On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center from 3:30 to 5 PM.
Coalition attendees had the opportunity to celebrate local law enforcement agencies as they showcased key achievements from 2024. Highlights included the introduction of innovative initiatives, the deployment of advanced equipment, departmental promotions, advancements in education, and a range of specialized trainings.
The Coalition also took a moment to recognize and honor several distinguished members of partner agencies during the “Recognitions and Acknowledgements” segment of the meeting. Among those celebrated were Beverly Baker, Chief Impact Officer of the United Way, Minnie Pearson, President of the NAACP Champaign County, and Dorothy David, City Manager of the City of Champaign, along with several other notable individuals.
The 2024 Year-End Review offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on the Coalition’s involvement in a range of impactful initiatives and programs throughout the year. Key highlights included the Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference, Rising Stars, the Campus-Community Compact to Accelerate Social Justice Networking Events, the Sons in Heaven Gala hosted by A Cry for You, and enhanced Police-Community Engagement efforts.
Key initiatives the Coalition will prioritize in 2025 include fostering a trauma-informed community, hosting a Youth-Led and Focused Conference, continuing collaboration with Illinois Soul, supporting targeted police-community dialogue, promoting attendance and academic achievement, and strengthening efforts to support Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs).
During the information-sharing portion of the meeting, the Chamber of Commerce provided updates on the National Civic Bee in Champaign County. Additionally, CU Tri introduced their new initiative, “Healing Solutions for Healing Communities,” offering insights and updates on an upcoming conference they are planning for Spring 2025.