2024 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration
Each year, the Cities of Champaign and Urbana come together with Champaign County, the Village of Rantoul, Parkland College and the University of Illinois to host a countywide celebration honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During the ceremony, community members are honored with prestigious awards in recognition of their work to uphold […]
Chambana Proud Podcast
The City of Champaign was recognized as a Certified Welcoming place by Welcoming America. Terri & Carly from Chambana Proud kicked off the new year talking with Rachel Joy from the City of Champaign and Akua Forkuo-Sekyere from the New American Welcome Center who were the driving forces behind the designation. This podcast aired on […]
Award Recipients Announced for 2024 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration
The MLK Countywide Committee and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Advocacy for Justice Committee are pleased to announce the names of those being honored at the 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration on January 14, 2024. Three community members will be honored with a prestigious award in recognition of their work […]
Small Business Networking Event
On December 14, 2023 the Equity and Engagement Department in collaboration with the Campus Community Compact hosted a small business networking event at Neil Street Blues. This event was designed for those looking to level up their small business or connect with other local businesses. This event was the first in a series in which […]
Day of Forgiveness
On December 13, 2023 community members were invited to participate in the first ever ‘Day of Forgiveness’ in Champaign County. This Day of Forgiveness began the night before when families impacted by gun violence were able to have a meal with Dr. Tony Davis, a gun violence survivor himself, to discuss grief and the journey of forgiveness. The following […]
Champaign County Community Coalition: A Year in Review
On December 13, 2023 the Champaign County Community Coalition hosted their “Year in Review” meeting with a special guest Dr. Tony Davis. This end of year event was a celebration with music and holiday treats. Community members heard from the various local police departments on accomplishments achieved during 2023 including increased staff hiring, reduced gun […]
E&E Intern Wrap-Up
The Equity and Engagement Department was excited to host 4 interns this semester through the U of I’s School of Social Work, Community Learning Lab (CLL). The CLL creates and supports relationships between the community and the students at the University of Illinois in a partnership that is mutually beneficial in the areas of sustainability, […]
Grant Writing and Utilizing AI
On December 11, 2023 staff from the Equity and Engagement Department attended an all day workshop hosted by the U of I School of Social Work. Inspired by community partner feedback, the event focused on grant-writing and include a portion on utilizing AI for productivity and grant-writing. More than 50 people were in attendance for […]
Citizenship Fast Track Program
On December 9, 2023, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department assisted the New American Welcome Center (NAWC) in the final steps of their first Citizenship Fast-Track program. This intensive 10-day program was designed for community member seeking citizenship who were confident in their English skills. Through this program they learned about American history and […]
Martin Luther King Jr. Countywide Celebration
The Martin Luther King Jr. Countywide Celebration is set to be hosted January 14, 2024 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at 5:00 PM. This event honors the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., while acknowledging organizations and individuals upholding his ideals and principles to better serve our community. The […]