CAACI Community Event
On April 20, 2024, City staff from the Equity and Engagement Department and the Police Department attended a community event hosted by the Chinese American Association of Central Illinois (CAACI). This event allowed members of CAACI and community members to learn more about the organization and meet their newly elected board members. The event featured […]
Keller Williams DEI Workshop
On April 17, 2024, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department presented at Keller Williams Real Estate about the City’s Human Rights Ordinance and how it comes to play in fair housing. Community Relations Manager, Janel Gomez, begin with an overview of what the department does as whole before going more in depth into her […]
DREAAM | Effective Black Parents Family Dinner
On April 17, 2024, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department were invited to participate in the Effective Black Parents family dinner hosted by Driven to Reach Excellence & Academic Achievement for Males (DREAAM). Justice Victim Advocate, Eric Toga and Impact Outreach Worker, Kellen Brown were invited to DREAAM by Tracy Dace to give a […]
2024 Welcoming Interactive
April 10-12, 2024, April Faulkner, Community Relations Specialist with the Equity and Engagement Department, attend the 15th annual Welcoming Interactive in Dallas, Texas. This Interactive, hosted by Welcoming America, is dedicated to immigrant and refugee inclusion in every facet of American life. The conference brought together more than 800 participants from around the United States […]
Community Coalition April Meeting Wrap-up
On April 10th, 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition held their monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn. The meeting featured two youth panels discussing the current, as well as desired opportunities for programming. Tracy Parsons asked the participants a series of questions aimed at displaying the things they loved about their current programs. The highlight […]
Champaign County Community Coalition Focuses on Youth Perspectives
The Champaign County Community Coalition is focusing on local youth in this month’s meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The meeting starts at 3:30 p.m. and will be held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center (101 Trade Center Dr., Champaign). Youth representatives from Youth for Christ – Midnight Basketball, DREAAM, Urbana Park District, Don Moyer […]
The Chancellor’s Call to Action to Address Racism & Social Injustice
On April 5, 2024, Community Relations Manager, Janel Gomez, attended a symposium for the Chancellor’s Call to Action to Address Racism & Social Injustice. In 2020, Chancellor Robert J. Jones announced a $2 million annual commitment to support research that examines racism and social injustice. Over two dozen projects have been sponsored by this year’s […]
Prime Contractor Breakfast
On Friday, March 29, 2024 the City’s Equity and Engagement Department in partnership with the Finance Department, hosted a breakfast for prime contractors to learn more about the City’s procurement process and diversity efforts. City staff were also invited to participate and speak to vendors. More than 30 people were in attendance and our prime […]
2nd Annual “Rising Star” Program
On March 28, 2024, the Champaign County Community Coalition, Parkland College, Champaign Unit 4, and Urbana 116 schools came together to promote black student excellence. The 2nd annual “Rising Star” program recognized any 5th or 8th grade African American student that has shown academic promise and/or academic excellence. Using a variety of data sets (including […]
Dispute Resolution Institute Informational
On March 28, 2024, Mikal Washington with the Equity and Engagement Department and Joe Lamberson with the Champaign Police Department attended a listening session hosted by Dispute Resolution Institute. The event brought together community leaders and local service providers to discuss conflict resolution. Participants were able to share insight into how the community currently deals […]