The City of Champaign will honor Reverend W.B. Keaton by dedicating a portion of Sixth Street, between Pilgrim Baptist Church and Eureka Street, as Honorary Rev. W.B. Keaton Way. The honorary street signs will be unveiled on Friday, April 26, 2013, at 11 a.m. during a ceremony at the northwest intersection of Sixth Street and Crispus Drive in Champaign.
Reverend Keaton is known for his efforts to promote social justice in the Champaign, Urbana and Campus communities. He was involved in several projects including the University of Illinois’ Learning Training Program as well as the implementation of the Unit 4 Consent Decree; both designed to increase opportunities for African American students. He was also an advocate for youth involved in the local court system, in addition to working to further employment opportunities in the community. Those who knew him best say that he was “an advocate for all mankind, with a special investment in elevating our African American community.”