On August 12 and 13, 2025, City Council members Will Kyles and Davion Williams, along with staff from the City’s Police and Equity and Engagement Departments, participated in clap-in events at Booker T. Washington Elementary and Centennial High School, welcoming students back and celebrating the start of a new school year.
The events served as a powerful showcase of community support, with several key partners in attendance, including Senator Paul Faraci; Dr. Sullers, Lead Evaluator for the Community Violence Reduction Blueprint; Michelle Gonzales, Executive Director of the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation; and representatives from CUPHD and First Followers. School principals and staff also took part, helping to lead the warm welcome and set a positive tone for the year ahead.