4th Annual Beat the Streets
On June 29, 2024, Angel’s Youth Center hosted their fourth annual “Beat the Streets” event at Champaign’s Centennial Park. Executive Director Angelica Johnson said the event was created to educate kids about the dangers of gun violence, and to encourage consideration for their future. Angel’s Youth Center welcomed nearly 50 kids from throughout Central Illinois […]
The Beat Kicked Off In a Big Way!
May 31 was the official kick off for The Beat Downtown Champaign! The Beat is a new campaign to bring more music, entertainment, and culture to Downtown. The Beat aims to attract residents and visitors from diverse backgrounds, provide a safe and inclusive space to enjoy entertainment, to showcase Downtown’s unique shops and businesses, and […]
CPD Marks Police Week with Ceremonies
The Champaign Police Department marked National Police Week (May 12-18, 2024) with events and ceremonies. These events included the annual Police Memorial and a Historical Dedication held on May 14, Police Employee Awards held on May 15. The department used the week’s celebration to offer opportunities for the Champaign community to learn about CPD’s storied history, including a […]
The Beat
The City is thrilled to announce the launch of the downtown entertainment district’s official logo “The Beat.” Unveiled at a Council study session on May 7, 2024, the Beat encompasses all of the downtown entertainment district. Boasting a wide variety of entertainers and programs for the community to enjoy, The Beat will allow community members […]
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 […]
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 […]
Welcoming Plan ‘Thank You!’ Luncheon
On January 20, 2024 staff from the Equity and Engagement Department, in collaboration with the New American Welcome Center, hosted a ‘Thank You!” luncheon at the Illinois Terminal. This luncheon provided leaders, collaborators, and supporters of the Champaign County Welcoming Plan to come together and celebrate the milestones that have been reached thus far. With […]
Champaign Police and Fire Train Area First Responders
On January 30, personnel with the Champaign Police and Champaign Fire Departments hosted a half-day training session for all first responders in Champaign County. The training was held at First Christian Church in Champaign, and involved classroom instruction, a scenario, and a debrief, and was designed to take each responding unit approximately 60 minutes. The […]
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 […]