coming to the soon-to-be redeveloped Clarendon Hill.

Aman was an active member of Somerville’s community who served his neighbors as a coach of youth sports, President of the Mystic Apartments Tenant Association, and with an unsuccessful run for city council last year that highlighted the need for increased diversity and affordability. He passed away on May 22, 2022, prompting an outpouring of remorse in the community.

On May 26, the City Council unanimously passed a resolution for the Memorialization to consider naming a future parcel after him. Councilor Willie Burnley Jr., who serves on the Memorialization Committee, said that he believed Aman would be proud to have his legacy connected with affordable housing.

“I joined this committee in order to uplift the underrepresented stories of Somerville, particularly those of people of color and women who have contributed so much to this city without being able to see themselves represented,” Burnley said.

Burnley pointed to Leonard Grimes, a Black pastor, abolitionist, and conductor of the Underground Railroad who spent his last years in East Somerville, as an example. After proposing Grimes be honored, Burnley led the successful effort to name a park after the abolitionist which is set to open in the summer of 2023.

“Before his passing, I spoke with Stephenson about how much more we had to do for the Black and brown people of this community, and I think he would love for people to know how much he cared for those kids in our community,” Burnley said.

Stephenson Aman Street is likely not to be built for at least a few years. The massive redevelopment project has already lagged for years due to needed funding. However, after the City Council voted to allocate $14 million to add 80 additional affordable units to the 216-unit housing development in West Somerville, the project is set to begin phase one of construction this fall.